Grenoble

France

Things to do in Grenoble:

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Grenoble Restaurants

Affordable (33)

O Callaghan

A stagger from the bar of the same name, the new O Callaghan restaurant is the only place serving British pub grub in Grenoble. Think jacket potatoes with beans and cheese, fresh battered salmon... read more
Fine dining (24)

La Fantin Latour

Inspired by Grenoble's magnificent natural surroundings, chef St�phane Froidevaux brings passion and local produce to his plates at this colourful, contemporary restaurant, set in a former museum... read more

Grenoble Nightlife

Chilled (26)

Druid's Pub

With regular live music and several Irish draught ales on tap, it's no wonder that this small but perfectly formed pub gets the moniker "best Irish bar in Grenoble" from its loyal fans. read more
Clubbing (31)

George V - L'Absolu

From the disco, dance and Eighties sounds of L'Absolu to the electro-house and karaoke, singles and cabaret nights of the gay-friendly George V, this double club keeps Grenoble partying until 5:30am. read more

This Month in Grenoble:

By Anya Pope

Shopping: Whether you're mad for marmalade, craving custard creams or hankering after a hat for St Patrick's Day, Grenoble's "Irish Shop" will keep you stocked in outre-manche goodies (Le Comptoir Irlandais, 1 Rue Jean-Fran�ois Hach�, 04 7601 0151).

Key areas: Attitude meets altitude this month as ski resort Alpe d'Huez is transformed into a wild, colourful hub for gay and lesbian winter sports event European Gay Ski Week (24-31 March, Alpe d'Huez, europeangayskiweek.com).

Grenoble News & Gossip

Early Skiing

It's the start of the European ski season and early birds will soon be winging it to the slopes. Here, ski-holiday expert Alf Alderson suggests the ideal early-snow trips for families, adrenaline junkies and party animals.

FOR FAMILY FUN...

Les Arcs, France
The snow Part of Paradiski, one of the biggest ski resort complexes in the Alps, Les Arcs is high enough to be snow-sure early on and has great facilities for kids.
The scene While the young ones are occupied, parents will find a massive selection of pistes for all abilities, from wide-open intermediate cruisers to challenging off-piste terrain, especially in the high-altitude Aiguille Rouge area.
The stay Grand Paradiso (Village de Charmettoger, Les Arcs 1800; tel: +33
(0)4 7907 6500, grandhotelparadiso.com) is a good, child-friendly option.
Getting there Les Arcs is accessed easily from Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble.

FOR OFF-PISTE ACTION...

Val Thorens, France
The snow Val Thorens, part of the massive Three Valleys ski domain, is a top choice for the fluff y stuff , since it's the highest resort in Europe.
The scene The combination of high altitude and masses of terrain makes this resort a great bet for any keen off-pister. Ease yourself in with the gentle slopes off the Pierre Lory pass, then hire a guide to find hidden havens.
The stay Val Chavi�re Hotel (Rue de la Lombarde, Val Thorens, tel: +33 (0)4 7900 0033, hotel-valthorens.com) is a top ski in/ski out choice.
Getting there Val Thorens is accessed easily from Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble.

FOR APR�S ADVENTURES...

Verbier, Switzerland
The snow Verbier's early skiing is as renowned as its nightlife, with its Mont Fort Glacier, 3,330m above sea level, attracting an international crowd.
The scene For anyone making the most of Verbier, sleep is the last thing on the menu. Hit the slopes hard all day, before heading out to rub shoulders with Richard Branson, David Beckham and the like at ice-cool Coco night club.
The stay Three-star Hotel Farinet (Place Centrale, Verbier, tel: +41 (0)27 771 6626, hotelfarinet.com) is great for the ski-hard, play-hard contingent.
Getting there Verbier is accessed easily from Geneva.

Grenoble Trivia

March: The caving headlamp was invented in Grenoble by Joseph Petzl.
February: The Grenoblois are a lovin' lot - France's first ever family planning centre opened in the city in 1961.
January: Grenoble is home to one of the world's best cheesemongers, Bernard Mure-Ravaud, who won the 2007 International Caseus Award (les-alpages.fr).