Francie, Isere Departement – Grenoble

The heart of Grenoble consists Vieille Ville, the Old Town. There we can find beautiful houses, cobbled streets, and small squares. But where to start? Take Rue Très Cloîtres. On the corner with Place Notre-Dame, there is Musee de l'Ancien Évêché. The museum maps the history of the departament beginning in the Prehistoric Era through the 20th century. The museum is housed in the bishopric palace which itself stand on 3rd century Gallo-Roman wall.

Near from here there stands Notre-Dame cathedral. It was constructed between the 11th and 15th centuries. After that go to Place aux Herbes, a medieval square once the heart of the city. In the present, there are farmers' markets every Tuesday and Sunday.

You love love the writer Stendhal then there is something here for you as well. This representative of realism in literature was born here in Grenoble in 1783. His museum is situated in a house which formerly belonged to his grandfather.

We stick with the museums for a while. Now we visit Musée de Grenoble considered one of the most prestigious in the entire country for it holds impressive art collections. Moreover, it is located in a modern, beautiful building with a park decorated with amazing statues.

Museum's collection is not focused on a single historical period. Quite the contrary. You'll see pieces from the antiquity, medieval era modern times, and 20th century as well. The Italian painting of the 18th century and European 19th century are hold prominent place at the museum. Some of the most famous names you can see here include works by Gauguin, Monet or Ingres.

If you want to visit a place with amazing vista over the city and the mountains, then go to Fort de la Bastille. A cable car can get you up to the fortress. The ride itself is great experience. This massive fortification used to be a prison but today it houses several museums. One of them, for instance, is devoted to modern art, another one to mountaineer regiments.

But there is much more to do at Fort de la Bastille. If you love adrenaline in your life, or mountain climbing you can have such experiences here. Should you prefer more  tranquil activities than go down one of local tourist trails.

GPS: 45°11'55.8"N 5°43'32.8"E

Text: Maxim Kucer

Photos: Wikipedia.org: Matthieu Riegler, Bertrand93, Milky, Milky (2), Milky (3), Simdaperce