Home /
Location-guide /
French Alps /
Grenoble
Grenoble, at the foot of the French Alps, is one of the most beautifully situated cities on the continent.
With Moucherotte as its highest peak, hikers taking on the challenge of a spring climb won’t be disappointed with a stunning panorama of Grenoble below. The rivers Isere and Drac provided the boundaries to this valley city with a spectacular Alpine backdrop.
Gifted with the old-world charm in this mountain vista, Grenoble brings together the best of the Alps’ natural beauty with medieval roots.
Cobblestone streets pave the way to the public park in Grenoble, the Paul Mistral park. City life centers here with large French gardens for a serene escape. At the center of the park stands proudly a tower (the tower Perret) that has been watching over the city’s inhabitants since 1922. Circling Paul Mistral Park are the many side streets that welcome curio-shoppers and gourmets.
Religious architecture from the 12th century is as much in use by modern locals. Stopping by the Cathedral of Notre Dame (12–13th centuries) and the Church of St. Andre (13th–14th centuries) which contains the tomb of the military hero Pierre Bayard, a feeling of time-travel.
For those who aim to discover the core of this city’s history, are various museums that entrance its visitors. The Muséum d'histoire naturelle (Natural History Museum) takes travellers through the alpine wildlife that abounds. After an education in the natural wonders of the area, visitors are encouraged to drop by the Musée Dauphinois, a quaint museum of the lifestyle and people of Grenoble, known previously as the former province of Dauphine. Housed in the former convent of Ste-Marie-d'en-Haut, on the side of the Bastille hill, the serene gardens of the convent bring to life bygone eras.
For more ancient finds, visitors are invited to the Musée De L'Ancien Eveche, housed in the former bishop's palace at Place Notre Dame. Art objects that narrate the history of the region from prehistory are shared with curious visitors, particularly the Roman ruins from the 4th Century.
