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There are an array of things to do in France, with Grenoble sharing quite a few of those!
Nestled at the foot of the French Alps like a precious gemstone, Grenoble offers a dazzling array of experiences for the adventurous soul.
Rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, this charming city is a magical melting pot of old-world charm and modern flair, where you can ski, hike, or simply absorb the picturesque scenery.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a culture buff, Grenoble beckons you to explore its hidden treasures and discover the secrets that make it one of the most fascinating destinations in Europe.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Grenoble:
1. Museum of Grenoble
The Museum of Grenoble is an art museum located in the city of Grenoble, France.
What to see or do: The museum has an impressive collection of art ranging from ancient to contemporary works.
Visitors can appreciate the art from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, as well as from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The museum houses paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photography.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the museum’s impressive collection of works from the 20th century, which includes pieces by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, and Paul Klee.
Also worth seeing is the museum’s display of Oriental art, which includes ceramics and fabrics.
Insider travel tips: If you’re planning to visit, consider buying the museum pass, which includes access to 10 museums in Grenoble for a discounted price.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays, but open every other day of the week. Arriving early and on a weekday can help you avoid crowds.
2. Cable Car to Bastille
A cable car ride that takes you up to the Bastille fortress, overlooking the city of Grenoble.
What to see or do: Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Grenoble and the surrounding mountains from the fortress. Visit the Grenoble-Bastille cable car museum and explore the fortress itself.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to take in the breathtaking views from the top of the fortress, especially at sunset.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes as there are a lot of stairs to climb to explore the fortress.
In winter, the fortress is illuminated and there are night tours available.
3. Jardin des Dauphins
A beautiful public park located in central Grenoble, named after the dolphin fountain in the center.
What to see or do: Take a relaxing stroll through the park and admire the wide variety of trees and plants. The park also features a large pond with resident ducks and swans, as well as a playground for children.
Don’t miss: Head to the top of the hill for a stunning view of Grenoble and the surrounding mountains.
Insider travel tips: Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal in the shade of the park’s many trees. The park can get crowded on weekends, so try to visit during the week for a more peaceful experience.
4. Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car
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Insider travel tips: Purchase roundtrip tickets in advance to avoid the long queues, visit on a clear day for the best views, arrive early to avoid crowds, and wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
5. Chartreuse Distillery
The Chartreuse Distillery is a historic French liqueur distillery located in the city of Grenoble. It produces liqueurs under the Chartreuse brand, which are renowned for their unique and complex flavors.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a tour of the distillery to see how the liqueurs are made using a secret recipe of 130 herbs and spices.
The tour includes a visit to the cellars where the liqueurs are aged in oak barrels for years, as well as a tasting of the different Chartreuse flavors.
Don’t miss: The tasting room at the end of the tour is the highlight, where visitors can sample the various Chartreuse liqueurs, including the famous green and yellow varieties.
Insider travel tips: – Book your tour in advance online to ensure availability.
6. La Caserne de Bonne
La Caserne de Bonne is a large, modern eco-friendly commercial and residential complex located in the center of Grenoble, France.
What to see or do: – Explore the various shops, cafes, restaurants, and cinemas within the complex.
Don’t miss: – The seasonal markets that set up in the pedestrian area, offering a variety of goods and local products.
Insider travel tips: – La Caserne de Bonne is easily accessible by public transit, including tram lines A and B.
7. Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum in Grenoble is a museum dedicated to the prehistoric, ancient and medieval history of the Dauphiné region in southeastern France.
What to see or do: The museum’s permanent collection showcases artifacts from the Roman era, including mosaics, statues, and sarcophagi. Visitors can also admire Gallo-Roman architectural remains such as Roman baths, amphitheaters and temples.
The museum also features exhibits on the region’s prehistoric and medieval history, including tools, weapons, and religious objects.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the Gallo-Roman mosaic depicting the labors of Hercules.
Visitors should also make sure to see the statue of the Roman god Mars and the ancient sarcophagus depicting the myth of Alcestis and Admetus.
Insider travel tips: The museum is closed on Mondays and admission is free on the first Sunday of each month. Audio guides are available in multiple languages.
Visitors should also make sure to stop by the gift shop to purchase unique souvenirs inspired by the museum’s collection.
8. Saint-Louis Church
Saint-Louis Church, built in the 17th century, is a historic landmark of Grenoble, France.
What to see or do: The church’s Baroque architecture is remarkable both inside and out. Visitors can admire the stunning altarpiece, gilded woodwork, and majestic columns.
The church also hosts regular classical music concerts and cultural events.
Don’t miss: The organ, built in the 19th century and restored in 2012, is one of the largest in France and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of organ-making.
Insider travel tips: – Check the schedule of cultural events at the church, as they often host classical music concerts, recitals, and other cultural events.
9. Parc Paul Mistral
Parc Paul Mistral is a large, multi-purpose park located in the heart of Grenoble, France.
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10. Stade des Alpes
A multi-purpose stadium in Grenoble, France.
What to see or do: Catch a football or rugby match, attend a concert or other sporting events.
Don’t miss: The beautiful view of the surrounding mountains from the stadium.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid traffic and to have time to explore the nearby shops and restaurants. Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
11. Place Grenette
Place Grenette is a bustling public square located in the heart of Grenoble, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy people watching, shopping at the nearby market, and admiring the historic architecture surrounding the square.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the iconic fountain situated in the center of the square, which was designed by local artist Henri Ding.
Insider travel tips: If you want to avoid crowds, visit the square early in the morning or on weekdays. Also, keep an eye out for street performances and cultural events that are often held in the square.
12. Saint-André Church
Saint-André Church is a historic Roman Catholic church located in the heart of Grenoble, France. The church was originally built in the 13th century and has been renovated and restored several times over the years.
What to see or do: The church is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and ornate interior.
Visitors can admire the intricate stained glass windows and elaborate altar, which features a painting of the Resurrection by local artist Jean-Marie Pirot.
The church also has a beautiful organ, which is occasionally used for concerts and recitals.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Saint-André Church is the tomb of Bishop Hugues II of Grenoble, which dates back to the 14th century.
The tomb is carved from white marble and features intricate details and symbolism.
Visitors should also take a moment to appreciate the church’s bell tower, which stands over 200 feet tall and offers panoramic views of Grenoble and the surrounding mountains.
Insider travel tips: – Saint-André Church is free to enter and is open to visitors every day from 9am-6pm.
13. Musée Archéologique Saint-Laurent
Musée Archéologique Saint-Laurent is a museum located in Grenoble, France, that showcases archaeological findings from the city and the surrounding region.
What to see or do: The museum houses a wide range of artifacts dating back to prehistoric times up until the Middle Ages. Visitors can see objects such as Roman mosaics, Gallo-Roman pottery, and medieval sculptures.
There are also several exhibits that explain the history of Grenoble and its surrounding area.
Don’t miss: One of the standout pieces in the collection is the Isère Charter, a parchment document from the 11th century that outlines the rights and privileges of the people of Grenoble.
Visitors should also make sure to see the Roman mosaic from a villa near Grenoble, which dates back to the 2nd century AD and features intricate geometric patterns.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays and admission is free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month.
14. Bibliothèque Municipale de Grenoble
Bibliothèque Municipale de Grenoble is a public library located in Grenoble, France.
What to see or do: This library has an impressive collection of books, journals, and other literary materials that cover a wide range of subjects. Visitors can browse the extensive collection or use the available study areas.
The library also has a multimedia section where visitors can access videos, music, and other digital resources.
Don’t miss: The Bibliothèque Municipale de Grenoble is also known for its unique architecture, which was designed by architect Claude Vasconi.
The library is housed in a modern building that features a glass facade, a spiral staircase, and a rooftop garden with stunning views of the city.
Insider travel tips: – Admission to the library is free, but visitors will need to register for a library card to access some of the materials.