If you've never hired a car in the French city of Grenoble, you're missing out. Grenoble car rental opens up myriad travel possibilities that are usually the sole preserve of pretty postcards and glossy advertising billboards. Probably most famous as a skiing destination, there's no denying that Grenoble is an excellent place for winter sports during the peak season. There's more to life to life in Grenoble than skiing however. If you visit outside of the winter, you'll find a beautiful city that offers cultural and sporting attractions in equal measures. The following is a guide to the best ways to spend your time in Grenoble, whether you're looking for an active outdoor break or you're just curious to explore the history and heritage of the city.

Grenoble Airport Mini-guide:

Grenoble Airport is situated 45km from the city of Grenoble. The airport is served by a number of international airlines including major carriers such as British Airways and budget airlines including Ryanair and easyJet. The airport offers a range of services and facilities to passengers including: duty-free shops-for those last minute luxury purchases, cafés, bars and restaurants.

Things To See/Do in Grenoble:

The petite French city of Grenoble is situated close to the French Alps, in the Rhone-Alpes region. The city's enveloping alpine location lends itself to a range of sporting activities including: hiking and climbing in summer months and skiing and snowboarding in winter at the nearby resorts of Val d'Isere and Tignes. Fishing is another popular activity in the mountain lakes, but thrifty travellers should be aware that fishing here requires a fee. The city of Grenoble also offers plenty of low cost, highbrow cultural attractions including: Mussée Dauphinois, which houses free exhibits covering fascinating aspests of local Dauphiné history and Mussée De L'Ancien Eveche where underground ancient Roman walls can be admired. The city is also the birthplace of writer Stendhal and tours of his house can be arranged locally. Those who decide to hire a car can take advantage of pretty views over the whole city from Moucherotte Mountain.

Eating Out/Nightlife/Accommodation in Grenoble:

Grenoble is home to two universities meaning that eating out in the city is guaranteed to be cheap. Local specialities worth sampling include fondue, herring pâté and of course, the region's famous walnuts. Authentic local eateries include: au Petit Paris, Le Guéridon at rue Irvoy and La Taverne at bd Mar lyautay.

Grenoble has a lively nightlife, which centres on bars, pubs and nightclubs, The city's best after dark haunts include: L'Arkange, on rue St-Laurent, Le Vertigo at Grand-Rue and Dotty Night at rte de Lyon.

Grenoble offers something for everyone in terms of accommodation. Those looking for five-star luxury will find it at Hotel Bastille, located at Ave Felix Viallet and Hotel Grand Hotel, situated at rue Republique. Thrifty travellers can also rest easy at the range of low cost hotels and budget hostels located around the city. Kyriad Grenoble Eybens at Avenue Jeans Jaures offers cheap lodgings, as does Alizé at Rue Amiral Courbet.