Located in Isère department, Grenoble is known as the « Capitale des Alpes » (= French capital of the Alps), and the city has a lot to offer. There are many expats in Grenoble and a lot of tourists come for a day when they want to take a break from Lyon or the ski slopes. Even if it’s a sporting destination, it offers a wide range of cultural activities. Let me introduce some of them to you today. So be ready to dive into art and culture!
Must-see in Grenoble
Let’s start first with the must-see places and must-do experiences in Grenoble.
- Visit Grenoble’s museums : if you like history and art, you’re going to have things to do. The « Musée de Grenoble » is in the top of Beaux-arts museums in France. In fact, they cover different eras and style with a wide range of artworks. My other favorite is the Musée Dauphinois. In this museum, you will discover the local history. Moreover, their exhibitions are beautiful and playful. Fun fact : I won a contest organized by the museum and had 1 photo exposed with 19 other photographers.
- La Bastille et ses bulles : no doubt that the Bastille fort is the most touristic site in Isère. It offers a great panoramas on the area. To go there you can either walk from the city center to the top or take the « bulles » (aka the cable car). Nevertheless, be careful with the queue which can be really long in the afternoon.
- Saint-Laurent district : the old Italian neighborhood is my favorite in the city. It’s so colorful that it will remind you of southern French cities and Italian ones. The atmosphere there is very different than the rest of Grenoble and I love that!
- Les Caves de la Chartreuse : (let’s do a little exemption) close to Grenoble, you can visit the Chartreuse cellar. This alcohol made by monks is composed of more than 100 plants. Less than 5 people know the exact recipe of it. By visiting the Caves, you can try to find out what the exacts plants are needed.
- La Ferme à Dédé : this recommendation is a little bit different because this time, it’s a restaurant. You definelty have to pay a visit to this one if you want to try the specialities. You can find other great restaurants of course, but la Ferme à Dédé is probably the most typical one.
Festivals in Isère
The cultural scene in Grenoble and the whole area offer various options. Here are few festivals in Isère you have to add to your calendar :
- Street Art Fest : did you know that Grenoble organize the biggest street art festival in Europe? Arists from all over the world come to this occasion. Come meet them and watch them creating new artworks in town.
- Cabaret frappé : this free music festival takes place in Grenoble’s city center every summer. You can visit it with friends and family. You have to go there if you want to discover local artists!
- Festival du Cinéma Italien : this is the perfect moment to discover Italian cinema.
- Jazz à Vienne : yes, there is another Vienne in France (not only in Austria). Each year, this festival offer a great line-up with well-known artists from France and abroad.
- Les fêtes de la Chartreuse : celebrate this famous local alcohol in a friendly and family atmosphere.
- La Coupe Icare : it’s one of the most famous hang-gliding event. Between 80,000 and 100,000 people participated in the 2018 edition. It nice to visit it at least once.
Expats in Grenoble : where to meet people
As I said it in the introduction, the number of expats in Grenoble and Isère continue to increase so here is a little guide on how to meet new people and not feel isolated while diving into culture and art.
- Facebook groups : there are tons of group you can join. Most of them are expats in Grenoble but you can always ask questions, and share tips and cool events in Isère.
- Join clubs : Look for clubs and associations related to your hobbies. For example, if you like photo (like me), join a photo club.
- Language exchange meetings : It’s a great way to meet new comers and mingle. I used to go this kind of event everything I lived abroad. I’m actually organizing one in October. Join me and other French learners to practice French with fun!
- Go to cultural events : Each weekend there are events organized in Grenoble area. I’m sure you’ll find something you like.
In conclusion, whether you are expats in Grenoble or just passing through, the city is definitely worth a visit if you are nearby. Additionally to my recommendations, don’t hesitate to share yours in the comments!
