In a nutshell
- Unlike France’s top destinations like Paris or Nice, Grenoble is still a seriously under-the-radar gem — and all the better for it.
- The city sits right on the edge of the French Alps and was named the greenest city in Europe in 2022.
- Fort de la Bastille and the iconic cable car are the absolute must-sees — don’t leave without doing both.
- Grenoble is a brilliant base for outdoor activities like hiking and canyoning — the mountains are practically on your doorstep.
Our Top 3 Hotel Picks for Grenoble
Before we dive into the most beautiful sights, here are three hotel recommendations for Grenoble at every price point:
The Most Beautiful Sights in Grenoble
Grenoble is a fantastic destination for a vacation in France. Here are the best things to do in Grenoble — the highlights you really shouldn’t miss.
Fort de la Bastille
The Fort de la Bastille is the absolute number one highlight of all the things to do in Grenoble — and it’s easy to see why.
The fortress, built in the 19th century, sits 264 meters above the city. From up here, you get a breathtaking panorama of Grenoble and the surrounding mountains.
Beyond the incredible views, there’s plenty to explore at the Bastille. You can check out the Museum of Mountain Troops or the art center.
The museum charges €3 admission for adults, while the art center asks for a suggested donation of at least one euro.
If you’re more into action, the Bastille also offers sports activities like via ferrata and hiking trails.
How do you get to the Bastille in Grenoble?
The most popular way to reach the Bastille — and a highlight in itself — is the cable car. A one-way ticket costs €6.60, and a round trip is €9.80. Discounts are available for children and students.
If you prefer something more active, you can hike up to the Bastille on foot. There are several trails to choose from. We started, for example, at the Fontaine de Lion.
If neither the cable car nor the hike appeals to you, you can also drive and park at the free parking lot Parking du glacis at the top.
Heads up! Every Monday and throughout the entire month of January, the cable car and the attractions at the Bastille are closed.
The Cable Car of Grenoble
The cable car to the Bastille is more than just a ride up to the fortress — it’s a genuine Grenoble attraction in its own right.
It dates back to 1934, making it the oldest urban cable car in Europe and the third oldest in the entire world. Only the cable cars in Rio de Janeiro and South Africa are older.
On top of that, the gondolas with their perfectly round shape look seriously cool and make for a great photo subject.
The lower cable car station is at Jardin de Ville, close to the river. Search for “Telepherique Grenoble-Bastille” in Google Maps to find it.
Old Town of Grenoble with the Cathédrale de Notre-Dame
Grenoble’s historic center is called Vieille Ville in French and is the heart of the city. The stunning mountain backdrop makes it a real standout.
It sits south of the Isère river, and from the bridges you can snap great photos of the old quarter.
Since the Vieille Ville isn’t huge, half a day is plenty to wander through its alleyways and stop in at a nice restaurant. A wonderfully cozy café is Café Myrö, and a cool bar is Café du Nord.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is also located in the old town and is the most well-known landmark in Grenoble after the Bastille. Entry is free.
Honestly, the church left us wanting a little more — it’s quite small and architecturally not as impressive as, say, the Münster in Strasbourg or the Notre-Dame in Paris.
Park Paul Mistral and Jardin de Ville
If Grenoble has been named the greenest city in Europe, there must be some beautiful green spaces to show for it, right?
Absolutely — and Grenoble delivers on that front with Park Paul Mistral and the Jardin de Ville.
Park Paul Mistral is the largest park in Grenoble and a great spot for a stroll or a picnic. One landmark within the park is the Perret Tower, which stands 84 meters tall. Unfortunately, you can’t go inside.
Nowhere near as large, but right in the historic district, you’ll find the Jardin de Ville.
This small city garden features lovely rose beds and is the perfect place to take a breather.
Museums in Grenoble
Grenoble isn’t just home to beautiful parks — it also has some fascinating museums. So if the weather turns and you need to cut your sightseeing short, a museum visit is just the thing.
We especially recommend the Musée de Grenoble. This art history museum features exhibitions spanning different eras from antiquity to the present day, including Egyptian antiquities and works by renowned artists like Rodin and Matisse.
Admission to the main exhibitions costs €14 for adults; it’s free for those under 26. Some exhibitions are free for everyone. The Musée de Grenoble is closed on Tuesdays.
Another great option is the Musée Dauphinois, located below the Bastille. You do have to climb a few steps to get there, but nowhere near as many as to reach the fortress.
Inside the monastery building, you’ll discover fascinating stories about the Alps and their inhabitants, along with rotating exhibitions on a variety of topics.
Admission to the Musée Dauphinois is free. It is also closed on Tuesdays.
The Best Activities in Grenoble
Beyond the sights, there’s so much to experience in Grenoble. Here are our recommendations.
Hiking in Grenoble
Since Grenoble is surrounded by mountains, the city is perfectly positioned as a base for great hikes.
The easiest trails to reach from the city center are the paths around Fort de la Bastille. For example, you can hike up from the banks of the Isère all the way to the Grottes de Mandrin.
If you want to go really high up, we recommend the Vercors hiking area. Just a short distance from Grenoble, you’ll find the 1,900-meter-high summit of Moucherotte, for example.
The hike starts in the village of Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte, just a few kilometers from the city.
Heads up: This hike is not for beginners!
Canyoning near Grenoble
You love outdoor activities and an adrenaline rush? Then canyoning is exactly what you’re looking for!
Just a short distance from Grenoble is the Furon Haut Gorge, where you can try out this thrilling adventure sport.
Canyoning is also a great activity if you’re on vacation with kids. Your kids should be at least 8 years old and able to swim, though.
This one isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’re afraid of heights, we’d recommend skipping the canyoning.
Go canyoning in the Furon Haut Gorge
Explore the Area Around Grenoble
Grenoble is located in the stunning Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. With beautiful cities and the peaks of the Alps, the region is incredibly diverse.
So don’t limit yourself to what to do in Grenoble alone — make sure to take some day trips into the surrounding area as well.
City Trip to Lyon
How about a day trip to the beautiful city of Lyon? France’s third-largest city is known for its great cuisine and gorgeous historic center.
By car, it’s only about one hour and 15 minutes from Grenoble to Lyon. By train, the ride takes about one hour and 25 minutes from Grenoble’s station to Lyon Part-Dieu. Tickets start at €10.
Flixbus coaches also run several times a day from Grenoble to Lyon Perrache station. Tickets are available from as little as €5.
Also check out our in-depth article with the best tips for Lyon.
Day Trip to the Alps: Annecy
If you’re drawn more to nature, we recommend the Alpine town of Annecy on the turquoise mountain lake Lac d’Annecy.
You’ll find great options for all kinds of outdoor activities here — hiking, skiing, swimming, you name it.
Also read our best tips for Annecy
By car, it takes about one hour from Grenoble to Annecy. Flixbus coaches also run the route daily. The trip takes one hour and 45 minutes, and tickets cost around €5.
