Sightseeing Grenoble, France

Housed in the city's other architectural biggie, Grenoble's Centre National d'Art Contemporain is a must-see. Considered one of Europe's leading centres of contemporary art, it is dramatically placed in Le Magasin, a vast and hugely impressive glass and steel warehouse built by employees of Gustave Eiffel. There are two exhibition areas - a permane ...»

On place Notre Dame, the Italianate Cathédrale Notre Dame and adjoining 13th-century Bishops' Palace – originally home to Grenoble's bishops – form this museum. The rich collection traces local history from prehistory to the 21st century, and takes visitors beneath the cathedral square to a crypt safeguarding old Roman walls and a baptistery dating ...»

Ever wondered who came before the tourists and students? The Musée Dauphinois documents everyday life in the Alps - culture, craft and tradition - and has a fantastic exhibition devoted to the region's surprisingly long skiing history. Set in a beautiful 17th-century convent and nestled at the foot of the hill below Fort de la Bastille, it's worth ...»

Over museums? Don't miss this one. The sleek glass-and-steel Musée de Grenoble houses an exceptional out-of-Paris collection - its modern core is a revelation. A masterful Matisse keeps company with playful 20th-century ground-breakers by the likes of Klee, Chagall and Léger. Surrealists star (Magritte and Miró) and the abstract comes alive (Arp an ...»

Charles Saatchi would be green with envy. A European leader in contemporary art, the recently renovated Centre National d'Art Contemporain has two large exhibition areas - a glass-capped permanent space called 'The Rue' and the flexible 'Galleries'. The whole thing's wrapped in a hugely impressive glass-and-steel shell designed by Gustave Eiffel's ...»

The glass and steel facade of Grenoble's boldest museum occupies an entire block. Also called the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the museum is renowned for its distinguished modern collection, including star pieces by Chagall, Matisse, Canaletto, Monet and Picasso. The classic collection is equally impressive, spanning works from the 13th to 19th century.

Ensconced in a cavernous glass and steel warehouse built by Gustave Eiffel, this is one of Europe's leading centres of contemporary art. A must-see for its architecture alone, the gallery plays host to cutting-edge exhibitions, many designed specifically for the space. Take tram A to Berriat-Le Magasin stop, about 2km west of the town centre.

To get to the fort, hop aboard the riverside Téléphérique Grenoble Bastille. The ascent in egg-shaped pods, which climb 264m from the quay over the swift waters of the River Isère, is almost more fun than the fort itself. Unsurprisingly, it gets crowded in summer - leave early to avoid the worst queues.

Can't make it out of town? Take a break from the cultural circuit and get in touch with nature at the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle. Alpine flora and fauna, a 'carnival of insects' and an aquarium are housed in an imposing neoclassical building overlooking leafy Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden).

This moving Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de l'Isère examines the deportation of Jews and other 'undesirables' from Grenoble to Nazi camps during WWII, and explores the role of the Vercors region in the French Resistance. Captions are in French, English and German.

The Musée Archéologique itself sits on a rich dig. Housed in a 12th-century church, it is atop an early Christian burial site. The highlight of the funerary complex, which dates from the 4th century, is the well-preserved crypt of St Ovand.

This emotive museum examines the deportation of Jews and other 'undesirables' from Grenoble to Nazi camps during WWII in a cool-headed way. It also zooms in on the role of the Vercors region in the French Resistance.