Snow-dusted mountains surround Grenoble, the capital city of the Alps. Every winter skiers and snowboarders descend on this small city, eager to explore the world-class ski resorts nearby. Summer attracts hikers and mountain bikers, looking to pair a trip to the city with an alpine adventure.
However, there’s more to Grenoble than its mountainous surroundings. Street art murals and buzzy student bars sit alongside boutique shops and artisanal bakeries. Plus, there’s a wealth of historical sights and avant-garde art galleries to peruse.
Grenoble also has a strong environmental feel. Cycling is popular; eco-districts built around renewable energy are flourishing; and the city is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2040. It’s easy to see why it was named European Green Capital 2022.
Here is our pocket guide to the city of Grenoble.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Gregory_DUBUS. Image Location: Grenoble, France
Where is Grenoble in France?
Grenoble sits perched right on the edge of the French Alps, just a 1h 20m train ride south-east from Lyon. From here, the flat agricultural fields fade away, replaced by 4,000m high mountains that tower above the city’s rooftops.
What are the best things to do and see in Grenoble, France?
Start with the Fort de La Bastille, which is perched on the mountainside above the city itself. Learn about the fortress’ 170-year-old history through interactive exhibits; kids will love the maze, underground tunnel, and two giant zip wires. The castle is accessible via the Grenoble-Bastille gondola, famous for being the first urban cable car in the world.
Back in Grenoble itself, you’ll find a cute array of old-fashioned shops. Pop into Gant Lesdiguières, a family-run boutique that hand makes incredibly beautiful gloves, and Le Comptoir de Mathilde for artisan chocolates (you can’t miss the vintage shop front with its painted cable car). Just a short walk from here is the Musée de Grenoble, home to a venerated collection of 800 artworks, including 16th-century portraits by Peter Paul Rubens to Andy Warhol’s pop art canvases.
You can’t visit Grenoble without venturing into the Alps. In the winter, catch the bus up to Chamrousse where you can ski or snowboard down the perfectly groomed pistes; or, head to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte and hike up to the summit of Le Moucherotte, which boasts a bird’s eye view over Grenoble. On a clear day, you might even spot Mont Blanc.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Pierre Longnus. Image Location: Grenoble, France
Which restaurants in Grenoble are worth visiting?
Rich hearty alpine dishes are a staple in Grenoble. Restaurant Le Gratin Dauphinois is the place to go to sample the city’s famous dish — potato slivers doused with cream and cheese, then baked in the oven.
For a coffee break, try Zeit Pâtisserie de Saison, a contemporary take on a traditional French pastry shop. Order their pistachio and orange blossom or a Bali-inspired grapefruit tart.
If you really want to push the boat out, book Le Fantin Latour for dinner. This Michelin-starred restaurant is set in a leafy, lamp-lit garden. Choose from three, four or eight courses and chef Stéphane Froidevaux will present you with one of his ever-changing creative dishes from the blind menu. It’s also worth trying the brasserie, which offers an excellent value lunch menu.
What is the nightlife in Grenoble like?
Grenoble isn’t Paris, and may not have as many secret bars to explore. However, it does have a decent nightlife scene, courtesy of the lively university students.
Start in Brasserie Neptune, a cozy bar with a wide range of beers and ales brewed onsite. If you’d rather sip cocktails, head over to the Blind Pig, a vintage prohibition-style bar that makes a mean cocktail — we’ve got our eye on the Peruvian pisco sour.
For live music, head to La Belle Electrique, an uber-modern concert hall, hosting everything from jazz evenings to pop gigs. Alternatively, L’Amperage has a more down-to-earth feel with a mix of local and touring live bands, whilst Le Drak Art is legendary for its all-night raves.
Image Credit: Getty Images, L. Toshio Kishiyama. Image Location: Grenoble, France
Which hotel in Grenoble should I book?
For a central, upmarket stay, book the Park Hôtel Grenoble-MGallery. 43 rooms make up this glamorous boutique hotel which overlooks Paul Mistral Park. Start your day with a workout in the onsite fitness center, followed by a buffet breakfast piled high with eggs, croissants, and hot coffee.
Or, if you’re looking for a hip, younger vibe, try RockyPop. This buzzy hotel has apartments and penthouses that can sleep up to six people, with full kitchens as well. Grab a gourmet pizza at the restaurant or make the most of the onsite games, including ping-pong, pétanque, and a retro arcade.
How do I get to Grenoble from Paris by train?
Grenoble is well-connected to the whole of France by train — including Paris. Around 26 trains leave Paris for Grenoble each day — many of which are direct. It takes around 3h 47m on average to make the 299 mile journey from Gare de Lyon to Grenoble train station. The quickest trains will arrive in 2h 59m, which is pretty darn fast!
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your escape to Grenoble today using the Trainline app.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, RudyBalasko. Image Location: Grenoble, France
