The city of Grenoble is located in south eastern France. You will be able to find this city at the foot of the French Alps where the Isère River meets up with the Drac River. The city can be found in the Rhône Alps region. The city of Grenoble is the capital city of the department of Isère. As a result of the mountains being so close to the city, Grenoble has been named as the “Capital of Alps”.
While this city is thoroughly modern you should know that Grenoble’s history is more than 2,000 years old. The city has been the capital of Dauphiné since the 11th Century. The city of Grenoble is surrounded by mountains. To the north of the city you will see the Chartreuse Mountains, to the east you will see the Belledonne range and to the west of Grenoble you have the Vercors Mountains. As part of its culture if you are in the city during the Tour de France you will be able to see the race as it passes through the city.
The city of Grenoble has been built on the alluvial plain of the Isère River and the Drac River. The city can be found at an altitude of 214 meters. Lovers of winter sports will enjoy coming to Grenoble as there are about 20 ski stations surrounding the city. The nearest of these resorts is that of le Sappey en Chartreuse. This resort is about 15 minutes drive from the city of Grenoble. In addition to winter sports you will find there are other attractions to be found in this city.
These attractions will include a trip to Vieille Ville. This was the site of a fortified Roman town. You will find that the pedestrian old city which is found with this location has been in existence from the time of the Middle Ages. A famous inventor named Vaucanson who lived from 1709 to 1782 was born in the Vieille Ville region. For lovers of Gothic style architecture you will find the Palais de Justice a must see building in Grenoble. Here you will find that the Palais de Justice was built in 1847 utilizing the Gothic style. This building is noted for its columned façade. In this building you will find the Court of Appeals ad the Court of Assizes.
Yet another worthwhile sight to see in Grenoble is that of the Eglise St. Andre. This is a beautiful Romanesque church which was built in the 12th Century. This church can be found in the heart of the city’s old centre. As you wander around the church you will see the magnificent façade which depicts Jesus and the Twelve Apostles. Another great church that you should think about visiting is that of the Cathedrale Notre Dame et Ancien Évèché.
This church which was a former bishop’s palace can be found adjacent to the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is now a museum which chronicles the regional history of the area from the prehistoric times to the present day. Under the cathedral you will be able to see a baptistery which has been in existence from the time of the Christian origins here in Grenoble. As well as the baptistery you will also be able to look at the remnants of the city’s walls.
These various sights that you will see here in Grenoble will help you to enjoy the best possible holiday that you can. So the next time you are thinking about where to go for a great holiday think Grenoble.
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