Grenoble (Rhone-Alpes) Pop: 158,000 (405,000 metropolitan)

A former site of the Winter Olympics, Grenoble is also an industrial hub located on the Isere River amidst three ranges of the Alps.

Grenoble Attractions

16th century Bastille fort

Musee de Grenoble (fine arts)

Surrounding alpine region offering hiking, skiing, chasms, grottos, grand panoramic views

Various museums featuring the French Resistance

Palais de Justice (15th century)

University of Grenoble founded in 1339

Cathedral of Notre Dame that dates from the 12th or 13th century

Grande Chartreuse (monastery dating from 1084)