car hire grenoble
Situated in the Alps, Grenoble is actually France's flattest city - pick up your hire car at the airport and see for yourself. Book car hire grenoble now
the 60-second guide to grenoble
in its own head
"Our elegant city is the Alps' modern economic soul. Spectacularly situated in a broad valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, we have a reputation for social, artistic and technological innovation."
but more realistically
Affectionately nicknamed the 'Capital of the Alps', Grenoble earned its reputation during the 1960s, as a result of Mayor Hubert Dubedout's initiatives. Scientific research continues to flourish, while a vibrant student population adds a fun, youthful dimension.
the vibe
A city of contrasts, the metropolis' welcoming hustle and bustle exists against a backdrop of cultural contentment.
the natives
Fondly known as 'Grenoblois', the residents of the city are predominantly students and science geeks - friendly faces if ever you wanted to have an encounter with a local.
the weather
Though bitterly cold, guaranteed snowfall in winter makes for a great season on the slopes. Summer sees temperatures soar in comparison, with some rainfall during spring and autumn.
the local speciality
You can't go to Grenoble without trying the local walnuts. Noix de Grenoble, a sweet walnut candy, and gateau aux noix (walnut cake) are two delectable local specialities.
the celebrity
French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau and director Jean-Luc Godard both lived in Grenoble, as did former WWF champion Andre the Giant.
did you know?
Grenoble's busy events schedule sees a jazz festival every March, a rock festival in April and a European theatre festival in June and July.
they say
"At the end of each street, a mountain." - Stendhal
5 to see in town...
- 1. Natural History Museum
- 2. National Centre for Contemporary Art
- 3. Fort de la Bastille
- 4. Maison de la Culture - MC2
- 5. Musee Dauphinois
This impressive museum - with its 'carnival of insects' and aquarium - is housed in a majestic neoclassical building overlooking charming botanical gardens.
where to park?
Try the car park at Parc Paul Mistral.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Natural History Museum
- 2. National Centre for Contemporary Art
- 3. Fort de la Bastille
- 4. Maison de la Culture - MC2
- 5. Musee Dauphinois
Grenoble isn't just about science and slopes. This old industrial building, designed by the Gustave Eiffel workshop, hosts temporary exhibitions by both local and international talents.
where to park?
There are parking spaces on Cours Berriat - the centre is at number 155.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Natural History Museum
- 2. National Centre for Contemporary Art
- 3. Fort de la Bastille
- 4. Maison de la Culture - MC2
- 5. Musee Dauphinois
Jump on a cable car and soak up breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains from this historic hilltop fortification.
where to park?
Parking is available along Quai Stephane Jay - the cable car to the fort departs from here too.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Natural History Museum
- 2. National Centre for Contemporary Art
- 3. Fort de la Bastille
- 4. Maison de la Culture - MC2
- 5. Musee Dauphinois
Take time out from your skiing and sightseeing schedule to catch the hottest dance, theatre, opera and jazz that Grenoble has to offer, at the city's illustrious arts centre.
where to park?
There is an on-site car park.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Natural History Museum
- 2. National Centre for Contemporary Art
- 3. Fort de la Bastille
- 4. Maison de la Culture - MC2
- 5. Musee Dauphinois
If you want to learn about the fascinating history of skiing or Alpine culture, crafts and traditions, this museum - housed in a 17th-century convent - is for you.
where to park?
Parking spaces are available on Rue Lafayette. Cross the river at Quai Stephane Jay to reach the museum.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Les Deux Alpes
- 2. Praz sur Arly
- 3. Parc Naturel Regional de Chartreuse
- 4. Parc Naturel Regional du Vercors
Les Deux Alpes offers a playground for adults and kids alike. Non-skiers can revel in all the resort has to offer, from bars and restaurants to ice cave and glacier visits.
how to get there?
Follow the D1091/Route des Six Vallées towards Venosc. The journey should take roughly one hour and 15 minutes.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Les Deux Alpes
- 2. Praz sur Arly
- 3. Parc Naturel Regional de Chartreuse
- 4. Parc Naturel Regional du Vercors
Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland and hit the powdery pistes of this idyllic Alpine village resort, located in Mont Blanc country.
how to get there?
Take the A41 and continue onto the A430 (following signs for Albertville/A430/Tarentaise), which merges with the N90. Take exit 30 and follow signs to the park.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Les Deux Alpes
- 2. Praz sur Arly
- 3. Parc Naturel Regional de Chartreuse
- 4. Parc Naturel Regional du Vercors
Imposing waterfalls, majestic mountains, sprawling forest glades and an abundance of flora makes this regional park a pretty impressive expanse of land.
how to get there?
A 30-minute drive away, follow the D512 north towards Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Les Deux Alpes
- 2. Praz sur Arly
- 3. Parc Naturel Regional de Chartreuse
- 4. Parc Naturel Regional du Vercors
This sprawling park owes its awe-inspiring landscape to ancient rock formations. The cliffs, caves and high plateaus are home to all sorts of wildlife - explore by foot, bike or on skis.
how to get there?
Just 17 miles from Grenoble, follow the D1532 north-west merging with the D531 as it twists and turns towards the park.
ask a grenoble cabbie!
Local taxi driver Jean-Luc Bernard on exploring Grenoble by car: "There's nothing better than driving around Grenoble to take in the amazing views. Part of the Isere Valley, there are superb highways that permit fast and trouble-free driving. The best part is that you can enjoy brilliant mountain vistas without having to navigate the mountains themselves. Remember, if you are caught talking on your mobile phone while driving you will be fined."