Introduction
Grenoble is surrounded by three mountain chains - the Chartreuse, Vercors and the Italian Alps - that provide it with a spectacular setting. It's also crossed by two rivers, the Isère and the Drac (the lion and the serpent) and lined with broad boulevards.
All in all, Grenoble is much more elegant than its reputation for scientific and high-tech excellence would suggest, and rendered incredibly cosmopolitan and buzzy by the large population of foreign scientists and students. Grenoble is fun for travellers too, summer or winter. In summer it's nicely hot, as the surrounding mountains act as wind barriers. They also provide plenty of summer adventure sports, hiking and climbing and lovely lakes for cooling off and swimming or rafting or canoeing.
In winter, Grenoble offers easy access to the surrounding snowy slopes - the city hosted the tenth Winter Olympics in 1968. At any time of year, the city offers multiple other attractions, from many museums and several daily food markets. The largely pedestrianised centre of the city has a series of atmospheric small and winding streets lined with eclectic boutiques and excellent bistros, cafés and restaurants offering delicious French fare.
