Grenoble historic sites

La Casamaures is a mock Oriental palace that was constructed in 1855. It is one of the last examples of orientalist architecture that utilizes moulded cement, a method that was developed in the 19th century. There are two slide shows that show the use of the cement in La Casamaures, as well as other architectural features in Grenoble. Four sundials, created by the Tournesol workshop, are on display here as well.

This fresco covers 100 m² of walls and ceilings in the principal staircase of the Stendhal high-school. It is a sundial with reflexion which functions still perfectly. Using a mirror placed on the window, the sun reflects and gives a luminous task which, while passing on the lines of the ceiling and the walls, indicates the solar hour, the month ant the sign of the zodiac.

Nearly 2000 m² of exhibitions, sheltered in an old industrial building of the Eiffel workshops, are divided into four autonomous spaces (la Rue,les Galeries, la Salle de projets, la cafétéria) and a flexible and experimental programming.

At the foot of the Chartreuse massif lies La Bastille. It was first fortified during the middle ages, and the hill is covered with 19th century fortifications. Europe's first town centre cable car links La Bastille to the city. Visitors can take a ride up and view the impressive Alps scenery, and will learn about the strategic military position served here.

Fort Barraux lies at a key point of the Grésivaudan valley, and throughout it's history has served as both a lookout and a sentry post. After it's military interest waned, it served as a prison, and a variety of famous figures in French history were held here. Today, it is a tourist attraction and a listed historic monument. Visitors can take in the abundant history, as well as the surrounding scenery and impressive architecture.

Once one of the richest and most famed abbeys in the Dauphine region, Abbaye de Saint Chef was constructed during the middle ages. It contains one of the finest series of Romanesque frescos in France, and the Biblical scenes depict the Apocalypse, Heavenly Jerusalem, and more. Walking tours are offered, and guests are taken to see canon's houses and ancient abbey buildings.

Septeme Castle dates back to at least 1066. It had a variety of owners over time, and in 1355 it was returned to the province of Dauphine by the treaty of Paris. This put an end to conflicts between Dauphine and Savoy, whose counts owned the land prior. The Chateau is well preserved, and stands as it did following recontruction in the 15th century. It is surrounded by a coutryard that is adorned with Renaissance arcades and galleries. Guided tours are available.