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Jardin des Dauphins: A Green Escape in Grenoble

Discover Grenoble's Jardin des Dauphins: a historic terraced garden with panoramic views, diverse flora, and a tranquil escape on the Bastille slopes.

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The Jardin des Dauphins, a terraced garden on the slopes of the Bastille hill in Grenoble, offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. With diverse botanical species, panoramic city views, and a playground, it's a delightful destination for all ages.

A brief summary to Jardin des Dauphins

  • Monday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the garden involves some walking on inclined paths and stairs.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassy areas while taking in the views of Grenoble.
  • Visit during the spring or summer to see the flowers in full bloom and enjoy the garden's extended opening hours.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Bastille via the GR 9 hiking trail for a full day of exploration.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Grenoble city center, such as Place Grenette, walk north along the Quai de France. The Jardin des Dauphins is located on the right, at the base of the Bastille hill, approximately a 15-20 minute walk. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Grenoble train station, take tram line A or B to the Hubert Dubedout-Maison du Tourisme stop. From there, walk north along Quai de France for about 5 minutes. The entrance to Jardin des Dauphins will be on your right. A single tram ticket costs €1.60 and is valid for one hour.

  • Driving

    From the A480 autoroute, take the Grenoble city center exit. Follow signs for Quai de France. Parking is available along the Esplanade, a short walk from the garden entrance. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €2-3 per hour.

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Discover more about Jardin des Dauphins

The Jardin des Dauphins, originally known as the 'Jardins Dolle,' is a captivating green space nestled on the lower slopes of the Bastille hill in Grenoble. This unique garden, whose name commemorates the former province of France, Dauphiné, offers a blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and recreational opportunities. Developed in the late 19th century by Jean-Baptiste Dolle, the garden features six terraced levels supported by stone walls, staircases, and winding paths across 0.75 hectares. Dolle invested heavily, extracting 4,000 cubic meters of stone and adding 2,000 cartloads of soil to create this elaborate space. After serving briefly as a stone quarry, the city of Grenoble purchased the garden in 1901. In 1909, the Syndicat d'Initiative, with support from local hoteliers, enhanced the garden in its current form. Today, the Jardin des Dauphins functions as a natural museum, home to approximately 30 varieties of alpine, Mediterranean, and even exotic botanical species. A giant sequoia and wild citrus trees stand out among the collection. The garden also attracts diverse bird species, with 81 having been recorded in the area. Thanks to its favorable exposure, Mediterranean plants like pomegranate and banana trees flourish here. Visitors can explore the garden's network of paths, enjoy panoramic views of Grenoble, and discover historical remnants integrated into the landscape. The equestrian statue of Philis de la Charce, a local heroine known as the 'Joan of Arc of Dauphiné,' greets visitors at the entrance. A children's playground provides entertainment for younger visitors. The Jardin des Dauphins also serves as the starting point for the GR 9 hiking trail, offering access to the Bastille and Mont Jalla.

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