This past month, I took a week-long trip to visit my best friend in Grenoble, France, and it was one of my favorite places that I have had the opportunity to explore. If you are interested in traveling to the south of France, stick around as I share the highs, lows, and all the pertinent details of my experience.
Travel
Readers, buckle in because the journey to get to France was nothing short of heart attack-inducing. As a first-time solo-flyer, I was a little nervous about trekking across the world all alone, but after successfully arriving at SFO on time and boarding my first flight with no problems, my confidence was soaring. This is when all hell broke loose. I had a short, one-hour layover in Montreal, Canada, which would have been perfect if I had been let off the plane at the planned time. Instead, trapped in the middle seat, I sat helplessly as our plane idled on the runway for 45 minutes. As soon as the flight crew let us off the plane, I sprinted through the airport like Usain Bolt himself and miraculously made it to my connecting flight as they were announcing final boarding.
After finally making it to France, I was relieved and hopped on a FlixBus from Lyon to Grenoble (about 15 euros for the ticket and an hour duration). However, just as my sense of peace was being restored, I glanced at my phone, which was at 10% (classic Camille). Frantically, I attempted to write down all the correct directions in my notebook, but my phone conveniently died before I could finish. After getting off the bus, I was able to find a boutique and communicate with the owner through a combination of exasperated hand signals and broken French that I needed to charge my phone.
Eventually, I reunited with my dear friend, and the madness was over. All this to say, I would recommend choosing a flight with at least a two-hour layover if you ever fly with Air Canada. Throughout the rest of my time in France, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the public transportation was to navigate, especially with the assistance of Google Maps (not to be confused with Apple Maps, which is basically useless in Europe). By the end of the trip, I felt like a seasoned pro at using the tram and I was able to get back to the airport with ease.
Accommodations
For most of the trip, I lodged in my friend’s apartment on the outskirts of Grenoble, so I do not have local recommendations there. However, we took a two-night trip to Aix-en-Provence while I was there and stayed in an Airbnb, which was the perfect size for two people. The Airbnb was a studio apartment with a small kitchen, TV, couch area, and a queen-sized bed. We were on the second floor, and the apartment was complete with two beautiful open-air windows that looked down on the square below. On the Airbnb website, it was listed as “Studio Centre Aix 3 min from Cours Mirabeau” with a 4.58-star rating. The total cost was $220 for two nights, and it was located within walking distance of the main shopping streets and restaurants. I would definitely recommend this stay to someone who is looking for an affordable and safe place to lodge.
Aix-en-Provence
As I previously mentioned, my friend and I took a short trip to Aix-en-Provence during my time in France. It was a 4-hour bus ride, which we booked through BlaBlaBus, and cost around 25 euros per person. Even before arriving in Aix, I was already in awe of the beautiful landscapes that we passed along the way. The autumn season in France is absolutely breathtaking. Through the bus window, we caught glimpses of the dreamy, storybook-like French countryside, magnificent mountainscapes, and amber colored trees.
Aix itself was a magical city. It had streets lined with boulangeries (aka cafes filled with heavenly pastries), shopping boutiques, and restaurants. I was in love with the gorgeous fountains that were sprinkled throughout the cobblestone streets. The city felt lively and full of life, yet not overly touristy, a rare balance I appreciated. My friend and I dined at Italian restaurants both nights, but there were options for a variety of cuisines, including classic French restaurants. Overall, I enjoyed our short stay in Aix-en-Provence and would definitely recommend this travel destination to people who are looking for a vibrant French city that doesn’t feel like a tourist trap.
Grenoble
This city is where my friend is currently working and living so it was exciting to get a glimpse into her life abroad and to delve into her routines. One of the first things that we did upon my arrival to the city was meet her friends at a karaoke bar called Rocky Pop. Rocky Pop was especially enjoyable because you could reserve a private karaoke room, which saved me from the public humiliation ritual of singing in front of a bunch of strangers.
Throughout the rest of my time there, we visited several coffee shops and brunch places, but also enjoyed making food in her apartment, from stews, sandwiches, to raclette, which was my personal favorite. For those who are unfamiliar, raclette is a French-Swiss tradition involving pouring melted cheese over a variety of appetizers. It was my first time having raclette, and I was obsessed!
Another day, we took a day trip to Château de Vizille, which is a 30-minute bus ride from Grenoble. I was conveniently able to use my tram pass for the bus, and the entry to the castle was free. If you are looking for something inexpensive yet beautiful to see, this is the place for you. The castle was surrounded by manicured gardens and an animal reserve on the property. There was a beautiful river and a walking path surrounded by fall colored trees. The view from the castle was incredible as you were able to see the snow-topped mountains and all the gardens below. Inside, the art museum showcased fascinating relics and paintings from the French Revolution era. Between the mountain views, history, and peaceful atmosphere, it was one of the most underrated spots I visited.
Grenoble itself is a wonderful town located directly next to the Chartreuse, Vercors, and Belledonne mountain ranges. There are historical bridges, churches, and various other charming landmarks throughout the town, but also modern shopping areas and restaurants. This made for a very inviting environment while still providing access to modern amenities and new spaces. Grenoble is also the home of the University of Grenoble Alps (UGA), which creates a a young and lively feel.
Final Thoughts
My trip to France was one for the books, and I am so grateful I got to explore an area that may be less popular than classic destinations like Paris, but equally as beautiful and memorable. If you are interested in traveling to France, I urge you to consider booking a trip to the Southeast of the country and immersing yourself in the local magic that makes France so special.