Discovering Isère (Department 38)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Located in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Isère (Department 38) is one of France's most diverse departments. It combines vibrant cities, world-famous Alpine scenery, fertile valleys, historic market towns and internationally recognised research and technology industries. Home to part of the French Alps, Isère offers everything from world-class skiing and mountain hiking to thriving business opportunities and excellent transport connections.
Living in Isère appeals to a wide variety of people. Retirees enjoy the beautiful countryside and excellent healthcare, outdoor enthusiasts are drawn by the mountains, entrepreneurs benefit from Grenoble's innovation ecosystem, while families appreciate the department's strong education system and quality of life. Whether you're considering moving to Isère, retiring in Isère, buying a second home or starting a business, the department offers a balance between nature, culture and modern living.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes |
Historic name | Dauphiné (most of the department) |
Department number | 38 |
Department capital | Grenoble |
Largest towns | Grenoble, Vienne, Bourgoin-Jallieu, Voiron, Saint-Martin-d'Hères, Échirolles |
Population | Approximately 1.3 million |
Area | 7,431 km² |
Climate | Alpine in the east, continental in valleys, warmer in the Rhône Valley |
Best suited for | Families, professionals, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, entrepreneurs |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, outside major urban areas |
English-speaking community | Moderate, strongest around Grenoble and international businesses |
Lifestyle summary | Active, modern, outdoors-focused with excellent services |
Why Choose Isère?
Lifestyle
Isère offers remarkable diversity. You can enjoy cosmopolitan city life in Grenoble, peaceful villages in the mountains, vineyards overlooking the Rhône Valley or family-friendly towns with excellent amenities.
Residents often combine work with outdoor recreation, making hiking, skiing and cycling part of everyday life rather than occasional holidays.
Community
Grenoble's universities, research centres and international companies create one of France's most international communities. English speakers are easier to find here than in many departments, although learning French remains important for daily life.
Smaller towns and villages maintain strong local traditions and active community organisations.
Scenery
The scenery is among the finest in France.
Highlights include:
Snow-capped Alpine peaks
Deep valleys
Crystal-clear lakes
Vineyards
Nature reserves
Forests
Dramatic mountain roads
River landscapes
The department includes parts of several famous mountain ranges including the Vercors, Chartreuse, Belledonne and Oisans.
Accessibility
Isère enjoys excellent transport links.
Lyon is nearby.
Geneva is within reasonable driving distance.
Fast TGV services connect to Paris.
Grenoble Airport provides seasonal international flights.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport offers worldwide connections.
Food
The local cuisine reflects both mountain traditions and Rhône Valley influences.
Specialities include:
Walnut products
Mountain cheeses
Charcuterie
Fresh trout
Dauphinois potatoes
Local wines
Artisan chocolates
Weekly markets are a major feature of local life.
Culture
Isère blends history with innovation.
You'll find:
Roman heritage in Vienne
Medieval villages
Modern science museums
International festivals
Contemporary art
Historic monasteries
Grenoble is known as one of France's leading centres for science, engineering and technology.
Property
Property choices are extensive.
Options include:
City apartments
Village stone houses
Modern family homes
Mountain chalets
Farmhouses
Luxury ski properties
Prices vary considerably depending on location, with mountain resorts commanding premium prices.
Pace of Life
Life can be as energetic or as relaxed as you choose.
Grenoble offers a fast-paced professional environment, while rural mountain communities remain peaceful and traditional.
Isère Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Excellent healthcare, scenery and activities, though mountain winters may not suit everyone. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Outstanding schools, sports, outdoor opportunities and employment. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Beautiful mountain and countryside properties with year-round appeal. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Grenoble is one of France's strongest technology and innovation hubs. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent broadband in most populated areas with inspiring surroundings. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Hiking, skiing, climbing, cycling and water sports are all exceptional. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Grenoble provides excellent urban living without the scale of Lyon or Paris. |
Popular Places to Live
Grenoble
Description: Dynamic Alpine city combining technology, education and culture.
Ideal for:
Professionals
Families
International residents
Students
Advantages
Excellent transport
Major hospitals
Universities
Strong employment market
Vibrant cultural scene
Things to consider
Higher property prices
Traffic during peak periods
Busy city lifestyle
Vienne
Description: Historic riverside town famous for Roman heritage.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Commuters
Advantages
Beautiful historic centre
Easy access to Lyon
Excellent markets
Cultural events
Things to consider
Busy during festivals
Some commuter traffic
Voiron
Description: Attractive market town near the Chartreuse Mountains.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Outdoor enthusiasts
Advantages
Good shopping
Attractive countryside
Excellent transport
Things to consider
Car useful for surrounding villages
Bourgoin-Jallieu
Description: Growing town between Lyon and Grenoble.
Ideal for
Professionals
Families
Advantages
Affordable housing
Strong transport links
Growing economy
Things to consider
Less character than older towns
Villard-de-Lans
Description: Popular mountain town in the Vercors Regional Natural Park.
Ideal for
Retirees
Second-home buyers
Outdoor lovers
Advantages
Beautiful scenery
Skiing
Hiking
Strong tourism economy
Things to consider
Busy during holiday seasons
Winter weather
L'Alpe d'Huez
Description: Internationally renowned mountain resort.
Ideal for
Holiday home owners
Tourism businesses
Advantages
Excellent ski facilities
Strong rental demand
Year-round activities
Things to consider
Premium property prices
Crémieu
Description: Charming medieval market town.
Ideal for
Retirees
Families
Advantages
Historic atmosphere
Friendly community
Easy access to Lyon
Things to consider
Limited local employment
Cost of Living
Compared with many Alpine regions, Isère offers good overall value, although costs vary significantly depending on location.
Property affordability
Grenoble and popular ski resorts command higher prices, while many smaller towns and villages remain considerably more affordable. Rural properties often offer excellent value compared with other Alpine departments.
Shopping
Supermarkets are widely available, alongside independent food shops and traditional weekly markets. Local produce is excellent and widely available.
Utilities
Heating costs can be higher in mountain areas due to colder winters, particularly in older properties. Modern homes generally offer better energy efficiency.
Eating Out
Restaurants range from affordable cafés to Michelin-starred establishments. Outside tourist resorts, prices are generally reasonable.
General Value for Money
Residents benefit from excellent public services, strong infrastructure and a high quality of life, making Isère good value despite some higher housing costs.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is excellent throughout Isère.
Main hospitals include:
Grenoble Alpes University Hospital (CHU)
Centre Hospitalier de Vienne
Centre Hospitalier Pierre Oudot (Bourgoin-Jallieu)
Centre Hospitalier de Voiron
Healthcare highlights include:
Excellent emergency services
Wide range of specialists
Numerous local medical centres
Well-distributed pharmacies
Good access to dentists and physiotherapists
Mountain villages may have fewer healthcare providers, although larger towns are generally within reasonable travelling distance.
Education
Education is one of Isère's strengths.
Schools include:
Public primary schools
Secondary schools
General and vocational lycées
Higher education is centred around Grenoble, which hosts internationally respected universities and engineering schools.
International education options are available in and around Grenoble, supporting expatriate families.
French language schools are available for adults wishing to improve their integration.
Getting Around
Airports
Grenoble Alpes-Isère Airport
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
Geneva Airport (within reach of northern areas)
Rail
Excellent rail services connect Grenoble, Vienne and Bourgoin-Jallieu with Lyon, Paris and other major cities.
Roads
Motorways provide good access across the department, although mountain roads require care during winter.
Public Transport
Grenoble has one of France's best tram systems alongside buses and regional coach services.
Outside urban areas, public transport becomes more limited.
Is a Car Recommended?
Yes.
Although city residents may manage without one, a car is highly recommended for rural living, mountain communities and exploring the wider department.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Grenoble | Wednesday & Saturday |
Vienne | Saturday |
Voiron | Wednesday & Saturday |
Bourgoin-Jallieu | Wednesday & Saturday |
Crémieu | Wednesday |
Villard-de-Lans | Wednesday |
La Côte-Saint-André | Monday |
Saint-Marcellin | Saturday |
Local Food & Drink
Isère is known for a rich culinary heritage.
Local specialities include:
Gratin Dauphinois
Saint-Marcellin cheese
Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage cheese
Grenoble walnuts (AOP)
Walnut oil
Ravioles
Mountain charcuterie
River trout
Chartreuse liqueur
Rhône Valley wines
Artisan chocolates
Local honey
Things to Do
Historic Sites
Roman monuments in Vienne
Medieval Crémieu
Fort de la Bastille
Historic monasteries
Outdoor Activities
Skiing
Hiking
Mountain biking
Rock climbing
Cycling
Paragliding
White-water sports
Museums
Grenoble Museum
Museum of the French Revolution
Archaeological museums
Science museums
Festivals
Jazz à Vienne
Mountain festivals
Food festivals
Christmas markets
Local village fêtes
Nature
Vercors Regional Natural Park
Chartreuse Regional Natural Park
Écrins National Park (partly within the department)
Lakes
Forests
Alpine wildlife
Family Attractions
Cable cars
Adventure parks
Lakeside recreation
Wildlife parks
Interactive science centres
Winter sports facilities
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
French is essential for everyday life, particularly outside Grenoble. English is more commonly spoken in international business and tourism.
Rural Living
Many villages are peaceful and welcoming but offer fewer services. Planning journeys and shopping becomes part of everyday life.
Internet
High-speed broadband and fibre are widely available in urban areas, with ongoing improvements in rural communities.
Seasonal Tourism
Mountain resorts become very busy during the ski season and school holidays.
Climate
Expect warm summers in the valleys and significantly colder winters in higher elevations. Snowfall is common in mountain areas.
Community Life
Joining local clubs, sports associations and village events is one of the best ways to integrate into French life.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
Find Places to Visit as recommended by readers
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Your next chapter in France could be closer than you think. Explore our Property Hub for homes, holiday properties and opportunities from local property partners across France. Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent move, a place in the sun, an investment or simply somewhere to escape to, go on — have a look. Your French property might be waiting.
Plan Your French Dream
Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
Where Will Your French Story Begin
What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
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