Cheap flights to Grenoble

“At the end of every street is a mountain”, wrote French novelist Stendhal about his hometown, Grenoble. Dubbed the “capital of the Alps”, this bustling city is nestled at the foot of three snow-capped mountain ranges and is intersected by two glacial rivers, the Drac and the Isère. Winter sports lovers can take their pick from more than a dozen world-class ski resorts within easy reach – after all, Grenoble played host to the 1968 Winter Olympics. In the warmer months, the area becomes a paradise for walkers and climbers, thanks to a myriad of marked hiking trails and via ferrata routes. But besides its breathtaking surroundings, Grenoble has plenty of urban pleasures to offer, including a charming historic centre filled with cafés and restaurants, a clutch of excellent museums and galleries as well as a student-fuelled nightlife scene.

A vibrant gateway to the French Alps

Don’t for a moment think that Grenoble is merely a place to pass through en route to an alpine ski resort. The city came to prominence as the capital of the State of Dauphiné in the 11th century but its roots go back 2,000 years when the Celtic Allobroges tribe founded a small Gallic village in the valley. Not many know that it was here, 600 kilometres from Paris, that a local uprising against Louis XIV, the Day of the Tiles, set the French Revolution in motion a year before the Storming of the Bastille took place in the capital. Grenoble’s rebellious spirit once again came to the fore during World War II when it served as a centre for the French Resistance movement against Nazi occupation. Walking around the city, you’ll find plenty of reminders of its rich history, from its sturdy hilltop fortress through its 13th-century cathedral to the country’s second-oldest café, but Grenoble is by no means living in the past. In recent years, it has built a reputation as a major hub of scientific research, business and high-tech innovation and is home to a 60,000-strong student population.

Culture, history and adrenaline

To get your bearings, climb up or catch the bubble-like cable car (téléférique) from the south bank of the Isère River to Grenoble’s star attraction, Fort de la Bastille. Built in the 19th century, this stocky military fortress boasts splendid views of the surrounding mountains, including the snow-covered Mont Blanc in the distance on clear days. Looking to get your adrenaline going? Choose Acrobastille, which offers two 300-metre-long ziplines, ropes courses and other family-friendly adventures. There’s also a via ferrata route nearby. If all that sounds a bit too much, follow the winding footpath from the fortress down to the old town instead, past alpine gardens and ruins. Take in the viewpoint of Montée Chalemont and drop by Musée Dauphinois, set in a 17th-century convent, for an insight into the region’s fascinating heritage and the history of skiing. Just 10 minutes away, the Archaeological Museum, housed in the medieval church of Saint-Laurent, is also worth a visit, with interactive displays, impressive light effects and a beautiful 6th-century crypt. The pretty historic centre of Grenoble lies on the other side of the Isère. Here you’ll find the Romanesque Cathédrale Notre Dame as well as the medieval square of Place St-André, overlooked by the Palais du Parlement du Dauphiné, perhaps the city’s most impressive building. Continue to the renowned Musée de Grenoble, one of France’s finest and oldest art museums, whose vast collection includes Egyptian and Greek antiquities, Renaissance artwork, Impressionist paintings as well as 20th-century masterpieces. For contemporary art, head to Le Magasin, a warehouse-turned-exhibition space two kilometres from the city centre, designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel. If history is more your thing, don’t miss the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de l’Isère, which recounts the resistance struggle against Italian and German forces during WWII as well as the tragic fate of the local Jewish community. Or learn more about Grenoble’s most famous son at Musée Stendhal, housed in the restored apartment of the writer’s grandfather near the leafy Jardin de Ville park.

From gratin dauphinois to walnutty treats

As the former capital of Dauphiné, Grenoble is the place to try gratin dauphinois, the classic French dish of thinly sliced potatoes baked in milk and cream. Other regional specialities include boiled pork sausages from the mountainous Matheysine region, ravioles du royans (pasta parcels filled with cheese and herbs) and all kinds of walnutty delights from tarts and breads to oils, jams and even wines. Ready to tuck in? Make the atmospheric Café de la Table Ronde, France’s second-oldest café, your first port of call. Founded in 1739, it’s long been a favourite among writers and artists, with previous patrons including Stendhal, Rousseau and Sarah Bernhardt. For a homely experience, opt for Le Tire Bouchon offering a regional-inspired menu that changes according to season or try L'Ardoise – its set menu is a steal. Dinner with a view? Book a table at Chez Le Pèr'Gras, a spacious family-run restaurant near the Bastille cable car station. Cheese lovers shouldn’t miss La Fondue, where guests can dip into 17 kinds of melted goodness, such as fondue with forest mushrooms or onions and bacon. Also keep an eye out for the local Vercors-Sassenage blue cheese, characterised by a creamy texture and surprisingly delicate, sweet flavours.

Culinary souvenirs and bar-hopping

For gourmet goodies to take home, start at the food market on Place aux Herbes and be sure to pick up some premium-quality walnut products. Also in the centre, Chocolats Zugmeyer is a sweet tooth’s heaven full of artisan chocolate and sweets, while Laiterie Bayard and Fromagerie des Alpages stock dairy delights. Seeking the elixir of life? Look no further than the green or yellow herbal liqueur called Chartreuse, which contains 130 herbs, plants and flowers. The top-secret potion is based on an ancient manuscript that was passed onto local monks in the 17th century. “À votre santé”, or “to your health” – quite literally. As for nightlife, the city’s sizable student population guarantees a lively after-dark scene. Join the young crowd at grungy Le Couche Tard, bustling beer haunt Les BerThom or Barberousse, a pirate-themed rum bar. Alternatively, enjoy a glass of vin aromatisé (flavoured wine) at Le Tord Boyaux or head to Keep it Weird for cocktails and a varied selection of music. Looking to dance the night away? Local favourites include Club Number One and Le Vieux Manoir.

Ski or hike your socks off

Skiers are spoilt for choice in Grenoble, with nearly 20 resorts nearby. Alpe d'Huez, boasting 250 kilometres of slopes, was voted the best European ski resort in 2020 on the EU’s European Best Destinations website. And it also came first for guaranteed snow! Another popular choice is Villard-Corrençon, which is the largest and highest of the Vercors alpine resorts with 125 kilometres of runs. If you prefer off-piste action, make your way to La Grave, which has been enjoying cult status among hard-core skiers and snowboarders seeking freedom and near-solitude (not for beginners though!). Grenoble is also an excellent base for hikers in the summer, offering an enormous network of trails to suit all abilities.

Grenoble airport

Grenoble Alpes Isère Airport is located 40 kilometres from Grenoble and provides easy access to some of France’s best slopes. There are regular shuttle services to the city centre as well as the most popular ski resorts, such as Alpe d'Huez, Chamrousse and Les Deux Alpes. You can also rent a car or book a private transfer. The small, single-terminal airport has a restaurant and a snack bar if you’re feeling peckish. Plus, in true French style, a cheesemonger’s and a macaroon counter besides the usual duty-free offerings. Note that overnight stays at the airport are currently not permitted.

Grenoble weather

If winter sports are your main reason to visit, come between December and April when most ski resorts around Grenoble are open and buzzing with activity. The best time for a city break is from May to September, the warmest time of the year, although Grenoble is truly magical under a blanket of snow. Average temperatures range from 2°C in January to 20°C in July. Autumn months tend to be quite wet, so make sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella.

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