Grenoble Car Rental
Compare & Save on car rental in Grenoble
Grenoble is the capital of the department of Isere, in the Rhones-Alpes region in south-east France – also sometimes known as the “capital of the Alps” in France. Located on the crossing of two rivers, the Drac and the Isere (“the lion and the serpent”), the history of the city goes back some two thousand years, to when it was a small Gallic settlement on a strategic river crossing. The growth of the city came with the growth of industry in the area, and the harnessing of hydro-electric power. In the 19th century there was a thriving glove making industry in Grenoble; in recent times it has become renowned for the quality of research at its university, and the number of scientific and high-tech industries based in the city. The research facilities attract many scientists from overseas, giving the city a cosmopolitan feel. Its location – nestled between three mountain ranges, the Vercors, Chartreuse and Belledonne – makes it popular with tourists as a base for exploring the area.
Things to Do in Grenoble
Grenobles museum’s are amongst the best in France, and provide a treat for any visitor interested in the natural history, archaeology and art of the region. For starters, visit the Musée de Grenoble, which is an impressive modern design, and houses paintings by – amongst others – Picasso, Matisse, Miro, and Kandinsky. The Musée de l’Ancien Eveché is in the imposing former Bishop’s Palace in the Place Notre Dame, and the collections tell the story of the region from pre-history to the present day. The Vercors was a centre of gallant resistance against the German occupation of France during World War II, and the Museum of Resistance and Deportation provides an account of those times.
Top 3 Must See: Grenoble
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Musée de Grenoble
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Cable car to Bastille Hill
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Vercors Regional Nature Park
For a dramatic sight of the city, it’s worth taking the cable car up to the top of Bastille Hill to explore the fortifications and enjoy panoramic views over Grenoble and beyond. Hiring a car to explore the lakes and mountains in the country around Grenoble in the summer, or to enjoy a day’s skiing in winter, is essential. GoCarRental.com offers the best options and deals for car rental in Grenoble. You should consider planning day trips to Annecy, a beautiful mountain town on the edge of a lake, or to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte, to climb Mont Moucherotte, a popular summer hike for locals. Three Top Attractions Musée de Grenoble Cable car to Bastille Hill Vercors Regional Nature Park
Driving Around Grenoble
The nearest airport to Grenoble is Grenoble-Isere, served by two budget airlines, and 39 miles from the city – otherwise Lyon is the closest international airport, a good two hours away, although a scenic drive. Car rental is available through both airports. From Grenoble Airport the A48 autoroute brings you into the heart of the city, and with its wide boulevards and dual-carriageway roads along the river banks, Grenoble is an easier city to navigate than many in France. Taking the A41 north-east will bring you to Annecy and to the Alps beyond, whilst to the west the A49 skirts the Vercors and leads into the pastoral landscapes of the Drôme and Isére.
