France Grenoble

The famous French author Stendhal described his hometown of Grenoble as having “a mountain at the end of every street.” That’s no exaggeration; Grenoble sits at the foot of the French Alps, and the snow-capped peaks of these mountains make a truly stunning backdrop for an already beautiful city. Ride the “bubbles” of Grenoble’s cable cars up to the Bastille for an excellent view of the city and the mountains beyond, including the tallest peak in the French Alps, Mont Blanc. While you’re there, explore the Bastille, a 16th-century fortress standing guard over Grenoble.

Stop in at the Museum of Grenoble to feast your eyes on the works of renowned artists like Matisse, Warhol, and Gaugin. Take a break at Café de la Table Ronde, Grenoble’s oldest cafe, for a shot of Chartreuse. This mysterious herbal liquor is a signature drink in this part of France, and its secret recipe is known only to the mountain-dwelling Carthusian monks.