Grenoble is the capital of the French Alps. Second France’s most important centre of scientific research and high-tech industry after Paris, Grenoble is known for its great museums, excellent dining, outstanding quality of life and superb public transport system. Host of the 1968 Winter Olympics, the city center is the focal point for a metropolitan area of over 650,000 inhabitants, 60,000 of them students. Surrounded by the mountain ranges of Chartreuse, Vercors and Belledonne, the city lies on the bank of the river Isère. In Grenoble, you can love city life and wildlife at the same time, enjoy winter and summer altogether, mountain hikes and contemporary art exhibitions on a same day, you may strongly support sustainable development and be keen on archaeology, too.