ISÈRE & GRENOBLE
Isère is the majestic heart of the French Alps, a land of towering, snow-capped peaks, deep glacial valleys, and the vibrant, intellectual energy of its capital, Grenoble.
This region masterfully blends world-class winter sports and pristine nature with a rich historical legacy, from the medieval city core to cutting-edge scientific innovation.
Most Popular Attractions
Grenoble City Core & History:
Bastille Fortress: A spectacular hilltop fortress accessible by cable car, offering unmatched panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car (Les Bulles): The iconic ‘bubbles’ that cross the Isère river, taking visitors from the city center up to the Bastille.
Musée de Grenoble: One of France’s most important art museums, known for its extensive collection of ancient, modern, and contemporary art.
Place Saint-André: The historic heart of the city, home to the former Palace of the Dauphins (now the Courthouse) and the historic Café de la Table Ronde.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Grenoble: A blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, situated in the city’s historic center.
Cryptoportique: Remains of an ancient Roman passageway, illustrating Grenoble’s deep history.
Musée Dauphinois: Housed in the stunning Sainte-Marie-d’en-Haut convent, dedicated to the history and ethnography of the Dauphiné region.
Jardin de Ville: A charming, small public park in the city center, perfect for a break.
Halle Sainte-Claire: A beautiful 19th-century market hall, ideal for sampling local produce.
Ancien Évêché Museum: Located in the former bishop’s palace, showcasing archaeological remains beneath the building.
Grenoble Science & Modern Sites:
Minatec Campus: A world-renowned hub for micro and nanotechnology research and innovation.
Science Centre & Museum: Interactive exhibitions dedicated to science and technology, reflecting the city’s academic focus.
Stade des Alpes: A modern, multi-purpose stadium, primarily used for football and rugby.
The M.U.R. Grenoble (Street Art): A dedicated wall that rotates large-scale street art pieces, showcasing the city’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Parc Paul Mistral: Grenoble’s largest urban park, featuring the Tour Perret, an historic concrete tower.
Maison Bergès (Le Musée de la Houille Blanche): Located near Grenoble, this museum is dedicated to the history of hydropower (white coal), a key part of Isère’s industrial past.
Alpine Ski Resorts & Mountain Sites:
Alpe d’Huez: A vast, high-altitude ski resort known for its sun exposure and the ’21 bends’ cycling ascent used in the Tour de France.
Les Deux Alpes: A popular glacier ski resort offering year-round skiing opportunities.
Vercors Massif Regional Natural Park: A stunning limestone plateau, famous for its deep gorges, caves, and its critical role in the French Resistance during WWII.
Chamrousse: A ski resort that hosted events during the 1968 Winter Olympics, offering spectacular views over Grenoble.
Chartreuse Massif Regional Natural Park: A protected area of mid-altitude mountains, home to the famous monastery and distillery of the Chartreuse liqueur.
L’Oisans Region: Known for its high peaks, including La Meije, and the starting point for challenging mountain hikes.
Col du Galibier: A legendary mountain pass and one of the highest roads in the French Alps, famous for its regular inclusion in the Tour de France.
Lakes & Water Sites:
Lake Paladru: Known as the ‘Blue Lake’ for its stunning turquoise waters, popular for swimming and watersports.
Lake Monteynard-Avignonet: Famous for its spectacular Himalayan-style footbridges (passerelles), offering a unique hiking experience over the lake.
Gorges du Nan: A picturesque and narrow gorge near the town of Cognin-les-Gorges.
Historic Towns & Culture:
Vienne: Located on the Rhône river, an ancient city with significant Roman heritage, including a well-preserved Roman Theatre and the Temple of Augustus and Livia.
Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye: A stunning medieval village and abbey complex, considered one of France’s most beautiful villages.
Vizille Domain & Museum: A vast park and chateau, housing the Museum of the French Revolution and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
La Grande Chartreuse Monastery: The mother house of the Carthusian order, nestled deep in the mountains (only the museum is open to the public).
Bourgoin-Jallieu: A town with a strong textile and industrial heritage.
Activities & Experiences
Ride the Cable Car to the Bastille (Les Bulles): Take the famous spherical cable cars (“Les Bulles”) from the city center up to the historic Fort de la Bastille. Enjoy panoramic views of Grenoble, the three surrounding mountain ranges (Vercors, Chartreuse, and Belledonne), and the Isère River.
Hike the Vercors or Chartreuse Regional Nature Parks: Escape the city to explore the stunning, protected landscapes of these nearby massifs. Trails range from easy forest walks to challenging alpine treks, offering spectacular views and unique flora and fauna.
Go Skiing or Snowboarding: Spend a day on the slopes at one of Isère’s world-class resorts, such as Alpe d’Huez or Les Deux Alpes, both easily accessible from Grenoble. The region is a winter sports paradise.
Walk the Himalayan Footbridges at Lac de Monteynard: Experience a thrilling day trip by hiking to and crossing two spectacular suspension bridges that span the lake’s canyons, offering incredible views over the water and surrounding peaks.
Tour the Musée de Grenoble: Explore one of France’s most important fine arts museums, renowned for its extensive collection of contemporary art, as well as works spanning from the 13th to the 21st century.
Visit the Musée de la Révolution Française: Located in the beautiful Château de Vizille, just outside Grenoble, this museum is dedicated to the history and political legacy of the French Revolution.
Taste Chartreuse Liqueur at the Monastery: Drive or cycle to the Carthusian Monastery of the Grande Chartreuse to learn about the history of the legendary herbal liqueur, whose secret recipe is known only to two monks. Tastings and tours of the distillery museum are available.
Discover Grenoble’s Vibrant Street Art: Take a self-guided or organized tour through neighborhoods like Saint-Laurent and Île Verte, where you can see murals and works created during the annual Grenoble Street Art Fest.
Cycle a Legendary Tour de France Route: For cycling enthusiasts, tackle one of the famous climbs in the region, such as the Col du Galibier (a high mountain pass) or the 21 hairpin bends of the Alpe d’Huez ascent.
Explore the Markets and Dauphinois Cuisine: Wander through a local market, such as Les Halles Sainte-Claire in Grenoble, to sample local cheeses, walnuts, and traditional specialties like Gratin Dauphinois.
Try Via Ferrata or Rock Climbing: The limestone cliffs surrounding Grenoble offer fantastic spots for climbing and Via Ferrata, a protected climbing route using fixed ladders, cables, and bridges. Local guides offer equipment rental and introductory courses.
Kayak or Paddleboard on the Isère River: Rent equipment in the summer and paddle on the river as it flows through the city, offering a unique perspective of the bridges and historical buildings.
Local Tips & Transport
Grenoble: A Tram-First City: Grenoble has one of the best and most extensive tram networks in France, making movement within the city center easy and efficient. The tram is the preferred way to get around the main sites and is supplemented by an excellent bus service (TAG).
The Cycling Capital: Grenoble is extremely bike-friendly. It boasts a vast network of bike lanes and a popular public bike-sharing service called Métrovélo. This is an excellent and common way to explore the city at your own pace.
Car Essential for the Massifs: While city transport is superb, to fully explore the Vercors, Chartreuse, and high mountain resorts, a rental car is highly recommended. This is the only way to independently access many trailheads, villages, and natural parks. Note: In winter, ensure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires or chains for mountain roads.
Airport Access: While Grenoble has a smaller airport (GNB), the nearest major international hub is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS). Direct Navette Bus services run regularly between LYS and the Grenoble bus/train station.
High-Speed Rail: The Gare de Grenoble is a major transport hub connected to Paris and other French cities by TGV (high-speed train), offering a comfortable and quick way to arrive. Regional TER trains connect Grenoble with smaller towns throughout the Isère department.
Embrace the Student Vibe: Grenoble is a major university city, giving it a young, dynamic, and intellectual atmosphere. This means a vibrant nightlife, great value food options, and a strong focus on innovation and research.
Mountain Time: Unlike southern Spain, meal times are more aligned with Northern European habits. Lunch is typically between 12 PM and 2 PM, and dinner often starts around 7:30 PM, though you’ll find restaurants open later, especially in the student areas.
The Power of the Walnut: Look for the Noix de Grenoble (Grenoble Walnut), which has an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation. You’ll find it used in everything from salads to artisan walnut oil, cakes, and even local beers.
Dauphinois Delights: Don’t leave without trying the quintessential local dish: Gratin Dauphinois (sliced potatoes baked in milk or cream). Also, sample local cheeses like the Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage and regional wines from the Isère vineyards.
Be Weather Aware: Given its mountainous setting, the weather can change quickly. Even in summer, pack layers, and if you are hiking, always check the local forecast and trail conditions before heading out, especially for altitude safety.
Hidden Gems:
Musée Dauphinois: Housed in a former convent on the slopes of the Bastille, this museum offers fascinating insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the Dauphiné region.
The Forts of the Bastille: Most visitors only see the main fort, but you can explore the network of trails and defensive works around it for quieter, more varied views and hiking.
The Quarter of Saint-Laurent: Located on the north bank of the Isère River, this historic quarter, with its colorful buildings and Italianate influence, is a charming area full of smaller, traditional restaurants (bouchons).
La Casamaures: A spectacular, privately-owned villa in nearby Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux, famous for its unique Moorish-revival architecture and intricate plasterwork, often visible from the street.
Language: While English is spoken in most major hotels and tourist attractions, French is the standard language. Locals, especially outside of central Grenoble, will greatly appreciate any effort to speak basic French phrases like Bonjour (hello), Merci (thank you), and Pardon (excuse me).
Top Restaurants
La Ferme à Dédé [€20-€35] – A hugely popular, traditional restaurant in Grenoble specializing in hearty regional cuisine from the Dauphiné and Savoie, like gratin dauphinois and tartiflette.
Brasserie Chavant [€25-€40] – A classic Grenoble brasserie with an elegant atmosphere, serving traditional French cuisine with a focus on quality and seasonal ingredients.
Le Dauphinoix [€20-€35] – A charming, tavern-style restaurant in Grenoble dedicated to the authentic flavors of the Dauphiné region in a cozy setting.
Crêpes De La Bastille [€15-€25] – Located near the Bastille cable car in Grenoble, this crêperie offers excellent sweet and savory crêpes (galettes), a perfect local and casual meal.
Café de la Table Ronde [€15-€30] – The second oldest café in France (founded in 1739) located in Grenoble, offering a historic setting for drinks, snacks, and traditional French bistro fare.
Chez Le Pèr’ Gras [€30-€50] – An institution located on the heights of La Tronche (near Grenoble) with spectacular panoramic views, serving generous, traditional regional dishes.
L’Epicerie Comptoir [€20-€35] – A popular spot in Grenoble offering a simple, fresh, and local menu in a relaxed, bistro-style atmosphere.
Restaurant 1789 [€25-€40] – Located in Val d’Isère (in the Isère/Savoie Alps, but often grouped with the region), this restaurant provides a classic Alpine ambiance with an open fireplace and grilled meats.
Le Seize [€20-€35] – A historic café in Grenoble known for its quality French cuisine and well-regarded daily specials and 3-course lunch menus.
Auberge du Clariant [€25-€45] – A rustic inn located in the Vercors mountains (accessible after a short walk), offering a true escape and excellent traditional mountain cuisine.
Auberge du Charmant Som [€25-€40] – A mountain auberge located near Col de Porte (Chartreuse) with stunning views, famous in the summer for its traditional, hearty food and scenic location.
L’Ardoise [€20-€35] – A popular, centrally located Grenoble spot offering a wide selection of traditional French cuisine with a focus on generous portions and classic flavors.
Et Si [€30-€50] – An inventive restaurant in Grenoble known for its interesting, high-quality, and creative food, often featuring slow-cooked dishes and seasonal produce.
Jeanette [€30-€50] – A modern bistro in Grenoble focused on short supply chains and local, organic produce, offering inventive, season-respecting dishes with a warm, contemporary decor.
La Girole [€30-€50] – A modern and refined restaurant near the center of Grenoble, serving traditional and gastronomic cuisine with fresh, seasonal, and quality products.
L’Amélyss [€30-€50] – A highly-rated Grenoble restaurant offering a stellar selection of contemporary French cuisine, perfect for a modern, intimate dining experience.
Zakhang [€25-€45] – A Grenoble restaurant where French cuisine is fused with subtle Asian influences, resulting in an intimate and cozy setting with creative dishes.
L’Instant M [€25-€40] – A contemporary Grenoble restaurant with a focus on modern cuisine, known for its stylish presentation and inventive approach to French dishes.
Une Semaine sur Deux [€25-€40] – A charming and intimate dining spot in the Championnet neighborhood of Grenoble, featuring a cozy atmosphere and a menu of contemporary French dishes.
Asterales [€40-€70] – Located in Corrençon-en-Vercors, this restaurant has a modern cuisine style with a strong focus on high-quality ingredients and contemporary plating.
Les Trente Pas [€30-€50] – A modern cuisine restaurant in Villard-de-Lans (Vercors) offering a creative approach to traditional mountain flavors.
La Maison Haute [€30-€50] – A modern cuisine spot in Crolles (Grésivaudan Valley) that uses modern techniques to elevate its seasonal French dishes.
Le Fantin Latour – Stéphane Froidevaux [€70-€120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in a beautiful Grenoble mansion, where Chef Froidevaux (trained by Marc Veyrat) elevates local Southern Alps ingredients with creative, sincere cuisine.
La Tour des Sens [€80-€130] – A gastronomic restaurant in Tencin (Grésivaudan Valley, between Grenoble and Chambéry) that offers a refined, high-quality dining experience.
Palégrié Chez l’Henri [€60-€100] – Located in Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors, this Michelin-selected restaurant offers creative cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal produce.
La Table de l’Ours [€120-€200] – A Michelin-starred, chic and elegant restaurant within the Hotel Les Barmes de l’Ours (Val d’Isère), known for its modern cuisine and superb quality.
Le Cinq – Auberge Les Seiglières [€60-€90] – Located in Crolles, this restaurant offers a refined, gastronomic experience showcasing the best of local produce.
L’Inattendu [€50-€80] – A high-quality dining experience in Grenoble known for its excellent modern French gastronomy and refined service.
Locafé [€20-€35] – A unique, 100% vegan and gourmet bistronomic restaurant in Grenoble’s Saint-Bruno district, focused on organic, local, and plant-based cuisine.
Le Café des Arts [€15-€25] – A charming and popular artsy café/bistro in Grenoble offering simple, authentic French food and a vibrant, unpretentious atmosphere.
Le Bouillon – Gastronomie Solidaire [€15-€25] – A Grenoble restaurant with a unique concept of “solidarity gastronomy,” offering traditional-inspired dishes at affordable prices while supporting social causes.
Crêperie du Vieux Pont [€15-€25] – A popular crêperie in the old town of Grenoble, known for its wide variety of traditional and creative crêpes and galettes.
L’Épicurien [€30-€50] – A well-regarded Grenoble restaurant that balances modern French cooking with traditional techniques in a welcoming environment.
Le Bar Radis [€20-€35] – An unusual and highly-rated restaurant in Grenoble with a terrace, serving homemade dishes with organic vegetables, some of which come from their own garden.
Restaurant du Téléphérique [€25-€40] – Located at the top of the Grenoble Bastille cable car, this restaurant offers good food with an unbeatable panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
La Mésange Toquée [€35-€60] – Located in Saint-Martin-d’Uriage, this restaurant offers delicious, original, and inventive traditional cuisine outside of the city center.
Les Tilleuls [€25-€40] – A restaurant in Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors offering traditional French mountain cuisine in a typical setting.
Taverne du Bélier Rouge [€25-€40] – Located in the charming medieval village of Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, this restaurant serves hearty beef and pork dishes in a historic setting.
L’Orée du Bois [€20-€35] – A traditional cuisine restaurant located in Bossieu, offering quality local food in a rural setting.
Maltacina [€40-€70] – Located in Saint-Théoffrey, this modern cuisine restaurant offers a refined dining experience near the Great Lakes of Laffrey.
La Table du Mont Quichat [€25-€40] – A traditional restaurant in Quaix-en-Chartreuse offering a menu centered around local and mountain produce in a scenic setting.
Café de la Place [€15-€25] – A simple, charming café and restaurant in Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse, offering traditional French fare popular with locals and hikers.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Blind Pig (Grenoble): A must-visit cocktail bar in the Championnet area of Grenoble, inspired by 1920s speakeasies with a vintage décor. It offers a menu of classic cocktails like the Mai Tai, the Mule, and original house creations.
La Mercerie (Grenoble): Grenoble’s first speakeasy, located behind a seemingly unassuming window of vintage sewing machines near the Quais Saint Laurent. It requires a booking and a code for entry, transporting you to the Prohibition era.
Experimental Cocktail Club (Val d’Isère): Located within the luxurious Experimental Chalet in Val d’Isère, this bar is known for its celebrated list of ECC classics and new, inventive cocktails, making it a sophisticated après-ski or evening destination.
Victor’s (Val d’Isère): A stylish bar and lounge in Val d’Isère, offering a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere for a quieter evening. It is renowned for its craft cocktails, curated by mixologists, and sometimes features live jazz performances.
Le Bar Rouge (Val d’Isère): Found in the luxurious 5-star Airelles Val d’Isère hotel, this seductive piano-bar ambiance is perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail. They offer custom-made cocktails and a selection of Mocktails by a crackling fire.
Café Zimmerman (Grenoble): Situated on the crossroads of the pedestrianised Rue de Lionne and the Quai Claude Brosse, overlooking the River Isère, this central spot offers cocktails and an unobstructed view of the quays.
Le Boho (Grenoble): Nestled in the Halles Sainte Claire area, this venue is a bistro by day and transforms into a cosy bar by night, offering French-style tapas and a fine selection of wines alongside classic drinks.
Barberousse Grenoble (Grenoble): A cozy, wood-paneled bar in the city center with a boat-like interior. While specializing in rum (offering around 60 types), it also serves a variety of cocktails and shooters in a genial, relaxed atmosphere.
Bar Au Rencard (Grenoble): Located on Place des Halles Ste Claire, this bar is known for its festive, red-light ambiance, specializing in cocktails, wine, beers, and tapas, often featuring live music on its terrace.
Le Champollion Bar (Grenoble): Situated near the river on Boulevard Gambetta, this bar offers a variety of well-priced drinks, including cocktails, and is popular for its outdoor seating, making it a good spot for summer.
Le Zinc (Grenoble): A wine bar in the city center specializing in natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, offering a large selection of bottles, perfect for wine lovers but also a sophisticated spot for a drink.
The M Bar (Val d’Isère): A popular sophisticated après-ski and late-night spot, close to the main lifts in Val d’Isère. It features a roaring open fireplace and soft leather sofas, serving fine wines, champagne, and specialist cocktails.
L’Apéricerie (Grenoble): The “home of apéro” in Grenoble, located on Cours Jean Jaures. It’s a great spot for a French-style aperitif with sharing platters of local produce and a good selection of wines and other drinks.
Bijou Bijou (Grenoble): Mentioned as a top cocktail bar in Isère, this spot likely offers creative cocktails and an appealing setting, contributing to Grenoble’s evolving mixology scene.
La Quintessence (Grenoble): Listed among the best cocktail addresses in the region, this bar in Grenoble would be a promising option for those seeking quality, inventive mixed drinks.
Doudoune Club (Val d’Isère): A trendy and popular nightclub located under the piste at Rond Point, known for its cutting-edge atmosphere, hosting international superstar DJs, and attracting a more affluent crowd. It offers a free night bus service.
Dick’s Tea Bar (Val d’Isère): A central and famous institution in Val d’Isère, serving as a late-night bar and club. Open until 5 am, it offers cocktails, live bands, and DJs, with a large dance floor and a VIP area overlooking the party.
La Folie Douce (Val d’Isère): Located at the top of the Daille cable car, this is one of the world’s most celebrated après-ski destinations, famous for its high-energy, wild parties on the slopes with DJs and live performers that turn into a club-like experience.
Papa Club (Grenoble): A historic and spacious club in the city center (formerly known as the Vieux Manoir). Since its reopening, it has continued to be a major player in Grenoble’s clubbing scene, offering a lively, main-stream experience.
Drak-Art (Grenoble): A popular club in Grenoble known for its alternative culture and underground vibe. The venue is characterized by street art-adorned walls and a musical program that often leans towards rock, metal, electro, and punk.
Le George V (Grenoble): A well-known club in Grenoble, particularly popular with students. It has a two-floor setup, with a bar/social area on the first floor and a dance floor upstairs, playing a mix of French rock and international hits.
Loco Mosquito (Grenoble): A great place to party with a focus on Latin music in Grenoble. It features a large dance floor and a lively atmosphere, popular for those who enjoy dancing to Latin rhythms.
Club Number One (Grenoble): A multi-room venue offering something for every taste, with three different areas: the Purple Room for new dancefloor music, the Studio 80 for funk/disco/80’s music, and a Lounge Area for a more relaxed experience.
Le Phoenix (Grenoble): Located close to the city center, this club offers a large dance floor and is known for its free entrance for girls most nights, making it a popular and accessible nightlife spot.
La Belle Electrique (Grenoble): A modern concert hall housed in a renovated old power station, this venue is a hub for diverse music genres, including electronic, jazz, and pop, and is a must-visit for music enthusiasts seeking top-notch sound and an international lineup.
The London Pub (Grenoble): While a pub, its two-floor setup with a dancefloor on the second level makes it function like a club, especially popular with students, playing French rock and international hits until late.
Le Petit Danois (Val d’Isère): This Scandinavian-themed pub in Val d’Isère is famous for its lively après-ski atmosphere and transforms into a lively late-night spot with live music and DJs until the early hours.