Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car, Grenoble (must see)
The Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car, inaugurated in 1934, is one of the world鈥檚 earliest urban cable cars, following the examples set by Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town. Linking the city center of Grenoble to the hilltop Bastille Fortress, this iconic mode of transport has become a symbol of the city鈥檚 innovative spirit and scenic charm. Known for its distinctive spherical cabins鈥攁ffectionately nicknamed 鈥渢he bubbles鈥濃�攖he cable car offers a short but unforgettable aerial journey above the Is猫re River, treating passengers to panoramic views of the rooftops, mountains, and natural landscapes surrounding Grenoble. As of 2024, more than 14 million people have taken the ride, making it a key part of the region鈥檚 tourist heritage.
Architect Jean Benoit designed the original stations, with construction handled by a Franco-German consortium. The lower station was ultimately built on the banks of the Is猫re, near the Jardin de Ville, and was expanded in 1959 to accommodate growing visitor numbers. By the 1970s, the original structure no longer met safety standards, prompting a complete redesign by the local firm Groupe 6. A new, modernized lower station featuring large glass panels and a central engine pillar was inaugurated in 1976, while the upper station was updated to support new mechanical systems, including massive counterweights and improved cable technology. The current cabins, installed by the company Poma, reflect the shift toward sleek, glass-walled designs that maximize visibility during the ascent.
Continuous improvements have made the cable car more accessible and interactive. Since 2005, both the cable car and the Bastille itself have been equipped with elevators for disabled visitors. In 2017, a webcam was added to the upper station鈥檚 roof, capturing 220掳 panoramic shots of the city every 20 minutes and allowing visitors to spot themselves in archived images from the Terrasse des G茅ologues and the Belv茅d猫re Vauban.
Architect Jean Benoit designed the original stations, with construction handled by a Franco-German consortium. The lower station was ultimately built on the banks of the Is猫re, near the Jardin de Ville, and was expanded in 1959 to accommodate growing visitor numbers. By the 1970s, the original structure no longer met safety standards, prompting a complete redesign by the local firm Groupe 6. A new, modernized lower station featuring large glass panels and a central engine pillar was inaugurated in 1976, while the upper station was updated to support new mechanical systems, including massive counterweights and improved cable technology. The current cabins, installed by the company Poma, reflect the shift toward sleek, glass-walled designs that maximize visibility during the ascent.
Continuous improvements have made the cable car more accessible and interactive. Since 2005, both the cable car and the Bastille itself have been equipped with elevators for disabled visitors. In 2017, a webcam was added to the upper station鈥檚 roof, capturing 220掳 panoramic shots of the city every 20 minutes and allowing visitors to spot themselves in archived images from the Terrasse des G茅ologues and the Belv茅d猫re Vauban.
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Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car on Map
Sight Name: Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car
Sight Location: Grenoble, France (See walking tours in Grenoble)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Grenoble, France (See walking tours in Grenoble)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Grenoble, France
Create Your Own Walk in Grenoble
Creating your own self-guided walk in Grenoble is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Grenoble Introduction Walking Tour
Grenoble, nestled at the foot of the French Alps, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and innovation that appeals to a wide range of visitors. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and crisscrossed by rivers, making it a gateway for outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and paragliding. At the same time, its compact center is filled with lively squares, pedestrian... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles