Issue No. 19

The best place to start exploring is from the
18th century Bastille which watches over
the city from across the River Isère, 500
metres above. It’s a popular challenge for
runners and you can walk, run or catch the
iconic baubles of the 1920s cable car up to
the top.
The Bastille is the gateway to endless hiking
and mountain trails, but it also has zip lines,
a museum and a café. Most importantly
however, it provides you with a unique
aerial map of the city and a chance to eat at
the Chez le Pèr’Gras restaurant which
quietly presides over the view.
The Bohemian chic of
Championnet
The district of Championnet outside the
historic centre has a village atmosphere and
a touch of bohemia. Here you’ll find clusters
of designers, unusual boutiques, art
galleries and workshops.
Tucked away in the Isère department of the
Auvergne Rhône Alpes region in the south
east of France, Grenoble bustles. It’s got a
cosmopolitan feel but also a sense of calm
probably due to the composed presence of
the Pre-Alpes that completely surround it.
But if you tend to only associate Grenoble
with winter sports, then think again.
Getting your bearings from
above
Although Grenoble has a modern feel, it has
a history that dates back to the Romans
which results in a blend of architecture and
styles.
As you’d expect, the Grenoblois value their
high-quality produce, and local specialities
include the Grenoble walnut, the Chartreuse
liqueur and of course cheese, from the soft
blue Vercors -Sassenage to the nutty Le
Comte.
In Rue de Strausbourg, to the east of the
Hoche district, you’ll find victuallers in
abundance, including cheese specialist
Bernard Mure-Ravaud, a big personality
with a large moustache, a world champion
cheesemonger and voted France’s top
“tradesman” 2007.
He’s one of the driving forces behind the
annual Descent des Alpages in October. It's
an event which celebrates the return of the
local cattle from their summer alpine
grazing. There's a a parade of cows through
the streets of Grenoble and a showcasing of
local produce with hundreds of street stalls
and displays.