Grenoble, France
Nestled at the foot of the French Alps
Just where the rivers Drac and Isere come together, beautiful Grenoble is a true alpine capital, where the only way is up. Today, it’s a booming science centre, as much known for its technical expertise as its winter snow – from semiconductors and nuclear energy to nanotechnology.
|
Destination overview
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Language: | French | |
| Currency: | Euro | |
| Time zone: | GMT +1 (GMT +2 in summer) | |
| Flight Time: | 2 hours | |
| Holiday type: | ||
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 10.9°C (24 hour average) Rainfall: 974.9mm a year |
|
Must see:
The world’s first urban cable car – the Grenoble-Bastille cable car, to be precise – is locally known as ‘les bulles’. Take a trip in the egg-shaped bubbles for a stunning view of the Isere, and a bite to eat at the top.
Must eat at:
Le 18.36 on Rue Abbe de la Salle is a brasserie with a difference, serving up its own unique brand of inventive cuisine – but check before you turn up, as some of its opening hours can be idiosyncratic!
Must be there for:
The city’s legendary Jazz festival, held every March, neatly coincides with the end of the ski season. Pop over for gig or two and you can take in a black run (or nursery slope) at the same time.
Well-travelled tips:
• If you like mountain ascents, try the Via Ferrata – a locally famous route on the Bastille hill.
• If you can’t make the Jazz festival in March but still fancy a bit of local culture, check out the short film festival held in the open every July.
Visa:
British citizens do not need a visa to visit Grenoble.
