Tags

  • city
  • Dauphiné
  • Grenoble
  • provincial capital
Le Ballet de l'Acier

Grenoble

Located in the Graisivaudan, the valley of the Isère River, Grenoble is the capital of the border province of Dauphiné. Originally established by the Allobroges, the Gauls inhabiting the valley, as Cularo, the town would become the Roman city of Gratianopolis, with its own wall, in the third century and a bishopric in the fourth century. In time Gratianopolis would become Graignovol and later Grennoble.

A part of the Burgundian kingdoms, then later the Holy Roman Empire, Grenoble was the seat of the county of Albon; the counts later adopted the title of dauphin, which they would retain until the province passed to the kings of France in the fourteenth century.

The city was a Huguenot stronghold during the Wars of Religion, but Catholic institutions, under the powerful, tolerant provincial governor, the duc de Lesdiguières, have been re-established in the city.

Grenoble sits at an important crossroads for communication and trade, situated on the route between Paris and the Italian penninsula. The city is home to significant trade in wool. It is also an important legal center, home to the parlement and the chambre des comps for the province as well as a baillage and a municipal court.

Residences

  • Château du duc de Lesdiguières

Churches

Municipal Buildings

Public Places

Inns, Taverns, and Restaurants