Grenoble

Grenoble is equipped with plenty of good options when it comes to hotel, particularly three-starred choices in the mid-range. There are however still grander offerings such as the palatial Residhome Grenoble Caserne De Bonne (21 rue Lazare Carnot), which lies just 10 minutes from the city centre. The characterful Le Grand Hôtel Grenoble (5 rue de la République) is a four-star option with a more central location, while the Apparthôtel Privilodges Quartier de Bonne (1 rue Guy Allard) and Hipark (6 rue Auguste Génin) are highlights of the mid-range choices.

There are plenty of shopping opportunities in Grenoble, which boasts department stores, gift shops, galleries and food stores. The Galeries Lafayette (12 place Grenette) department store offers a wide range of items from homewares to clothing and foodstuff, while the Librairie Chapitre Arthaud de Grenoble (23 Grande Rue) is an intriguing place to have a browse of coffee-table books and souvenirs. For more gastronomical treats head to the splendid Fromagerie des Alpages (4 rue de Strasbourg) for tasty Savoyard specialty cheeses, or for handmade jewellery and clocks try Gabriel Gay (5 rue Montorge). From Tuesday to Sunday hit the vibrant Ste-Claire Market for fruit, veg and other fresh produce.

There are a number of great restaurants in Grenoble where you can sample the distinctive cuisine of the Savoyard, where local ingredients such as punchy cheeses, herbs, nuts, wild mountain trout and meat from locally reared animals are combined to great effect. The Old Town’s Le Mal Assis (9 rue Bayard) is among the upmarket choices, offering authentic French dishes in a cosy setting, while there is more of a contemporary feel at Sens (50 boulevard Gambetta), which is known for its creative menu. Raclette and fondue options are never far away, with rustic La Fondue (5 rue Brocherie) coming highly recommended.

Grenoble Jazz Festival

March/April

This is one of the world’s largest jazz festivals, and boasts a history that dates back over three decades. The annual event takes place in spring, and is a major draw for internationally recognised performers. In excess of 20 venues play host to a plethora of diverse shows, which are put on by more than 200 musicians.

Les Arts du Récit

May

Colourful contemporary narratives are blended with those from local folklore and illustrated through dance, theatre, film and visual arts at this interesting storytelling festival.

Cabaret Frappé

July

In excess of 50,000 music fans gather for Grenoble’s main summer event each year. The funky music festival is staged under the trees of the City Gardens, with gigs ranging from hip hop to jazz and world music.

Rocktambule

October

Pop-rock and electro take centre stage at this festival in Isère and Rhône-Alpes, which features plenty of local talent at a range of gigs and venues.

Grenoble International Circus Festival

November

The Grenoble Sports Centre is the home of this well-known festival that showcases the cream of the crop when it comes to international circus acts.