For a crisp autumn day in October we traded city life in Lyon for a quick adventure to Grenoble. The train ride was smooth and scenic, whisking us through the Rhône‑Alps countryside in just over an hour.
Arriving at Grenoble’s station, we strolled straight into the old town. Cobblestone streets and pastel‑colored buildings created a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
We wandered through narrow lanes lined with cafés and boutiques. The Cathedral Notre‑Dame and the Place aux Herbes gave us a sense of Grenoble’s medieval roots.
A stop at a local bakery for fresh croissants and coffee fueled us for the rest of the day. The smell of butter and pastry wafting through the square was irresistible.
After exploring the town’s markets and quiet plazas, we made our way to the foot of the famous Grenoble-Bastille cable cars—locally known as the “bubbles.”
The spherical gondolas carried us up the steep hillside to the Bastille fortifications. As we ascended, the panorama of the city unfolded beneath us, framed by mountains glowing in the October sunshine.
At the top we explored the 19th‑century fortress, which once guarded the strategic entrance to the city. Walking along the ramparts offered incredible views of the Isère River and the surrounding peaks of the Vercors and Chartreuse ranges.
We took a short hike beyond the fort to find even more viewpoints and enjoy the crisp mountain air. The fall foliage added splashes of red and gold to the landscape.
Back at the summit complex, we paused for lunch on a terrace overlooking Grenoble. A simple meal of charcuterie, cheese and crusty bread tasted perfect with the view.
After soaking in the scenery, we boarded the gondolas back down to the city. The descent was just as breathtaking, giving us one last chance to see Grenoble nestled between the mountains.
We spent the late afternoon strolling along the banks of the Isère, watching locals cycle and families enjoy the sunshine. The riverfront pathways are lined with poplar trees that were just beginning to turn yellow.
Before catching our train home, we explored a few more corners of the old town, including hidden courtyards and art galleries. Grenoble has a lively cultural scene that we’d love to return to someday.
As the sun began to set, we boarded our train back to Lyon. Watching the countryside blur past while reminiscing about our day, we agreed that the perfect weather and mix of urban and mountain experiences made this trip unforgettable.
Grenoble may be close to Lyon, but it offers a completely different vibe—a university town with an outdoor spirit and spectacular natural setting. We’ll definitely be back to explore more of its trails, museums and cafés.
