An array of intriguing and unusual sculptures complement the landscape gardens of the Parc Paul Mistral. The park is a cultural beacon in leafy Grenoble. It contains a sports stadium, a music venue and the city hall. Attend one of the concerts and festivals that take place here year round.
Gaze up at Perret Tower, which stands tall above the canopy of the park’s trees. Reaching a height of 312 feet (95 meters), it is the last remaining relic from the International Exhibition of Hydropower and Tourism that was held here in 1925. At night, admire its illuminated appearance. The structure was once an observation tower, but is no longer accessible.
Arrange a picnic to enjoy in the shelter of the dense woodland on the park’s western side. You can also sunbathe on a well-kept patch of grass or relax with a book on a bench.
Let your kids participate in the water games organized in summer. To get around the park in style, children can hop on the little train or go rollerblading and cycling. Join joggers on the stony paths linking the grassy areas.
Making up a scenic backdrop beyond the sculptures and tower are Grenoble’s rugged mountains. Snap photos of these dominant rock formations with a foreground of colorful flowers. The park is free and open at all times.
Attend a rugby or soccer game at Alpes Stadium. Indoor ice hockey is played at the adjacent Palais des Sports, which has a modern design with a vaulted roof.
Parc Paul Mistral is a little southeast of the Place Victor Hugo that marks the center of Grenoble. Walk to the park from the central district in about 15 minutes or take the tram to the Hôtel de Ville station. While in the area, make sure to stop at the Museum of Natural History, the Place Jean Moulin and the Parc des Berges de l’Isère.
