What you should know before hiring a car in Grenoble
| Grenoble city centre | ||
| Grenoble-Isere Airport (GNB): 23 mi from city centre | ||
Car hires in Grenoble: practical information
Where to rent a car in Grenoble
Grenoble is the gateway to the Alps and a beautiful stop on your way to a ski or trekking holiday. Need a rent car from Grenoble Airport? Choose from Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise and Sixt in the arrivals lounge.
It’s also possible to rent a car in Grenoble city centre. All the major rental agencies are located in the Europlecomplex which is located underneath the central train station.
Driving in Grenoble: parking and other tips
Grenoble’s streets can be tricky to navigate if it’s your first time visiting. Also, you can waste a lot of your precious Grenoble holiday time in traffic if you’re not careful. Rush hours are between 7-9am and 5-6pm and should be avoided.
In terms of parking, it’s ideal to use one of the city’s “Park and Ride” lots outside the city centre and catch a tram. Otherwise, make sure you book a hotel in Grenoble that offers complimentary parking.
Road trips from Grenoble: what to do, what to see
Maison de la Montagne
There are three mountain ranges within easy reach of Grenoble, perfect for hiking if you arrive on cheap flights to Grenoble in the summertime. Start at the Maison de la Montagne for maps and recommended hikes to suit your fitness level. For shorter walks, make sure you ask for the “Carte des Sentiers Sipavag,” a free city hiking map.
Ski resorts
The nearest ski resort is only a 45 minute drive from Grenoble. The two top stations include Autrans (in the Vercors) and Chamrousse in Belledonne. While there are buses to the resorts, it’s almost always more comfortable to travel by car, then you won’t need to worry about catching the last ride home at the end of your ski day.
Lacs Robert
There’s really nothing better on a hot summer day than a swim in one of the surrounding mountain lakes. Lacs Robert is the perfect choice and is just a two hour hike from Chamrousse. There are several routes available and are suitable for all levels. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery!