The ancient capital of the Dauphiné region, Grenoble boasts both a rich history and a spectacular natural setting. Perched at the confluence of the Drac and Isère Rivers, the city is surrounded by the Chartreuse, Vercors and Belledonne mountain ranges. Famed for its lively energy and plethora of cultural attractions, this is a top spot for a city break. Accommodation options include swish city hotels as well as converted châteaux, with a range of choices to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re planning to travel in summer or winter, we recommend you book one of the best places to stay in Grenoble, and don't just use it as a stop-over either on your way to the mountains or the route south. Spend a day or two and get to know the city!
Art aficionados will delight in discovering Grenoble’s many world-class museums, often tucked in imposing heritage buildings. The Musée de Grenoble is brilliant, as are the Saint-Laurent Archaeological Museum, the Musée Dauphinois and the Musée de l’Histoire Naturelle. Other highlights include the Musée des Troupes de Montagne and the Musée de la Résistance. For striking views, take the cable car to the top of Bastille Hill, where you can peer from Grenoble’s 19th-century fortress towards Mont Blanc on clear days. Return to the charming city centre for lively cafés, bars, eateries and an array of events fuelled by the city’s university population.
Keen hikers, climbers and skiers, on the other hand, can use Grenoble as a springboard for adrenaline-pumping activities in the surrounding mountains. Grenoble hosted the Winter Olympics in the 1960s, and the nearest ski slopes are just 45 minutes away; Alpe d'Huez is an hour from the city. The region’s pristine mountain lakes are a gorgeous reward for summertime trekkers and mountain bikers, too. But with all this on the doorstep the best places to stay in Grenoble will be very busy during peak seasons. So get organised and book well ahead!