A city in France has been named the best in the world for quality of life. Grenoble beat Canberra, Australia, Bern in Switzerland and Norway’s Bergen to the top spot for wellbeing and residents’ satisfaction, according to a study by Oxford Economics.
The city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France scored full marks of 100 against indicators which include life expectancy, income per capita, culture and internet speed.
This compares to Canberra’s 99.8, Bern on 99.7, Bergen’s 98.5 and Basel, which scored 97.5 for quality of life.
Surrounded by mountains, Grenoble is known as the Capital of the Alps and a hub for winter sports enthusiasts.
Highlights of the city itself include Place Saint André, Place Grenette and Place Claire. Grenoble’s Jardin de Ville park has an Italian air about it while the Saint Laurent district built on the banks of the River Isère is a popular meeting place.
History buffs can head to the Castle of Vizille, home to the Périer family and presidents of the 3rd and 4th French Republics.
Vizille is home to the Museum of the French Revolution, said to be the only venue bringing together as many valuable artefacts from this turbulent period in French history.
Grenoble is also known for its street art, with some 235 wall displays in Grenoble, Fontaine, Le Pont de Claix and Saint-Martin-d’Hères.
The city stages Grenoble Street Art Fest annually in spring, with artists creating new frescoes alongside events, concerts and exhibitions.
An essential stop when visiting Grenoble is the Saint Bruno district, the location of a large market where vendors offer goods ranging from designer gear to fresh produce.
There is a wealth of top restaurants in the city to choose from, with L’Escalier, Vivant, Le Coq Hardi and Chez Marius among the top rated.
La Petite Idée offers traditional and regional French cuisine, including escargots au beurre persillé and magret de canard entier sauce miel et romarin.
Locafé in Rue d’Alembert is another top rated eatery offering vegan and veggie dishes from a couple of set menus.
For accommodation, consider Hôtel Mercure Grenoble Centre Alpotel in Boulevard Maréchal Joffre or slightly pricier Château de la Commanderie.
Hôtel Mercure Grenoble Meylan, Hôtel Le Relais de Sassenage and Brit Hotel Suisse et Bordeaux also come recommended.
EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, Wizz Air, British Airways, BA Euroflyer and Ryanair fly direct from the UK to Grenoble.
The average flight time is one hour and 56 minutes with flights starting from £35, according to Skyscanner.