#1 Thing to Do in Grenoble, France

The #1 thing to do in Grenoble, France offers something for everyone.

Sight seeing? Check.  Adventure? Check. Culture? Check. Dining options? There’s literally something for everyone, no matter what your interests.

The #1 thing to do is taking the cable car to La Bastille! La Bastille is a fortress overlooking the entire city.  Its’ strategic location has played an important role in the city’s history for over 2000 years.  La Bastille was build in 1823 and is very well-preserved.  But getting there is half the fun! I’ve never seen a cable car like one in Grenoble.  They reminded me of Christmas ornaments, but perhaps I was inspired by the Grenoble Christmas Market that I had visited the night before.  Many visitors refer to them as bubbles.

Whatever you think they look like, the Grenoble-Bastille is the coolest cable car ride I’ve ever taken!

The 3-4 minute journey takes visitors up a vertical drop of 263 meters to the fortress which offers stunning views over Grenoble. Despite being surrounded by mountains, Grenoble has the distinction of being the flattest city in France!

Besides enjoying the views, there is actually a lot going on at the hill dubbed The Fortress Mountain.  Visitors can enjoy dinner at the upscale panoramic restaurant (reservations required) or relax in the more casual cafe, which also offers stunning views and outside seating.

In warmer months visitors can also test their fear of heights at the Acrobastille, which appears to be similar to the climbing obstacle course I did at Activo Park in Umbria.  I LOVE these type of adventures but doing it with the incredible views afforded by the The Fortress Mountain would be very special!  I’m coming back when it’s warmer to check it out.

The Mandrin Caves were also closed when I was there, but sounded intriguing.  They consist of an underground passage near the entrance to the fort, which shows how expansive the defensive system was.

Then there’s the National Memorial to the Mountain Troops just a 30 minute walk from the fortress.

But what really caught my eye was the Chartreuse massif in the background of the fortress.  Hikes here can last anywhere from a couple of hours to several days. To say I’m intrigued would be putting it mildly.  I was already planning my return trip as I looked at it in awe.  I swear I could hear it say Laurel, climb me!  Strangely no one else heard this but me, maybe it was just the voices in my head.

And if you really are looking for something special, you can even get married on The Fortress Mountain!

If all of that sounds like way too much action, (or you are not looking to get married), you can also visit the Centre d’Art Bastille or the Mountain Troops Museum.  (I also highly recommend the Musée Grenoble (Grenoble Museum).  It’s  across the river from La Bastille and  is one of France’s most prestigious art museums.)

Travel tip:   Locals and photographers know that the best time to visit La Bastille is at sunrise with the sun appearing over the mountains and waking up Grenoble.

Romantics at heart (and non early risers) visit at sunset….Yet another reason to return to The Fortress Mountain, although I’m likely to be one of the sunset visitors!
Very few attractions offer so many options appealing to young and old, romantics at heart, fitness fanatics  history buffs, you name it!

And everyone of all ages will enjoy the views, making the cable car journey and La Bastille the #1 thing to do in Grenoble!