A Comprehensive Guide about Living in Grenoble

Life in Grenoble

Culture and Leisure

Anyone living in Grenoble will not be short of things to do, and this cultural hotspot is known for its concert halls and theatres. The largest concert hall is the Summum, while Le grand angle and the Salle Olivier Messiaen are other notable venues. Residents can also enjoy plays at Théatre de Grenoble, Théâtre de Création and Théâtre Prémol to name but a few.

As with all French cities, extraordinary markets can be found in Grenoble, often taking place twice a week. The produce on offer is stunning and with stalls also selling prepared food, it is a great day out for the family. In addition to this, another must-see for Grenoble visitors is La Bastille. This fortress can be accessed via the world’s first urban cable car, and offers stunning views across the city. For detailed information on additional activities and monuments it is a good idea to contact your local town mairie, which is essentially the town hall.

Healthcare in Grenoble

Living in Grenoble is a pleasant experience, and the city’s healthcare facilities are no exception. The main hospital is Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, with a capacity of over 2000 beds, while Grenoble is also home to a number of specialist medical units.

Grenoble residents must pay for healthcare, although there is a cap on the amount that general practitioners and specialists can charge. Most general practitioners come under the title conventionnés secteur 1, while this is also the case for just over half of all specialists. Essentially this means that a set fee must be charged and this figure cannot be exceeded.

Expats are advised to take out private medical insurance if they wish to access GPs and specialists at the higher, more expensive, levels. In case of emergency, the numbers to call if you are living in Grenoble are: 18 (fire brigade), 15 (the SAMU, or medical services) and 17 (the police).

Transportation in Grenoble

Transportation is vital in any city, and this is no different for those new to living in Grenoble. Fortunately the city has an extensive transport network, with buses and trams representing the best ways of getting around. In total there are 26 bus routes for residents to choose from, in addition to five tram lines. Another option, and one particularly suited to the flat terrain of Grenoble, is a bicycle.

The regional express train (RET) is a good option for those wanting to visit other areas of Grenoble but who are not keen on taking the bus or cycling. The city is also served by the high speed TGV, which gives residents access to a number of French cities. In terms of airports, the nearest is Grenoble-Isère Airport, while also close by are Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport and Geneva International Airport.