Car Hire Grenoble

Situated in France’s charming south-east, besieged by a plethora of natural parks and charming villages, Grenoble is a relatively straightforward place to drive around, thanks largely to the easy-to-navigate French road network, which slices through the heart of the city.

All routes are well signposted throughout, making it simple to find your way from A to B. The roads aren’t particularly busy as a general rule, but it can make sense to plan ahead if you’re travelling during peak hours to ensure you allow yourself a little extra time.

Parking within the city is also largely straightforward, with a plethora of options. Choose from the on-street parking for shorter stays or the plentiful underground car parks if you’re planning on exploring for a little bit longer.

Grenoble provides the perfect base for adventure too. From here, you can venture to France’s third largest city, Lyon, to experience out-of-this-world food and history in less than two hours. Head on the A48 north and join the A43. Alternatively, journey from the mountains to the sun-kissed southern coast in around three hours to explore spectacular destinations such as Marseille and Montpellier via the A7, where you can enjoy the calming serenity of the warm sea breeze.

You can also reach the picturesque Chamrousse village at the foot of the mountains in under an hour via the D111, or the mountain pass Col du Lautaret in 90-minutes via the D1091.

In France, driving is on the right-hand side of the road with overtaking on the left. Seatbelts are mandatory, you should always carry your passport and driving licence with you, and use of mobile phones is illegal for drivers – including the use of hands-free headsets and ear-pieces.

Speed limits in France vary, but the majority of motorways – known as ‘autoroutes’ - have an upper limit of 130km/h in fine weather, with highways typically 110km/h, rural roads 80km/h, while in the cities and towns this usually drops to 50km/h. These speed limits also decrease when you’re driving in rain and on wet roads, and you should always check signs for the route that you are on.

Flanked on every side by some of France’s most celebrated natural sights, Grenoble is a delight to explore, whether you’re dipping into the future in a city famed for its hi-tech industry and education, or stepping back in time at its historic sites - and some of the traditional villages dotted across the rural landscape.

Intensely proud of its past, visit Grenoble and take a journey through the centuries, or get away from it all among breath-taking landscapes.

Castles and cable cars

Dwarfing most of the city skyline, standing at 476 metres tall,the fortress Bastille has been the city’s beloved playground for decades. If you’re feeling energetic, take some time to hike to the top, or for those looking for a more serene experience, settle into a cable car and enjoy a more relaxed ascent.

However, you choose to get there, you’ll be blown away once you reach the summit, enjoying panoramic views of the city far below and the countryside stretching as far as the eye can see. Stick around until sunset for the grand finale of the day, when the sky erupts in a vibrant show of red and orange hues.

Outside of Grenoble, you’ll find the quaint village of Vizille around a 30-minute drive away. Here, you’ll find one of the most impressive and important castles in the region, Château de Vizille. Playing an important role in sparking the start of the French Revolution, inside the grand halls you’ll discover a wealth of information and artefacts from the period.

Afterwards, wander the relaxing gardens. Here you can feed the ducks by the tranquil lake, or enjoy a picnic in the peace and quiet while you kick back on the pristine lawns.

Museums galore

Grenoble is home to an impressive roster of museums, each playing its own part in painting a vivid picture of the city’s past.So there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.

The museum of Grenoble is home to an impressive collection of Western art ranging from 13^th-century works to contemporary wonders. Laid out in chronological order, discover masterpieces from some of the western world’s greats, from impressionist painter Claude Monet, to pop art phenomenon Andy Warhol.

Specialising in preserving and presenting the world’s natural heritage, the National History Museum of Grenoble meanwhile perfectly blends science and technology with history and biology to give visitors a unique understanding of the world around us.

With countless rooms to explore, feast your eyes upon intriguing rocks and quartz from the region, relax in the botanical gardens or keep the little ones busy with plenty of activities and games throughout.

Mother nature

When you’re located in such close proximity to the French Alps, it would be a shame not to delve into the great outdoors when you’re in Grenoble.

Just 45-minutes north-east, Parc naturel régional de Chartreuse will appeal to those with a penchant for adventure, with Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse village the perfect starting point. In summer, this lively place is bursting with activities and festivals, then, as the first signs of snow begin to set on the Chartreuse mountains, the village is transformed into a skier’s paradise.

Within the city itself, meanwhile, there’s a wealth of open landscapes, tranquil lakes and intriguing cliffs to discover. For a taste of nature within Grenoble, Paul Mistral Park offers 67-acres of landscape gardens and sporting activities. During the summer months, it also hosts a variety of concerts, festivals and family-friendly events.

With Hertz car hire in Grenoble, you’re free to roam the French mountains at your leisure, as well as dipping into southern France beyond.