The “Bulles” (“Bubbles”) cable car takes you from the middle of the city up to the Bastille fort, an impressive fortified castle which stands guard over Grenoble . 20 centuries’ worth of urban settlement spreads out beneath your feet. From Gallo-Roman ramparts to the Olympic village, Dauphiné’s capital city has grown steadily over the ages, set between the mountains of Belledonne, the Vercors and the Chartreuse. Grenoble manages to balance between the appeal of the mountains and the rich heritage comprised of 11 museums and old quarters.
The Musée Dauphinois has two permanent exhibitions : telling the histories of Alpine people and of skiing. It also puts on various temporary exhibitions. The museum is housed in a 17th C convent, with a baroque chapel which opens out on to the terraced gardens.
Located right in the city centre, the Musée de Grenoble takes visitors from the 13th C through to the very latest of modern art. There are also areas dedicated to temporary exhibitions.
The Resistance movement had a very strong presence in the Isère. A museum sets the scene to tell the amazing story. Another "must see" is the Musée des Automates whilst at place Notre Dame the Musée de l’Ancien Evéché is where you will find a 4th C baptistry along with the ruins of St-Laurent church, installed in the picturesque district on the right bank of the river Isère.
Part of the architecture of the Palais du Parlement (for long time home to the Palais de Justice) consists of a Renaissance facade. Opposite this building is the impressive spire of St-André church’s belltower. Also worth a look is the unusual Casamaures, the first 19th C house to be built of concrete, a common present day feature of Grenoble ’s city tower blocks.
MC2 has taken the place of the legendary "Cargo". This new venue stages cultural performances of dance, theatre and music and particularly encourages young talent.
Talent which is also attracted to the Magasin, an old factory given over to allowing numerous modern performers the freedom to do their own thing.
Grenoble ’s annual festival "Les 38 ème rugissants" has become the showcase for electronic music.