Visiting the city of Grenoble, the capital city of the “département de l’Isère”, I took the opportunity to buy some locally produced groceries at the recommendable marché de l’Estacade and visit “La Bastille”, a series of fortified structures on the hill across the river Isère. For those of you who don’t like walking steep hills or many stairs, there is the excellent and rapid téléphérique system, that was build in 1934 but has since been updated so feel safe and enjoy the view! It takes you straight to the fortress where you can enjoy a glass of Chartreuse whilst enjoying the panoramic view over Grenoble and the Alps.
Typical for larger french cities, the outskirts of the city are lined with large apartment blocks.
A shantytown on the outskirts of the city proves you don’t have to travel far to find the cracks in Europe’s social system.
That’s where there are no mountains.
Nature always finds a way back in.
There are so many markets it’s easy to miss the one you are looking for, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing the local scenery!
Must be this way…
Grenoble is surrounded by mountains, and the Alps have a way of making you wish for snow.
Ah, vive le pain! This one came from Féstival des pains, across from the market.
Delicious and strong garlic.
Try to resist those delicious and typical sausages! Unless you are vegetarian or your belief doesn’t approve eating pig meat, then just keep walking, there is plenty more to choose from.
Those artichokes just beg to be eaten…
Fresh fish for the feisty fishlover.
Rue Nicolas Chorier, where finding an asian restaurant shouldn’t be a problem.
My favourite way to get to La Bastille, start at Quai de France 48, enter the “Jardin des Dauphins” and go up the hill.
So many panoramic views, so many times to pause and enjoy.
Okay, so you prefer to get up there the hard way? No problem, just follow the “Via Ferrata”.
Xavier snaps an action shot of the climbers beneath. http://www.objectif-photos.org/
Of course, couples are welcome.
Children are welcome as well, though they might want to take an adult along, even if it is only to get a better vantage point to see the Alps and the city.
Oh, right, there’s another way to get to the top!
Le Téléphérique de la Bastille. Since 1934 people have been skipping the climb.
And make sure to come back during winter, to get some skiing done!
