Grenoble
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Where is Grenoble located?
Grenoble is a city in southeastern France, specifically in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It serves as the capital of the Isère département. The city is situated along the Isère River at the foot of Mount Rachais, approximately 702 feet (214 meters) above sea level and southeast of Lyon.
Grenoble is known as a scientific research center, with industries including electronics, chemicals, and food processing. It also has historical sites such as the Palais de Justice and a library containing works of Stendhal.
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What is Grenoble best known for?
Grenoble is known as a leading scientific research center with a series of laboratories. Research in nuclear physics and microelectronics is especially notable. The city is home to the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, and its science park in Meylan is among France's oldest and most successful. Grenoble was the host of the 1968 Winter Olympic Games, which were opened by French President Charles de Gaulle.
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Which mountains surround Grenoble?
Grenoble is situated at the foot of Mount Rachais, along the Isère River. The city is surrounded by the younger, high fold mountains of the French Alps. The Isère divides Grenoble into two parts, with the oldest section nestled between the river and the mountains. Grenoble is known for its stunning natural setting in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
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How has Grenoble contributed to science and technology?
Grenoble is a leading scientific research center with many public and private laboratories, including the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The city is known for research in microelectronics and nuclear physics, which is strongly connected to its universities. Grenoble became an important educational center in the early 20th century, though a university was founded there in 1339. Its science park in Meylan is among France's oldest and most successful. Grenoble prospered as an industrial town in the late 19th century, developing hydroelectric power in the region.
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What role did Grenoble play in the 1968 Winter Olympics?
The 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France, marked the 10th occurrence of the Winter Games. Opened by French President Charles de Gaulle, the Games were a triumph for France. Over 1,100 athletes from 37 countries competed. For the first time, East and West Germany participated as separate teams.
Despite significant investment, Grenoble's infrastructure shortcomings led to events being held in distant locations. This resulted in spectators needing to travel far to view events. The construction of seven Olympic Villages was criticized for diminishing the Games' camaraderie. The Games also faced controversy regarding athletic endorsements, with the IOC initially threatening to ban skiers with advertisements, though an agreement was later reached.
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Grenoble, city, capital of Isère département, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes région, southeastern France (Dauphiné), southeast of Lyon. It lies along the Isère River, 702 feet (214 metres) above sea level, at the foot of Mount Rachais. The Isère divides the city into two unequal parts. The oldest part of the city, cramped between the river and the mountains, lies on the right bank; the major part of the city spreads out into the plain on the left bank. The city once had one of the highest population growth rates in France. Its population multiplied fivefold between 1860 and 1960 and continued to increase throughout the ensuing decade. To deal with the rapid expansion, a vast urban renewal plan was drawn up and largely executed in time for the 1968 Winter Olympic Games, which were held in Grenoble. Growth has since shifted to the outer suburbs.
Grenoble prospered as an industrial town at the end of the 19th century with the development of hydroelectric power in the surrounding region. Today its numerous industries include electronics and electrical equipment, machinery, chemicals, plastics, and food processing. Grenoble, however, is better known as a leading scientific research centre and is the home of a series of laboratories in both the public and private sectors, including the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. Especially notable research in the fields of nuclear physics and microelectronics takes place in Grenoble. These activities are strongly linked to the city’s universities. Although a university was founded there in 1339, Grenoble became an important educational centre only at the beginning of the 20th century. The science park located in Meylan, one of Grenoble’s eastern suburbs, is among the oldest and most successful of such developments in France. The city is also an administrative, business, and commercial centre. Grenoble is served by high-speed train, by highway, and by a small airport at St. Geoirs, roughly 20 miles (30 km) to the northwest.
The fine 15th- and 16th-century Palais de Justice formerly housed the Dauphinois Parliament. The sports stadium and the House of Culture are interesting examples of contemporary French architecture. The library has a rich collection of manuscripts, including most of the works of the novelist Stendhal, who was born there in 1783. The museum, in the same building, is reputed for its gallery of modern paintings.
The present name of the city is derived from Gratianopolis (4th century), given in honour of the Roman emperor Gratian. After being occupied by the Arabs in the 9th century, the town passed into the hands of the counts of Albon. In 1349 it was ceded to France with the rest of the province of Dauphiné. Grenoble suffered during the Wars of Religion, as well as after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. In June 1788 the town successfully rebelled against a royal decree limiting the powers of the local parliament. During World War II the French Resistance movement was particularly active in Grenoble. Pop. (1999) city, 153,317; (2014 est.) city, 160,779; urban area, 510,368.