Grenoble City Guide

Local dishes like Gratin Dauphinois and Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage are highlights. You'll find international options and growing vegetarian/vegan choices. Some places stay open late, especially near student areas.

Nightlife centers around the student crowd with lively bars in the city center and St. Louis district. Places like Le Tord Boyaux are popular with digital nomads.

A mix of traditional cafes and third-wave coffee shops. Coffee quality is good and improving.

Service charge usually included in bills. Rounding up or tipping 5-10% for good service is common.

SIM cards are available at phone shops like Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile. ID is needed to activate.

Generally clean streets with regular waste collection and recycling.

Some 24/7 services like emergency medical care and rotating after-hours pharmacies. Late-night food options mostly near nightlife zones.

Supermarkets like Carrefour, Auchan, and Casino offer international and local products. Fresh markets like Marché de l'Estacade sell local produce. Most are open 8:30 AM to 8 PM, closed Sundays.

Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, making it easy to pay without cash.

ATMs are common throughout the city. Some may charge fees for foreign cards.

Public French schools and some international options are available. Most teach primarily in French.

A small but growing digital nomad community with coworking spaces, cafés, and networking events, mostly around the university and city center.

Several large parks and gardens, plus river banks ideal for walks and outdoor activities.

Good running routes along the Isère River and in major parks like Paul Mistral. Some air quality concerns at times.

Multiple gyms and fitness rooms available, including facilities linked to coworking spaces.

Public and club tennis courts are available, as well as growing padel options.

Padel is growing in popularity with some courts around the city.

Several yoga studios and wellness centers offer various styles and often English-speaking teachers.

Facilities for Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, and BJJ exist, some with English-speaking instructors.

Many ski resorts nearby including Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse and Chamrousse, reachable within 20-40 minutes.

Lakes nearby offer windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, especially Monteynard lake.

No surfing access, as Grenoble is inland.

No significant diving areas; limited lake diving possible but rare.

Good public and private healthcare with some English-speaking staff available. Major hospital: Grenoble Alpes University Hospital (CHU La Tronche).

Tap water meets national standards and is safe to drink, though mineral content may affect taste.

Good green spaces, parks, and kid-friendly attractions like the Bastille fortress cable car and museums. Nearby lakes and trails offer outdoor fun.

Welcoming LGBTQ+ scene, especially in St. Louis district. Events and safe spaces are common.

Pet-friendly with many parks for walking and available veterinary services. Accommodations and restaurants increasingly accept pets.