Lying to the south-east of Lyon, Grenoble is often called the 'Capital of the Alps', and it's a well-deserved title. It offers visitors snow in winter and, thanks to its surrounding mountains, warm summers. It also has not just one, but two, rivers: the Drac and the Isère, which meet to the north-west.

It's a recognised 'City of Art and History' too—a title given by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication—with an array of galleries, museums, historical landmarks and notable street art. There's also a range of cultural and physical activities to keep you entertained wherever your interests lie, along with more than 40 parks and a lively café culture. In the evening, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs in which to while away the evening.

Yet this city is more than a tourist idyll and skiing hotspot. It's also a hub of research, innovation, technology, and business, with a reputation as one of Europe's greenest cities.

It's a city that combines grassroots community organising with policy-level activity, and it's a city that never forgets its greatest assets are the people who live and reside there.

This had led to Grenoble gaining yet another well-deserved title: European Green Capital 2022.

Grenoble's Award-Winning Green Approach

Grenoble beat fellow finalists Turin, Tallinn and Dijon to claim the title, becoming the second French European Green capital (after Nantes in 2013). With the title came a grant of €350,000, but Grenoble elected to enter into a three-year agreement with Grenoble-Alpes Métropole, the departmental council of Isère and the State. This has raised the budget to 7.5 million euros and expanded the Green Capital initiatives into a regional project, so that ecological transformation was as rapid and widespread as possible.

Grenoble and its partners have numerous sustainable initiatives in place and many more planned. However, the European Commission's summary of Grenoble's qualifications for the win particularly highlighted:

• How forward-thinking Grenoble had been, as the first local authority in France to adopt a Climate Plan in 2005. The city also created a Commitment Charter engaging local players and an Observatory to monitor energy use, renewable energy production and GHG emissions.
  
  
• How the city has used the challenges of its high population and geographical constraints to develop exemplary urban regeneration and rehabilitation.
  
  
• The thriving innovation, research and technology sector, which includes renewable energy industries.
  
  
• The city's sustainable achievements and ambitious targets. It has reduced greenhouse gas emissions and is working towards a 50% reduction by 2030—and 75% by 2050. These goals will help it with its boldest ambition of all: carbon neutrality by 2040.

Let's look more closely at Grenoble's ongoing green initiatives and plans.

Grenoble's Success Stories and Ambitions

Tree-Planting

Grenoble has planted more than 5,500 trees since 2014. 1,200 trees have already been planted in 2022, and the goal is to plant another 15,000 before 2030. Through the 'Vegetalize your city/Adopt a tree' scheme, trees are now offered to condominiums, homeowners, businesses and institutions for planting on their own land. 600 trees were made available this year, helping Grenoble become an even greener, healthier city.

The Grenoble-Alpes Métropole Canopy Plan, launched this year, aims to increase the city's shaded surface area to combat heat islands. 35% of the Grenoble area will be covered by urban canopy in 2030, and 40% by 2050. 10 new natural spaces will be created, including 4 new parks.

A Cycle-Friendly City, with France's Largest Low-Emission Zone

Grenoble is the best French city for cycling: it's official. This year, for the third time, Grenoble was rated no.1 for cycling by the Federation of Users of the Bicycle, in the category for cities with over 100,000 inhabitants. It's also France's top city for bicycle commuting. So why is cycling so popular here, and what makes the city such a great place to cycle?

Grenoble does have an advantage: it's the flattest city in France, making cycling easier on the legs! However, its impressive cycling rates have been achieved through incentives, reimbursements, pedestrianisation, and a well-developed network of cycle paths and highways. The city boasts 205 km of cycle paths and over 25 km of 'Chronovélo' highways; these four highways run north to south and east to west, with clear road markings, rest stops and service areas.

There's a robust bike rental system and bike-friendly culture, too. There are over 12,000 bike parking spaces and 13 secure bike parks, and hire of the bright yellow bikes from Mvélo+, the Vity's bike rental company, starts from just €3 a day. A range of bikes, including cargo carriers, electric bikes and folding bikes, are on offer.

Both standard and electric bikes are increasingly used by businesses and delivery services. Associated services and businesses, such as training programmes for city cycling, repair workshops, electric engine retrofitting and cycling accessories, are booming. September saw the first Vélostival, an event organised by Mvélo+ to celebrate all things cycle-related and get citizens on—or back on—their bike!

Another reason Grenoble is cycling-friendly is its LEZ (low-emission zone). After introducing 30 km/h speed limit zones in 2016 as part of its 'Calm City' programme, Grenoble went on to create France's largest Low-Emission Zone in 2019, limiting entry of the most polluting heavy goods vehicles and light commercial vehicles. Restrictions were tightened in 2020 and again in July this year. The city also implemented the 'Coeurs de ville - Coeurs de Métropole' project to reduce road traffic, extend the pedestrian precinct and increase public transport.

Looking Ahead

In 2023, cars classified as Crit'Air 5 will be included in the LEZ ban (diesel from before 2001, petrol from before 1997). In 2024, this will be extended to Crit'Air 4 vehicles (diesel before 2006), with Crit'Air 3 vehicles (diesel before 2011 and petrol before 2006) following in 2025.

By 2030, it's expected that Crit'Air 2 vehicles (diesel from 2011, petrol before 2011) will be banned in anticipation of the probable 2035 European ban on the sale of petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles.

Eco-Friendly Heating, Energy and Fuel

Heating

The metropolitan heat network, the second largest in France after Paris, turned 62 this year. It has constantly evolved to become greener, originally replacing coal stoves and incorporating heat recovery from waste incineration as early as 1972. By 2009, 50% of the heat came from renewable and recovered energy—and that figure now stands at 80%. This is thanks to the Bio Max cogeneration plant, commissioned in 2020 and fuelled solely by wood. There are also small autonomous wood-fired heating networks throughout the city.

Energy and Fuel

Starting this year, Grenoble's local public energy company (GEG) is now able to produce the equivalent of household demand with 100% renewable energy and 0% nuclear power. The city has already been awarded the Cit'Ergie Gold label in 2020, which recognises local authorities that implement an ambitious climate-air-energy policy.

Grenoble is also producing bio-NGV from the methanisation of sludge. A methanisation unit has been in operation at Aquapole, its wastewater treatment plant, since 2016, producing fuel equivalent to the annual gas consumption of 2,500 homes and reducing the sludge that needs to be treated by 52%. Aquapole manages 230,000 m3 of wastewater every day and is now carbon neutral.

Looking Ahead

By 2030, the Metropolitan Heat Network should be using 100% renewable energy and energy recovery. Its connection to Grenoble Chemical Park should also make it possible to recover the heat produced by the installations there.

Grenoble's Metropolitan Local Climate Air and Energy Plan 2019 aims to have reduced energy use by 40% in 2030 and by 50% in 2050.

Building Renovation Grants

In 2009, the Grenoble Alpes Metropolis launched the MurMur campaign to provide financial subsidies for thermal insulation. While it initially targeted condominiums built before the introduction of thermal standards, it was extended to cover all dwellings, businesses and public buildings in 2015.

This year, the Hôtel du Département, the central headquarters of the Isère County Council in the heart of Grenoble, is being renovated, with the goal of reducing its energy consumption by 50%.

Looking Ahead

By 2023, 10,000 homes should have been renovated in this scheme. By 2030, the city aims for 25,000 private flats, 7,000 social housing units, and 9,000 individual houses to have undergone thermal renovation.

Greener Businesses: IntenCity

IntenCity: Schneider Electric's Flagship Building

IntenCity is part of a vast project to reorganise Schneider Electric's real estate footprint in the Grenoble area. The project will see 5,000 employees, previously working at 13 different sites, brought together on four sites to reduce energy consumption and strengthen collaboration.

Completed last year, the IntenCity building has a surface area of 26,000 m² and houses 1,500 employees. This sustainable benchmark building, designed by Groupe-6 Architects, is energy-autonomous. Its energy consumption is just 37 kWh/m²/year (around a tenth of that of comparable buildings), and it can also offset its consumption with local production (4,000 m² of photovoltaic panels on the roof and two wind turbines). Through a unique microgrid partnership, this energy is shared with neighbouring buildings and the city of Grenoble. IntenCity can also monitor and report on energy and carbon KPIs digitally, using connected devices, edge control, and advanced analytics. Its Building Management System uses 60,000 separate data points to balance efficiency, resiliency and comfort.

Social Sustainability: Participatory Democracy

Grenoble values the opinions and input of its citizens, and since 2014, the city has been encouraging more participatory democracy. It's given local bodies increased independence and more opportunities to pass on the questions and opinions of residents to City authorities.

Innovative schemes, known as COP projects, have been developed and bring together residents, charities and agents to discuss the development of public spaces. A Participatory Budget has already funded 45 projects since 2015, including public space mobility, heritage, culture and urban biodiversity schemes. 20-30 projects are put to the vote every year, and the worksites are open to the public.

Looking Ahead

Grenoble-Alpes Métropole has established a Citizens' Climate Convention this year. 150 citizens were chosen to take part by drawing lots, and their proposals were presented to the Metropolitan assembly in October.

The Events and Projects Making Grenoble Even Greener This Year

Tour Perret (Perret Tower)

Between February and May of this year, the Tour Perret was transformed into an air quality beacon, displaying the Atmo air quality index for the next day. Using this landmark to display this information was designed to increase awareness of air quality and the link between pollution and health.

The 'Green Boost' and Green Capital Label

Companies, associations, schools and groups were invited to apply for a 'green boost' to help finance actions or events linked to the 'green capital' and any of the 12 themes. Both appeals had an overwhelming response. 114 projects received financial contributions totalling €590,000, and over 700 events were given the Green Capital label.

The Coup de Pouce Vert Éducation Fund

This special fund of €30,000 euros has been financing 66 projects in schools and colleges to raise young people's awareness of ecological issues and transition challenges. Pupils have made their own compost, contributed to the circular economy, and learned more about Grenoble's natural habitats, Isère's agricultural sector, and ways to combat food waste.

Bivouac at la Bastille

The Bastille is a 19th-century fortress sitting on an eponymous hill on the site of an earlier 14th-century fortress. It's reachable (for those who prefer not to hike or climb!) by France's first urban cable car, built in 1934. The site, at the foothills of the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park, offers visitors amazing history, spectacular 360° views encompassing Mont Blanc and the Southern Alps, and a host of outdoor sports and recreation opportunities.

Between May 2nd to October 2nd, the City, in partnership with the cable car operator Régie du Téléphérique, the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park and ENSAG, the Grenoble School of Architecture, organised Bivouac at la Bastille. 1,600 people, including groups from schools, leisure centres, and social centres, had the special opportunity to experience a night in the open air at this scenic spot while learning more about the environment.

A Boost for Biodiversity

In April, the Scientific Council scheduled a 'Soils and Biodiversity Day' at the Grenoble Museum, highlighting the animal and plant species that live in the soil. The day was also used to launch the Grenoble Alpes Biodiversity Observatory, a participatory project that welcomes contributions from citizens of the Grenoble metropolitan area.

Air Quality Projects

To help citizens understand air quality and the challenges of pollution in a city, the Scientific Council launched:

• a citizen's debate café and an exhibition
  
  
• a theatrical conference (the result of an artists' residency with researchers studying air quality at the Grenoble Institute of Environmental Geosciences)
  
  
• urban walks for visitors who were equipped with fine dust monitors, in collaboration with the independent observatory Atmo Auvergne-Rhône Alpes.

The "Nature en Soi, Nature en Droit" exhibition

This exhibition, hosted at the Museum of the Resistance and Deportation of Isère, looks at a new legal approach inspired by the life and governance principles of the indigenous peoples. It proposes to grant exceptional ecosystems the legal right to exist, regenerate and defend themselves. The exhibition "offers an immersion in the beauty of European ecosystems where these approaches emerge," says the museum.

More Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality

The Grenoble European Green Capital Agency wanted to recognise and encourage the sustainability efforts of the city's accommodation providers, restaurants and shops. To apply for the 'Responsible Host', 'Green Restaurant' or 'Green Commerce' label, these establishments had to commit to a sustainable management action plan and three concrete actions. Businesses whose applications were approved by the Agency were given stickers and trademarks to display.

Grenoble Alpes Tourisme has joined in with the year's green push enthusiastically. Its teams are working towards the ISO 20121 certification for Social and Environmental Responsibility, and this year it's offered:

• new guided bike tours, in partnership with the French Cycling Federation and Mvélo+
  
  
• new guided tours and treasure hunts around Grenoble's sustainable projects, nature sites, parks and cultural highlights
  
  
• the 'Know-How Route', bringing together Grenoble's crafts, agriculture, and heritage.

Tips for Your Trip to Grenoble

Grenoble has a host of outdoor activities to offer, including winter sports, but there's more than enough to occupy you during the summer months too, with beautiful green spaces to explore and numerous historical and cultural attractions to visit. If we've whetted your appetite, here are our tips for your visit.

Getting there

If you're flying, the nearest airport is Grenoble Isère, 35 min from Grenoble—but note that it offers fewer flights in the summer. However, Lyon Saint-Exupéry, with its numerous connections, is only 55 min away, and shuttles run to Grenoble every hour.

For a more sustainable trip, take the train. Paris is only 3 hours away via the regular TGV trains, and there's a service to Lyon every 30 minutes.

Travelling around Grenoble

While the wider metropolitan area is quite large, the city centre is compact and walkable.

Cycle rental and efficient, extensive public transport make trips quick and easy if you don't want to walk. Invest in a Grenoble Alpes Pass—available in 24 hr, 48 hr or 3-day durations—to enjoy free public transport and admission to Grenoble's top attractions, plus discounts on shopping and activities.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation

Eco-friendly places to stay in Grenoble include:

The Hotel Le Néron, Le Fontanil-Cornillon

A 3-star, 40-room hotel with spectacular mountain views, working towards Green Key certification. Solar panels provide 90% of its energy needs.

Hotel PoMo, Echirolles

The 4-star PoMo Hotel is also working towards Green Key certification. It offers 67 rooms, cycle rental, and information on local animal and plant species.

Hotel Okko Grenoble Jardin Hoche, city centre

The Hotel Okko Grenoble Jardin Hoche has applied for Green Key certification. This 4-star contemporary hotel has equipped its 138 rooms with 100% natural bedding and mattresses.

The Hub by Privilodges

The Hüb by Privilodges offers apartments of all sizes and dormitories, just a 3-minute walk from the train station. It uses Smart Building Management to reduce energy consumption.

Campsite Le Buisson, Saint Martin d'Uriage

Le Buisson has been part of the Via Natura association of ecotourism campsites since 2014. The snack bar and breakfast service both offer homemade dishes made from local produce.

La Belle Roche Campsite, Trièves

Offering great mountain views, La Belle Roche offers homemade or locally-produced household products, produce, poultry and beers.

Eco-friendly Eateries

As well as looking out for organic and eco-friendly choices, consider social and cultural sustainability when dining out. Try local and alpine specialities like Raclette (a dish you make at your table with a grill, from cheese, potatoes, meat and vegetables), or fondue. Grenoble is famous for its walnuts; try them whole or as a cream in a pastry! You can also try Chartreuse, a herbal liqueur named after the nearby Grande Chartreuse monastery.

Sustainable eateries include:

Ankka Restaurants

Grenoble's two Ankka restaurants are based in Presqu'Île and Place Grenette. Their 'eco-loyalty' card encourages customers to bring their own cutlery, bag, and reusable container, incentivised by free drinks or desserts.

RadiSelle

RadiSelle also offers a deposit system, reusable dishes and bike deliveries. It has its own garden and organises workshops on home cooking and zero-waste cuisine.

Café Pourpre at the Mercure Grenoble Center Alpotel

This restaurant offers dishes that use predominantly local, seasonal products and many organic ingredients. Food waste is avoided through partnerships with food re-sale apps.

Sustainable Shopping

Looking for a sustainable treat or gift? You'll find plenty of shops to purchase from, including:

Au Temps des Fées

This herbalist store offers food supplements and natural cosmetics made with organic herbs, and organic medicinal plants in bulk.

Tourist Office Boutiques

Grenoble Alpes Tourisme has four gift shops: one at its main office, and others in the information centres at the Bastille, Sappey-en-Chartreuse and Vizille. They're great places to support local producers and crafters, offering local walnuts, Chartreuse liqueur, herbal teas with mountain herbs or Antésite syrup.