Grenoble

Grenoble is a capital of the Alps, and with its beautiful location, thriving universities, and prosperous industries, it has a good claim to the title. Today Grenoble makes for a lively and modern place to visit, and its setting between rivers, with mountains all around, is truly stunning during summer and winter, when skiing is the most popular regional activity. The European theater festival and the two music festivals mean Grenoble has more to it than proximity to the slopes. To get the best view of Grenoble take the cable car from quai Stéphane-Jay up to Fort de la Bastille or walk up the steep footpath from Église St-Laurent. The fort offers magnificent views of old town, the Italian St-Laurent quarter, and the mountains. The old town is centered around place Grenette and lots of narrow streets and lively squares in this area afford pleasant places to relax.