We were in Grenoble a few months ago, where it was a starting off point for a skiing holiday. I imagine it's a more popular spot during the winter than in the summer because there are so many ski areas in the surrounding area.

In the city itself, the only attraction I recall is the cable car that takes you from downtown to the top of a mountain that overlooks the city. We also went to a nice little history museum near downtown. Beyond that, I don't really know of any attractions. It's pleasant enough, but not somewhere I'd go out of my way to visit. (As for hotels, we stayed at an Ibis a 15 minute walk from the rail station. Modern and comofrtable but with no "character". I've stayed at many Ibises and have never been disappointed.)

Instead of Grenoble, might I recommend Annecy to you. It's a beautiful town north of Genoble and close to the Swiss border and Geneva. There's a stunning lake with mountains on one side, and it has an old town that is a pleasant place to stroll through. Smaller than Grenoble, but to my mind a more enjoyable and interesting place to visit.

Bons voyages! Evan in Paris

Mod's note from Linda: Travelogue on Annecy: http://www.thetravelzine.com/40-40-annecy.htm