Grenoble: History and Culture by the French Alps
Located at the foot of the French Alps, Grenoble is one of France's foremost skiing Meccas, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from across Europe - and the world.
Winter sports are understandably the city's key draws (after all, the 1968 Winter Olympics were held here) but there’s plenty of things to do in Grenoble aside from hitting the slopes.
Places to visit in Grenoble
While the abundant resorts offer ample opportunities for snowboarding and skiing near Grenoble, France. there are numerous historic and cultural attractions to enjoy in the city itself.
This makes Grenoble one of those rare cities where you can ski nearby in the morning, visit a museum in the afternoon and enjoy a superb restaurant come the evening.
When to visit Grenoble
If winter sports are your thing, then arrive between December and March. Using Grenoble as a base, you can combine city pleasures with day trips to some of France's finest ski resorts.
For a summer visit, arrive in early summer before it gets too hot - and when hotel rooms are a little cheaper (prices peak in July and August).
Ski resorts close to Grenoble
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From Grenoble you can reach at least 10 major resorts in under two hours.
The closest ski resort to Grenoble, Villard de Lans, is just 60 minutes (125km) away.
The popular Les 2 Alpes takes 1 hour 35 minutes; and Serre Chevalier, La Toussuire and Valmoral take around two hours.
You may wish to book a hotel for the more distant resorts, unless you enjoy travelling by road.
Ski passes
Six-day adult ski passes vary in price from 203 euros (Villard de Lans) to 360 euros (Les 3 Vallées).
Day passes can also be bought for around 38 euros, although this varies with the resort.
Car rental
If you plan on visiting the nearby ski resorts, or, in summer, simply taking day trips from Grenoble, and driving between the many pretty mountain villages, then hiring a car or SUV is a good idea.
How much is car rental in Grenoble?
In low season you might pay as little as £20 per day, although fees rise considerably in mid-summer.
Getting around Grenoble: Transport in the city
The crowing jewel of Grenoble's public transport system are five eco-friendly tram lines, which run from 4.30am to about 1am.
The bus system is also good, running until around 9pm.
Tram ticket prices
One-hour tram tickets can be purchased from machines at stops for 1.70 euro, or for 2 euro if you buy onboard the tram
An all-day "Visittag" costs 5.50 euros.
Ticket inspectors
Be sure to time-stamp your ticket when you board any bus or tram, or you may encounter the ire of the plain-clothed ticket inspectors.
Bicycles
Grenoble is extremely bike-friendly, with special tracks all over the city.
You can rent your two-wheeled transport for a mere 5 euro per day.
Things to do in Grenoble
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Musée de Grenoble
Jam-packed with European art, you could easily spend an entire day at the Musée de Grenoble.
You'll find Egyptian and Greek items, as well as medieval paintings and works from some of the 20th century's greatest artists, including Magritte, Miró and Modigliani - among many others.
Fort de la Bastille
To reach this pugnacious-looking structure, you can choose to climb for an hour, or take the rather fun téléphérique.
Either way, you'll be rewarded with splendid views of the nearby mountains. On a clear day you can see the mighty Mont Blanc.
Musée des Troupes de Montagne
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The subject may be somewhat particular, but this exploration of the nation's crack Alpine regiments is nothing if not absorbing.
The well-produced audio guide takes you from the first regiments of 1888, through the dark days of World War Two and thence to today's elite mountain soldiers.
Musée Archéologique
Explore this remarkable 12th century church and cloister with the help of a superb audio guide and a number of well thought out interactive exhibits.
The beauty of this museum is that you can explore it at your own pace, giving you a chance to absorb the hauntingly-lit focal points, made more evocative with the sound of a choral choir in the background.
Musée Dauphinois
This museum focuses on local history, so visiting towards the end of your trip - when the area may have inspired your interest - is a good idea.
The museum features 3D family trees and innovative modern art that expresses various highland traditions.
Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de l'Isère
Many in Grenoble resisted the Italian, then German armies during World War Two, a fact made clear by this fascinating and thoughtfully-laid-out exhibition.
The museum covers key events during the Resistance and the deportation of the Jews to Nazi camp.
Dining out: Food and drink options in Grenoble
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If you love your food, pick up a copy of the Guide du Dahu, which details the city's finest restaurants and bars.
Low cost food options in Grenoble
For a low-cost but very tasty option, try L'Hambourgeois, which offers all manner of delicious burgers and hand-cut fries (and little else).
Luxury food options in Grenoble
For something considerably more costly, head to the Auberge Napoleon restaurant, reputed to have served the great man himself.
The fois gras and fish dishes come highly recommended.
Where to stay in Grenoble
Le Grand Hotel Grenoble
For a high-end stay, it doesn't get much better than the 19th century Le Grand Hotel Grenoble, located next to the Hubert Dubedout-Maison du Tourisme tram stop.
Expect WiFi, minibars and flatscreen TVs. Some rooms have balconies.
Hôtel d'Angleterre Grenoble Hyper-Centre
Established in 1898, this hotel has a Haussmann appearance and a simple feel - while offering all the comforts you would expect from a good hotel: WiFi, flatscreen TVs and even whirlpool baths in the pricier rooms.
ResidHotel Grenette
Located at the foot of the Bastille, the ResidHotel Grenette has 65 studios and apartments, each with a view on the Vercors or of the Chartreuse mountains.
For those looking for a fully self-catered stay, the apartments provide the perfect solution, offering a fully equipped kitchen with electric cooking plates, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
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