How to choose your neighborhood in Grenoble ?

21 December 2022

As the third largest metropolitan area in the Rhône-Alpes region and the capital of the Isère department, Grenoble is a city that is attracting more and more French and international visitors. They come to enjoy the quality of life in Grenoble, mainly to study.

The EM Grenoble is one of the most prestigious business schools in France. If you are also coming to study here, make sure to live in a nearby neighborhood such as Chorier-Berriat, which is quiet and residential. You could also choose to live in the city center. Very well served by public transportation, going from one end of Grenoble and its metropolitan area to the other will be child’s play.

Grenoble is recognized as the greenest city in France. Full of charm, it is focused on the environment, with ecology being its watchword, as evidenced by the actions put in place. A multitude of infrastructures have been developed, and bike lanes have sprouted like mushrooms, crossing the city from one side to the other.

If you are one of those who love nature, you won’t be able to do without it and you will even think about joining the mountains with it! Because yes, Grenoble is surrounded by mountains. The city even hosted the Winter Olympics in 1968. These unique and preserved places make all its beauty.

All these reasons have made the real estate market in Grenoble see its prices rise to nearly a 9% increase over the course of 2022. It has therefore become difficult, for real estate agencies and individuals, to invest, sell and buy in the Grenoble sector. Since renting has become a very popular mode of accommodation, it has become difficult to rent in the Grenoble metropolitan area. This is how a new lifestyle has emerged: coliving. The solution to live sustainably in the most beautiful neighborhoods of Grenoble.

Grenoble’s best districts

Grenoble has a little over twenty neighborhoods, each as unique as the other. When you arrive in a city that you don’t yet know, it’s hard to find the neighborhood and area that suits you. That’s why, here’s a selection of our 5 favorite neighborhoods in Grenoble:

Europole - Grenoble’s business district

Europole is the quintessential mixed district. High-end housing and recent offices coexist to make it one of the most popular neighborhoods for a well-off target audience. If you are an intern, a student in a work-study program, or a young professional, you may work in Europole.

The district is home to major landmarks like the new Grenoble Courthouse. If you work in commerce, you may work at the World Trade Center, a huge building where the Grenoble Chamber of Commerce and Industry is located. The Grenoble School of Management and Commerce is also based in this district. It’s a boon if you’re in a work-study program or internship because several major company headquarters are located there.

The residential part, on the other hand, is located north of the new Courthouse. Modern and recent, many of these buildings have a breathtaking view of the Isère River. It’s a striking contrast to the dynamism of the business center. In the greenest city in France, you’ll find a gigantic bicycle parking lot, perfect for incorporating sport into your daily routine.

Chorier-Berriat - The most sought-after district

Located in the west side of Grenoble and south of the Europole district, the Chorier-Berriat district, also known as “Berriat-Saint-Bruno”, appeals to all types of profiles, from families to students. Whether you are a young professional or a recent graduate, you’ll find your happiness there.

Popular and bobo, this former working-class neighborhood has the luxury of being adjacent to the city center and hosting a rich student life. It has several advantages, notably being close to all sources of attractions, whether for work or outings. It also has all the amenities nearby as well as a prime location near transportation, such as the tramway and Grenoble train station. A quiet and warm neighborhood, it’s one of the most sought-after in the Grenoble metropolitan area, and the prices of its living spaces are relatively high.

A dynamic neighborhood highly prized by students, who find a certain serenity there, it’s no wonder that we chose to install our rooms for rent in beautiful co-living apartments at affordable prices. If you choose to live in the Chorier-Berriat neighborhood, you won’t regret it.

Saint-Laurent - The italian district

Are you looking for a change of scenery while staying in Grenoble? Then we invite you to discover this great neighborhood. With its village-like feel, it’s also nicknamed “Little Corato” after the Italian town of the same name where the majority of the inhabitants are said to be from, the center of this district sets the tone. This out-of-time neighborhood is located at the foot of the military Fort de la Bastille.

If you walk along the river, the neighborhood’s Italian past will resurface. From colorful facades and buildings, its pleasant alleyways with a multitude of pizzerias, immediate departure for a flight to Corato. These pizzerias are known to be the tastiest in France, so will you be tempted?

The specifics of Saint-Laurent don’t stop there: the smallest neighborhood in Grenoble, it’s also the only neighborhood located on the right bank of the Isère River. To get there, you’ll have plenty of choices: bus, tramway, bicycle, and even train. If your friends or family come to visit, this neighborhood is a must!

Hyper Centre - The heart of Grenoble

Located in the north of Grenoble, the hyper-center is one of the most frequented places. Access to the city center is very easy, with all public transportation leading to the heart of Grenoble. It has multiple mini-neighborhoods, such as Championnet or Notre-Dame, all very pleasant to live in.

By day and by night, the district is articulated around multiple squares, including the famous Place Victor Hugo, around which you will find stores, drop-in centers and other places to go out. Lung of the city, you will be fascinated by the architecture of its Haussmannian buildings full of charm, which run along the boulevards. Redeveloped since 2017, the pedestrian streets are a great place for Grenoble residents looking for peace and quiet. If you like to enjoy life, you’re in the right place.

The downtown area is full of all the attractions you can dream of. It is also the cultural heart of Grenoble. Theaters, concert halls, museums and art places are concentrated there. You will be able to find what you are looking for! If you choose to live there, you should know that there are very few apartments for rent. Indeed, the demand is rare and the few spaces and rents available are very expensive, but the quality of life is incomparable.

In order for you to fully enjoy it, we recommend that you move to one of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Notre-Dame - The history of Grenoble

Our last but not least favorite district is attributed to … the Notre-Dame one! Nestled in the place of the old historical center of Grenoble, Notre-Dame has kept its own charm. If you like places full of history, this is the right district for you. It is overflowing with old buildings and historical monuments such as the fountain of the three orders which commemorates a pre-revolutionary event of 1788, or Stendhal house.

Listed as a historical monument, this house has since been converted into a museum dedicated to the writer who lived there for some time. The Notre-Dame district is home to many lively squares that are the pride of its inhabitants. The Place Saint-André is even home to one of the oldest cafés in Grenoble and in France: La Table ronde.

You will be able to sit there and follow in the footsteps of many French philosophers and writers, such as Antoine Renard, composer of “Le Temps des Cerises”, Stendhal or Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Grenoble is a city in the making. It has many upcoming projects, such as the rehabilitation of the Presqu’Île district.

Living in Grenoble to work

A land of technology, the capital of the Alps attracts many entrepreneurs and young workers in search of new experiences. Several digital, nanotechnology and scientific clusters have set up their headquarters here, including Hewlett-Packard, Schneider Electric, and France Telecom’s Research and Development team. Grenoble and its metropolis are home to some of the most important national and international research centers, such as the CNRS, INRA and IRAM.

Chemistry and pharmaceutical experts also have their place in Grenoble. As an ecological and nature-oriented city, it was essential for it to host a center dedicated to the energetic transition and renewable energies.

So what are you waiting for to move to Grenoble and continue your adventure?

Living in Grenoble to study

Before being an employment area, Grenoble is known for the quality of its higher education. In fact, it is ranked among the top cities for studying. Each year, Grenoble welcomes nearly 65,000 French and foreign students to follow one of the 600 programs offered by the University of Grenoble campus.

Others come to Grenoble to study at the Grenoble School of Management (EM Grenoble) or at the School of Architecture, two of the most renowned French institutions.

Studying in Grenoble is a privilege for you because the city is ranked as one of the top 5 most innovative cities in the country. Accessible by all means of transport, you have no excuse not to join the team of students living in Grenoble!

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