Grenoble, France 🇫🇷
#342
45.18756, 5.735781
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Grenoble is known as the 'Capital of the Alps,' nestled between stunning mountain ranges. |
👥 Population | Approximately 160,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD, widely accepted forms of payment include credit/debit cards. |
🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks for expats include BNP Paribas, HSBC, and Société Générale. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to local rentals via SeLoger. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property rental services are prevalent. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Popular hostels include Le Lodge and HI Grenoble. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive and La Cordée are top-rated coworking spaces. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de l'Isle and Le Café des Arts offer great work environments. |
💼 Networking Events | Meetup events are frequently held via platforms like Meetup.com. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Grenoble Expats Facebook group offers networking and social events. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Grenoble. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike-sharing service Vélo'V is available. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Paladru, about 30 mins away by car. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air France operates flights from Grenoble Alpes-Isère Airport. |
✈️ Top International Airline | EasyJet and Ryanair offer international routes. |
🛣️ Highway Access | A48 connects Grenoble to Lyon and further regions. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gare de Grenoble is the main transit hub. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for tram and bus services can be purchased. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Grenoble to nearby cities like Lyon and Chambery. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | CHU Grenoble Alpes is the main hospital. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Rive Gauche is a popular choice. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and L'Orange Bleue are available for fitness. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laveo is a recommended laundromat. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Deliveroo offer food delivery services. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rösti is a local favorite, a potato dish influenced by Swiss cuisine. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Greenhouse and L'Atelier du Goût are notable spots. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Puyricard is famous for its pastries. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Les Halles Sainte-Claire market offers fresh produce. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.fr and Cdiscount are popular choices. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Simply Market offers grocery delivery options. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue des Bons Enfants has a vibrant nightlife scene. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Bourgeoisie offers tours and tastings. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Le Grange offers a great selection of wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks are often located near the Bastille. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurateurs serving Thai and Indian cuisine are well-reviewed. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Bastille and Grenoble Museum are must-visit spots. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musée de Grenoble showcases a vast art collection. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Cathedral of Notre-Dame provides architectural beauty. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Saint-Laurent Arch is remarkable for its history. |
🎉 Annual Events | Grenoble Jazz Festival is a highlight of the cultural calendar. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the Old Town for charming streets and local shops. |
🎭 Theater Venues | La MC2 is an important performance venue. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Marché des Halles is vibrant and filled with local goods. |
🎼 Music Scene | The Club de la Belle Electrique hosts various music events. |
🎨 Street Art | Street art flourishes in the Berriat street area. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | La Cuisine de Cécile offers popular cooking workshops. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | L'appartement 44 showcases contemporary art. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | See the Palais des Sports for its architectural significance. |
🏴 Local Heritage | The local festival, Fête des Tuiles, celebrates Grenoble's history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Chartreuse National Park is ideal for hiking and nature walks. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Vercors Regional Natural Park is accessible for outdoor activities. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Isère River’s banks provide scenic paths for cycling. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Bastille offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Grenoble are great for observing wildlife. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Vercors National Park allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Colissimo and DHL have services in the area. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | See Geek Garage for tech repairs. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Diverse tables at the Grenoble Sports Center. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | L'Institut Linguistique offers French classes for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bibliothèque Municipale is a quiet space for reading and studying. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Les Halles offers events and cultural activities. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Esports gaming centers like Arena eSport are available. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino d'Uriage is a popular location for gaming. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €144,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €280,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €216,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 26.5% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation applies. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
🧾 VAT | 20% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7.5% standard rate. |