A Tourist’s guide to Grenoble In Grenoble, let innovation inspire your events! 6HWLQDEUHDWKWDNLQJQDWXUDO HQYLURQPHQWDWWKHKHDUWRI WKH)UHQFK$OSV*UHQREOHKDV LQQRYDWLRQZULWWHQDOORYHULW &RQYHQWLRQ%XUHDX The greater Grenoble area is home to many universities and competitive international research centers. It also stands out for its strong policies in favour of sustainable development. This means that, like the city’s VFLHQWLÀFUHVHDUFKDGYDQFHVLWV companies also shine on the world scene. Enterprises specialized in outdoor activities and especially mountain activities drive Grenoble’s dynamic economy. Grenoble boasts a wealth of exceptional cultural and heritage sites, with two national stages, more than a dozen museums, and numerous festivals. On top of all this, the city offers three convention centers that can welcome up to 3000 people, 200 meeting facilities, more than 4500 starred hotel rooms, plus several charming and unique venues. :LWKRXWDGRXEW*UHQREOHLVD 7RXULVW2IÀFH&RQYHQWLRQ%XUHDX WRSSLFNIRUSURIHVVLRQDOHYHQW 14 rue de la République - 38000 Grenoble - France RUJDQL]HUV Tel. +33 (0)4 76 03 37 53 [email protected] Table of contents Welcome to Grenoble ..............................................................................................................5 Highlights ................................................................................................................................................6 Dauphinois delights ................................................................................................................10 Visit Grenoble with the Tourist Offi ce ..............................................................12 The Bastille: a mountain in the city ......................................................................14 A visit to the neighborhoods ......................................................................19 The old town ....................................................................................................................................... 20 A tradition of innovation .......................................................................................................... 30 The road to the future ................................................................................................................ 34 Villeneuve & co. ................................................................................................................................ 38 Surprises galore ............................................................................................................................42 Famous locals .................................................................................................................................44 Gourmet notes .....................................................................................................................47 Chefs’ recipes...................................................................................................................................... 48 A love affair with the Alps ..............................................................................51 Base camp Grenoble .................................................................................................................... 52 360° of the Alps ............................................................................................................................. 53 Ski resorts for everyone ............................................................................................................. 57 Lakes and mountains: the perfect combination................................................. 58 Discover the Isère region’s history and heritage ...................................60 Map of the region .....................................................................................................................62 Grenoble and the surrounding area ....................................................................64 Going to Grenoble ....................................................................................................................66 Tourist’s Guide | 3 Crédit photos : SÉMITAG - P. Paillard - P. Crédit photos : SÉMITAG tag.fr Park your car at a P+R point and travel to the city centre by bus, tram, or bike for €2.60* or €3.60*. It’s the same price for tween one and fi ve people. * Valid rates as at September 1, 2013 OT_pub_guide_touriste_150x250.inddOT pub guide touriste 150x250 indd 1 02/09/13 17:13 Crédit photos : SÉMITAG - P. Paillard - P. Crédit photos : SÉMITAG Welcome to Grenoble No matter what road you take, the route to Grenoble is inevitably surrounded by mountains. Wherever you look, your eyes are drawn towards the peaks of the Vercors, Chartreuse, and Belledonne mountain ranges. From one heady peak to the next, you try to guess their names. More than 2,000 years ago, the city began its life on the banks of the Isère river and ever since, it has maintained an intimate, sometimes tumultuous relationship with its alpine envi- ronment. The mountains have given the city many resources inclu- ding hydroelectricity and snow, popularly known as “white gold”, which have made Grenoble a renowned center for scientifi c and industrial innovation. Plus, its dramatic location and the amazing opportunities for outdoor activities nearby make it a popular city. But Grenoble is far more than just picturesque mountains and a thriving economy and university. It’s also a city of history, with unique relics dating back to the earliest Christian times and archi- tectural treasures that stretch across the centuries. For the culture vulture, the city boasts many not-to-be-missed museums, festi- vals, and shows. Grenoble also has plenty to offer the relaxed strollers, who will enjoy wandering the old streets where Stendhal and the constable de Lesdiguières once roamed. And as you wander through the winding streets, historic squares, and parks to the summit of the Bastille by foot, bike, or cable car, take the time also to tease your tastebuds some of our Dauphinois delights, updated for modern tastes in many restaurants. Enjoy your visit! Tourist’s Guide | 5 OT_pub_guide_touriste_150x250.indd 1 02/09/13 17:137:13 HIGHLIGHTS THE BASTILLE: A MOUNTAIN IN THE CITY In Grenoble, you can still storm the Bastille! From the top, enjoy a breath-taking view of the city and the Alps. In the distance, you may even spot Mont Blanc! What’s the best way to get there? Suspended in the air on one of the world’s fi rst urban cable cars. THE GRENOBLE MUSEUM OF ART How about a rendez-vous with Matisse, Picasso, or Soulages? The Grenoble Museum of Art, one of France’s fi nest modern art museums, houses treasures dating from Ancient STATUE DU CHEVALIER Egypt to contemporary times. PLACE BAYARD SAINT-ANDRÉ 6 | Tourist’s Guide THE HEART OF THE CITY AND THE PEDESTRIAN STREETS Strolling, Grenoble-style: Between colorful markets and café terraces, from one treasure tucked away amongst the Medieval streets to the next, enjoy the heart of the city where Stendhal was born. PLACE SAINT ANDRÉ Why not have a drink under the watchful eye of old Court House, with its Renaissance façade carefully guarded by the famous knight, the Chevalier de Bayard? Without the risk of fear or allegations, unlike in the building’s past! The best place? The Café de la Table Ronde, one of France’s oldest cafés. Tourist’s Guide | 7 HIGHLIGHTS SOUP’S ON! On the menu: Dauphinois potato gratin, trout, Saint Marcellin cheese, walnut tart, and Chartreuse sorbet! But there’s another must: a pitcher of tap water! Here, the tap water is naturally pure and comes from underground springs. ART IN THE CITY Where? Everywhere (or almost!) Find art works in many of the 50 parks that offer green hideaways in the city. SCULPTURES IN MICHALLON PARK 8 | Tourist’s Guide GAM? This 6th century crypt with 1,500 tombs is a fascinating place that takes guests on a spectacular visit back to the origins of Christianity thanks to a spectacular visit. The GAM—Grenoble Archeology Museum--in the Saint Laurent neighborhood was completely renovated in 2011. ARCHITECTURE Plunge into the city’s architectural history, from Gallo-Roman ruins to Renaissance and Modern movement buildings. Then come back to the 21st century at the Bonne district, fi rst eco-neighborhood in France. VIA FERRATA Get ready for an adrenaline rush! Amateur and expert climbers gather here after a day at the offi ce. The ramparts of the Bastille won’t know what hit’em! Tourist’s Guide | 9 Dauphinois delights THE CHARTREUSE MOUNTAINS Thick forests, sunny pastures, and the comforting serenity of the Grande Chartreuse monastery—these “emeralds of the Alps” are enjoyable year round! THE LAKES THE OISANS AND ECRINS MOUNTAINS Nestled at the foot of the mountains, Tour de France and mountain climbing hot spots the lakes of the Dauphiné region as well as a haven for winter sports fanatics, are wonderful spots for lazing these high mountains also attract cyclists, in the sun or enjoying water sports. climbers, hikers, and nature lovers. THE VIZILLE ESTATE The French Revolution owes a lot to this site, as does the history of the Dauphiné region. The museum, landscaped park, and animal reserve all await you under the watchful eye of the chateau. 10 | Tourist’s Guide THE BELLEDONNE MOUNTAINS A real site to see at sunset! From the 1968 Winter Olympics to long summer hikes today, the Belledonne Mountains have long had a place in locals’ hearts. THE VERCORS MOUNTAINS A long line of rocky ridges runs towards the Mont Aiguille further south.