Attractions
Once the capital of the Dauphiné region, Grenoble has been through many intriguing historical events which left their mark on the city’s architecture and general aspect. If you came to Grenoble expecting to find some sort of winter resort, only larger, you’ll be happy to discover plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
Historical Landmarks
- The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Grenoble
Address: Place Notre-Dame (take tramway A, B, buses 3, 13, 33, 34)
General info: This may not be Notre-Dame de Paris, but it has a charm of its own, with its solemn Roman-Catholic demeanor on an Alpine sky background.
- Palace of the Dauphins
Address: Place Saint Andre
General info: Erected in the 15th century, this beautiful building was never purely ornamental. It served as a courthouse and it still belongs to the Isère Council.
Museums
- Musée Dauphinois
Address: 30, rue Maurice-Gignoux
Open hours: Wednesday to Monday, from 10 am to 6 pm
General info: During your visit here, you’ll learn quite a bit about how the people of the Dauphiné region lived and worked. The gardens you’ll find adjacent to the museum offer a wonderful panoramic view on the city.
- Musée De L’Ancien Eveché
Address: 2, rue Très Cloître
Open hours: 9 am – 6 pm
General info: This was the bishop’s palace in the good old days, but now, it houses a well-set up museum focused on the history of the Isere region. The crypt under the house and the remains of the Roman walls are also quite interesting, even to a dilettante.
- Natural History Museum
Address: 1, rue Dolomieu
Open hours: 9:30 am – 12 am, 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
General info: The items displayed here recount mineral and wildlife tales which happened in the Alps a long time ago.
- Art Gallery
Address: 5, place Lavalette
Open hours: 10 am – 6:30 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
General info: The outside of this museum is so modern that you wouldn’t expect to find things from the past inside. Still, prepare yourself to admire works of Picasso, Kandinsky and Miro. Not bad for a smallish city in the Alps.
Tourist Attractions
- Parc Paul Mistral
Address: city centre
General info: The air of Grenoble is already mountain pure, but if you want to also add a non-urban setting to your strolls, enter the Mistral and walk its large lawns and avenues. You’ll also find a roller skating rink here.
- The Bastille Hill
Address: take the Bastille Cable Car (approx. cost is 6 EUR)
General info: If you’re up for a short trip on the mountainous outskirts of Grenoble, the ancient buttresses on the Bastille will provide an exhilarating experience.