Grenoble: Spring 2013
A Day in the Life in Grenoble
Wake up. 7:30 a.m. breakfast of bread, fresh yogurt, cheeses and ham with host parents François and Marie. Learn a new French phrase. Hop on tram to school. French professor so funny and sharp. Break for a crêpe and coffee with roommate at Cafè Bayard. Walk downtown. Pop in and out of shops and bookstores. Catch sunset over mountains with friends.
Nestled in the mountains of southern France, Grenoble is one of the best college towns in all of France. The city has a more relaxed atmosphere than Paris and Lyon due to its smaller size. With just over 150,000 people in Grenoble, this is the smallest city that Panrimo offers, but therein lies its charm.
Because of Grenoble’s size, it’s the ideal place to really learn the French language. There aren’t nearly as many tourists as in Paris and Lyon, which places less impetus on the citizens to learn English. It’s a little more difficult to get around without French, encouraging students to put their proficiency to the test (which is always the best way to learn: through experience!) With great professors and a solid curriculum, you’ll be soliloquizing in French in no time.
With buildings downtown from the 1600’s on, mountains on every side, and quaint squares, Grenoble brings French charms you won’t find in another city. And if you really want some respite from the city life, head into the mountains surrounding Grenoble. To the North, you’ll find the Chartreuse Mountain range, while south and west, you’ll find the Vecors range. Don’t forget looking to the East; the Belladonne range looms quietly in the distance.
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