Grenoble is a compact, walkable city set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, so there is plenty to see even in a short visit. Here is a list of some of the most famous sightseeing attractions:

• Place de Bastille – the historic heart of the old town, with its arcades and cafés.
• Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Isle – the city’s main cathedral, right on the main square.
• Musée de Grenoble – one of France’s largest art museums, from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, at musees-grenoble.fr.
• La Bastille – the old town’s narrow streets, arcades and palaces.
• Parc Paul Mistral – a large park in the centre with a lake, a playground and open spaces.
• The “Téléphérique” and the Belvédère viewpoint – a cable car up to a panoramic viewpoint over the city and the Alps.
• The Isère river and its bridges – the river that runs through the middle of the city.
• Musée dauphinois – the history and culture of the Dauphiné region, at musees-grenoble.fr.
• The surrounding mountains and ski slopes – Grenoble is the only city in the world with a ski slope on its very edge, and it sits at the foot of the Alps.

For maps, opening hours and tickets for these sights, the city tourist office is the best starting point.

What to do in Grenoble

• Grenoble city tourist office
• Trip advisor’s top attractions
• Lonely Planet choice of things to do