Living in Grenoble: a handbook for

newcomers

- Table of contents FOREWORD

1 Settling down in Grenoble .............................................................................................p5
1.1 Volunteer and public organizations
1.2 Professional networking
1.3 Coaching/counseling (English speaking)
1.4 Other useful links

2 Getting there and around ..............................................................................................p8

2.1 Buses, tramways and coaches
2.2 Trains
2.3 Flights
2.4 The green option
2.5 Taxis
2.6 Car hire
2.7 Driving in France
3 Practical information................................................................................................... p11
3.1 Coming to France
3.2 Opening a bank account
3.3 Healthcare
3.4 Services and information provided by the mairies
3.5 The French post office (La Poste)
3.6 Taxes in France
4 Accomodation............................................................................................................. p14
4.1 Temporary accommodation
4.2 Renting your accommodation
2

4.3 Buying your accommodation

4.4 Public utilities /services
5 Education and childcare .............................................................................................. p18
5.1 General information on schooling in France
5.2 Pre-elementary and primary schools
5.3 Secondary education
5.4 Higher education in Grenoble
5.5 Local education authority
5.6 Child minding
5.7 Family allowances
6 Leisure and cultural activities ...................................................................................... p23
6.1 Museums
6.2 Concert halls
6.3 Libraries and bookshops
6.4 Cinemas
7 Practicing sports.......................................................................................................... p25
7.1 Practicing sports in Grenoble
7.2 Sports arenas
7.3 Mountain activities
7.4 Water activities
7.5 Sports clubs and associations
8 Student life ................................................................................................................. p27

Welcome to Grenoble
Capital of the French Alps, Grenoble owes its development and success to its unique geographical
location at the junction of three valleys leading, respectively, to Switzerland, Italy and the Rhone
valley. The city is surrounded by three mountain ranges - Belledonne, the Chartreuse and the Vercors
- with summits reaching between 2000 and 3000 m, which is why the author Stendhal famously said
of the city that there is a mountain at the end of every street.

Grenoble, a city of many talents

At the heart of the city, an historic centre which bears witness to a rich and
prestigious past dating back more than 2000 years a city with a diverse
cultural offering : museums, concert venues and theatres, jazz, music and
theatre festivals

Unique surroundings,
which make Grenoble
and its region a
playground for all kinds
of sports - from water
sports and hiking to rock
climbing and skiing - all
year round

A tradition of innovation which began in the 18th century with glove-making, intensified in the
following century with the discovery of hydroelectricity (or white coal), and has continued since
the 1950s with the development of scientific research activities and the establishment in
Grenoble of leading-edge industries
A considerable reputation as a university city thanks to the scope and quality of its higher
education and research institutions, which attract many students from around the world.

1. Settling down in Grenoble

1.1 Volunteer and public organizations
To help you settle down in Grenoble, several volunteer or public organizations were set up in the
Grenoble area to welcome you and your family and help you adapt to the French way of life.
They will be able to assist you with matters related to your daily life in Grenoble, give you practical
information and advice about e.g. accommodation, healthcare, schools, social life, and other
activities for spouses and children.
We suggest that you contact them as soon as you arrive, for you and your family to meet other
newcomers as well as people who are already settled in the Grenoble area.

AVF Accueil
AVF stands for Accueil des Villes Franaises . They are non-profit organizations, run on a voluntary
basis and respecting a national charter, to welcome newcomers (French or foreign) to French towns
and cities. They aim at helping newcomers integrate into a new cultural environment.
AVF Meylan and AVF Grenoble are part of the same group (AVF) but they offer different types of
activities and services. For further information, please go to their web site or contact them directly.

Grenoble AVF Accueil

9, rue de la Poste
38000 GRENOBLE
Tel : 04 76 47 54 61
http://reseau.avf.asso.fr/space/avfgrenoble

Meylan AVF Accueil

Gymnase des Ayguinards
Rue le Poulet
38240 MEYLAN
Tel : 06 89 11 08 17
http://reseau.avf.asso.fr/space/avfmeylan

You can also visit the website: www.avf.asso.fr (in French and English)
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The Alliance Franaise of Grenoble

The Alliance Franaise of Grenoble was created in 1967. Its principal mission is to welcome
foreigners and help them settle in the Grenoble area, whether they have come to continue their
studies or for professional reasons. This organisation welcomes you all year long and offers the
following services:
A personalised welcome
A wide range of French classes: intensive, specialised (phonetics, business, scientific, tourism,
litterature...) as well as conversation classes in French
Cultural activities
Numerous outings and visits...
Alliance Franaise de Grenoble
7 rue Elise Chtin
38100 Grenoble
Tl/Fax +33 (0)4 76 56 25 84
[email protected]
http://www.alliancefr-grenoble.org/index.php

Open House
Open House was originally founded in 1987 to support the growing English-speaking population in
Grenoble and the surrounding area.
The primary goal of Open House is to welcome English-speaking newcomers to the area and to
support them as they transition to a French way of life.
Open House also aims to provide its membership with opportunities for social interactions amongst
members and with the greater Grenoble community with fosters an exchange of ideas, information,
and best practices for living in France.
To its members, Open House can be described in two simple words: fun and helpful.
At Open House the fun continues year-round with holiday parties, picnics, children's play groups and
activities, social mixers, and sporting events. Members of Open House can learn and benefit from:
helpful tips provided on its online message board, weekly news bulletins, forums for advertisements
and announcements, and by attending networking events, classes, and lectures.
Most people find that the best feature of Open House is the diversity of its members. The
membership of Open House includes families and single people; men and women; young and old.
Members represent 27 different countries, so not all members speak English as a first language.
However, the one common factor about Open House Members is that they all want to be engaged
with the world and to make the most out of life while living in this beautiful region of France whether
they are here for a short time or a lifetime."
Open House
Centre de Loisirs Enfance et Famille (CLEF)
Villa Viallet, 53 boulevard Gambetta
38000 GRENOBLE
www.openhousegrenoble.org
E-mail: [email protected]
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La Maison de l'International de Grenoble (MIG)

La Maison de l'International of Grenoble is an organization belonging to the City of Grenoble.
The MIG is a resource centre that fulfils the following missions:
- To welcome foreigners and guide newcomers through administrative formalities.
- To provide information about international associations settled in Grenoble, consulates, language
classes, etc.
- To organize conferences and exhibitions of international interest in link with the partnerships of the
City.
In addition, MIG offers a large selection of international press.
MIG is working in close cooperation with local, regional and state services and institutions as well as
consular offices, universities and economic stakeholders.

Maison de lInternational
Htel de Lesdiguires
Parvis des Droits de l'Homme
1, rue Hector Berlioz
38000 Grenoble
Tel. +33 (0)4 76 00 76 80
(Monday to Friday 9am - 6.00pm, closed between 12.30pm and 1.30pm)
http://www.grenoble.fr/international

Sweet Home Grenoble

For new-comers who want to discover the Grenoble area in an enjoyable and friendly manner (or for
the not so new who wish to know it better) while meeting French people as well as people from
many other nationalities.
Sweet Home Grenoble takes newcomers by the hand as soon as they arrive in France to help them
discover the French, their culture and habits, and the riches of the Dauphin.
They help the non-French overcome the language barrier and make all kinds of friends (all their
activities are in French and in English).
www.sweethomegrenoble.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Contacts: Marine: 06.73.90.39.90 or Sophie: 06.88.74.91.93

1.2 Professional networking

Working Womens Network of Grenoble (WWNG) - networking association for English speaking
professional women, living or working in the Grenoble area.

1.3 Coaching/counseling (English speaking)

Active Adaptation Counseling: Trudi Penkler - English language counseling services, especially for
families in transition. International coach and trainer.
SOS Help: listening service in English, from 3pm to 11pm daily.
Elizabeth Stone Matho: psychoanalyst, art therapy in English or French. Tel: 04.76.54.03.12. E-mail:
[email protected]

1.4 Other useful links

For your information, here is a list of specialist web sites in English for expatriates:
Life in Grenoble/Isre:
http://www.grenoblelife.com/ - blog about life in Grenoble, great variety of topics and information
classified ads
http://www.frenchentree.com/france-rhone-alpes/ - guide to property and life in France
Anglo-Info French Alps - for practical information
Wikipedia- Grenoble general information about Grenoble in English

2 Getting there and around

2.1 Buses, tramways and coaches
Buses and tramways
Grenoble has an extensive network of buses and trams reaching out into the suburban area. The bus
lines 30 and 34 and tramline B allow you to reach most of GIANTs organizations (ESRF, EMBL, CEA,
GEM, ILL).
Tickets must be used in buses and trams. They are valid for one hour from
the start of your journey. You can change buses or trams, but you may not
use the same ticket to make a round trip.
You must punch your ticket before getting onto the tram or once in the bus.
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Punching machines are located at tram stops.

You can buy a single ticket or a batch of ten (carnet) from:
most tobacconists,
vending machines at each tram stop,
bus drivers, but only one ticket at a time.

The network is managed by Transports de lAgglomration Grenobloise (TAG). For more information
or enquiries, please have a look at: www.semitag.com or call 04 76 20 66 66.
Coaches
A network of intercity coaches serves the rest of Isre (called
Transisre), connecting Grenoble to most of Iseres other cities
(Crolles, Voiron, Villefontaine ...).
For more information go to www.transisere.fr or contact 0820 08 38 38

2.2 Trains
The Grenoble area and the rest of the Isre are well served by railways. The TGV (high speed train)
connects Grenoble to major cities in France.
Grenoble's train station is located in the town centre, a five minute drive from
GIANT site or you can use the bus lines 30 and 34.
To reach other towns in the suburbs of Grenoble (St Egrve, Echirolles, Gires)
or other cities such as Chambry, Voiron, Lyon..., you can hop on the TER
(Regional Express Train) which runs several times a day.
Various types of reduced fares are available, depending on when you travel, whether you are
traveling with children, etc.
For more information:
Regional network: www.ter-sncf.com
National and international network: www.voyages-sncf.com

2.3 Flights
Three international airports are within easy access:
Grenoble St-Geoirs airport is located approximately forty minutes away from Grenoble with a
shuttle service from the train/coach station; the airport serves daily flights to various European
cities (London, Dublin, Rome, Warsaw...)

Lyon-Saint-Exupry international airport is approximately one hour away with a shuttle service
from Grenoble train/coach station
Genve-Cointrin international airport, in Switzerland, is a two-hour drive from Grenoble and can
also be reached by train and shuttle service.

2.4 The green option

Grenoble town hall and its suburbs committee (known as LA METRO) wish to
encourage other forms of transportation such as cycling. They have developed bicycle
paths and rental services (with lock and helmet included).
For more information, click on www.metrovelo.fr/metro-velo-uk.php or call 0 820 22
38 38.

2.5 Taxis
There are plenty of taxis available for travelling in and around Grenoble. For all enquiries and
bookings, click on pages jaunes.

2.6 Car hire

Vehicles are available for rental for various periods from a few hours to several weeks. You will find a
full range of rental services in the yellow pages, under Location dautomobiles.

2.7 Driving in France

All vehicle owners in France must be in possession of a valid driving license, the vehicle registration
document (known as the 'carte grise') and a certificate of motor insurance.
Driving license (permis de conduire)
To know if your driving licence is valid in France, please contact the Prfecture.
Vehicle registration (carte grise)
The carte grise is a document proving that your vehicle is registered. It is issued by the dealer if you
buy a new car or by the Prfecture if you import your vehicle.
For more details, check: http://www.isere.pref.gouv.fr .
Please note that you should always have your valid driving licence, carte grise and insurance
certificate with you when driving a car.

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Car insurance
If you own a vehicle, you must at least have third party insurance (tiers collision), which will cover
you against any damage that you may cause to others.
You can, of course, choose to have comprehensive cover if you wish (assurance tous risques).
You should ask your former insurance company to provide you with an insurance certificate, which
states how long you have been insured, the level of bonus obtained in your country of residence (if
applicable) and when you last had an accident or made a claim. This may enable you to benefit from
a price reduction on your motor insurance policy in France.

3 Practical information
3.1 Coming to France
To come and live in France you must have a valid passport. In addition, all non-European nationals
wishing to settle in France must obtain a long-stay visa (visa long sjour).
Obtaining a visa
Before travelling to France, you should obtain a visa from the nearest French Consulate in the
country where you are currently living.
Citizens of EU member states, Switzerland, Andorra, Liechtenstein and Monaco only need a valid
identity card or passport.
Obtaining a resident permit (Carte de sjour)
Once in France, you can apply for a resident permit within 3 months if you are non EU national or if
you are Romanian or Bulgarian (this rule should change in 2011).
If you are staying less than 3 months, there is no need for a resident permit.
For information about documents and process, please contact your employer directly or look on the
government local authority's website (La Prfecture).
Please note that there is a specific process for scientists called "convention d'accueil" - please contact
your employer.

3.2 Opening a bank account

Banks are usually open 08.30 5.00pm, from Monday to Friday, but this can vary depending on the
bank and even the specific branch; only a few banks are open on Saturday mornings. Some branches
also closed for lunch.
To open an account, you need to provide the bank with:
11

your passport or identity card,

proof of residence or electricity bill,
residence permit (if applicable)
a proof of employment from your employer
You will then be given a Relev dIdentit Bancaire (R.I.B.), which is a statement of your bank details.
Please be aware that most banks charge you a small monthly fee for on-line account management.

3.3 Healthcare
This chapter contains general information about healthcare in France. We recommend that you
contact the Human Resources Service of your employer for more specific information.
Reference web sites:
Ameli.fr : French social security web site
fnak.fr : web site of the Kastler foundation, information about health insurance in French and
English

Doctors
Family doctor
You must choose your regular doctor ('mdecin traitant') and notify the CPAM of your area of
residence.
You will need to consult this physician first for any health-related problem; he will redirect you to a
specialist if necessary. Should you omit to follow this procedure, the reimbursement of the
consultation will be cut down. However it is not mandatory to see your 'mdecin traitant' before
consulting gynecologists, dentists, psychiatrists, ophthalmologists, and for children under 16.
Doctors fees
In France, 85% of general practitioners and 63% of specialists are conventionns secteur 1. This
means that they will charge you a regular standard price and are not allowed to exceed this official
amount. The CPAM reimburses 70% of this rate, minus the franchise mdicale, a one-euro
contribution that is not reimbursed.
Doctors that are conventionns secteur 2 set their own fees, which must be displayed in their
waiting-room.
Doctors who are 'non-conventionns' also set their own fees but the social security (CPAM: Caisse
Primaire dAssurance Maladie) hardly reimburses anything.
Pediatric services (PMI)
The PMI ('service de Protection Maternelle et Infantile') is a pediatric service dedicated to pregnant
women and babies/children aged under 6 years. Its mission is to promote children and parents'
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health by providing medical assistance, information and regular checkups (including vaccinations for
children).
Each service has a pediatrician and a nurse available for consultation. They can also provide
assistance at home to women with newly born babies.
Most of the services are free.
For more information and the list of PMI in the Grenoble area: click here.
Emergency treatment
For emergency medical care, you may call SOS mdecin at the following number: 08 20 33 24 24 or
call the Htel de Police or local 'commissariat' for the list of doctors on duty (mdecins de garde).
The list is printed in the Saturday issue of the local newspapers and generally posted on the noticeboards outside the local town hall (mairie).
The list of chemists (pharmacies) open in the evening, at weekends and during bank holidays is
available on the Grenoble townhall web site.
In case of EMERGENCY, you can also contact:
The fire brigade
Dial 18
The SAMU
Dial 15
(Service d'Aide Mdicale Urgente - emergency medical service)
The Police
Dial 17
A comprehensive list of emergency numbers is available here.
The emergency (casualty) department of Grenoble hospital is at:
L'Hpital Nord - CHU
Bd de la Chantourne
38700 LA TRONCHE
Tel: 04 76 76 75 75

3.4 Services and information provided by the mairies

Your towns mairie (city/town hall) represents the French government locally and can provide useful
information on different topics. You can contact them for the following:
Legal formalities (passport, ID card, marriage, birth and death certificate, driving licence,
elections ...)
Rules and regulations on town and country planning (if you wish to make an extension to your
house for instance)
Information on local activities and events (clubs, sport, culture, tourism, ...)
Social amenities (village hall, gymnasium, waste reception centre, ...)
Information about schools, childminders, etc.
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3.5 The French Post Office (La Poste)

You will find information in English about the services of La Poste on http://www.laposte.com/en
You can also open a bank account at La Poste as La Banque Postale now provides banking and
insurance products and services for private individuals and companies in France.

3.6 Taxes in France

Income Tax ('impt sur le revenu')

Anybody considered to be resident in France is subject to the same obligations as French citizens. It is
your responsibility as a resident to declare your annual revenue. You can get information about
taxes on: www.impots.gouv.fr .
Other taxes
Council and property taxes:
the taxe d'habitation - council tax paid to the local authorities and charged on anyone living in
an apartment or a house (renting or owning) on 1st January of the current year
the taxe foncire - property tax paid by home owners.
The amount of tax due depends on the type and size of dwelling and its geographical position.
Television license:
Every owner of a television set must pay an annual TV licence fee, called redevance. You will
receive this tax invoice at the same time as the council tax (taxe d'habitation).
Please note that when you leave France, you must have proof that all taxes due have been paid.

4 Accomodation
4.1 Temporary accommodation
Always contact your employer first as he may have special agreements with various residences:
Tempologis is hosting employees and vistors for short stays in Grenoble. It is advised to reserve
for a minimum of one month.
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Other residences offering similar services:

Hi-Park Residence in Europole (special GIANT discount)
Residence les Citadines
Privilodges
CityZenBooking
Hotels: to obtain a list of hotels in Grenoble, contact the Office du Tourisme.
The ESRF guesthouse (EPN Campus) is dedicated to short-stay researchers (family members are not
allowed).

4.2 Renting your accomodation

General principles
Accommodation costs depend on which area you are looking at, the age of the building etc... Unlike
other countries, the area in square metres is often used to describe accommodation in France (e.g.
25 m2 for a studio, 100 m2 for a house).
Generally, the rent does not include service charges (which vary considerably depending on the
service provided), the taxe d'habitation (council tax which approximately equals a month's rent),
heating, electricity or water. You will be asked for an employer's certificate and your last 3 salary
statements to justify your revenues. A rental agreement is generally signed for 3 years for an
unfurnished lodging. Upon signature, you will have to pay a safety deposit equivalent to one month's
rent plus another month's rent in advance.
Warning: you should not dedicate more than 30% of your salary to your rent (after deduction of
income taxes).
Contact the Personnel Service of your Institute which may be able to give you offers of properties to
rent and put you in touch with a relocation company which will help you with your search.
Finding accommodation
Classified and web ads
Look at the advertisements on the notice board at the various restaurants (ESRF, H2...) of the
Polygone Scientifique.
You can also consult the web sites of local newspapers such as : Paru vendu , le Dauphin, or
specialized websites such as Abonim Immobilier , Se Loger, Particulier Particulier , etc.

Estate agents offers: FNAIM 38

15

If you use the services of an estate agent, you will need to go through the same procedure as with
the lease (as stated above), but you will also have to pay the estate agents fee which will be
approximately one months rent.
Many landlords and some estate agencies will ask you to pay a deposit so as to reserve the
accommodation. You should insist on having a lease drawn up and signed before you make any
payment.
Most Estate Agents will insist for a French person to act as your guarantor for payment. The
Institutes can usually not act as guarantors.

Flat-sharing
Flat sharing: look on the following websites: paruvendu, appartager.com, e-coloaction,
recherchecolocation.com, annonceetudiant.com, etc.
Beware of possible scams, never send money in advance from abroad!
Inventory (tat des lieux)
An inventory (tat des lieux) will generally be carried out before you move into your new
accommodation and before you leave. Be very cautious: write down any problem or malfunctioning
on the ingoing inventory, or else the fixing expenses may be deducted from your returnable security
deposit. You may draw the agency's attention to any malfunctions during the first two weeks after
your arrival.
Remember that this procedure will be in French, so if your ability to speak and understand French is
limited, ask somebody to help you.
Should you wish to leave before the end of the lease, you must give your landlord or estate agency a
notice of departure. This notice must be sent by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt
(lettre recommande avec accus de reception) at least three months before leaving the
accommodation. The notice period can be reduced for special circumstances such as becoming
unemployed or if your work location changes (a certificate is then required).
Before leaving the accommodation, a reading of the water, gas and electricity meters must be
performed. You should collect your security deposit (usually refunded within 2 months) and give your
new address and telephone number to your landlord (this is a legal obligation).
Service charges (charges locatives)
They cover common expenses linked to the maintenance of the building and the gardens (if there are
any around the building), the cleaning of the stairs, the garbage collection, the housekeeper (if there
is one), etc.
They are to be paid every month with the rent. Heating and water are sometimes included in the
service charges.

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Home insurance policy (assurance habitation)

As a tenant (locataire) you must take out a minimum amount of insurance to cover damage to the
property (at least fire and water damage). You must show the certificate upon receipt of the keys.
It is also possible to cover your personal belongings up to a certain amount, which you should define
with your insurer. It is advisable, in case of a claim, to have photographs of your valuables and goods,
or at least receipts for them.
Your insurance should include civil liability (responsabilit civile), which covers you against any
damage you or your family may cause to other people. The easiest way to be covered is to include it
in your home insurance.

4.3 Buying your accomodation

When buying a house or apartment, you should consider additional expenses to the purchase price
of the property: estate agent's fee (as 99% of properties are sold through estate agents), notary fees
and taxes, which can easily amount to at least 10% of the purchase price.
The process of buying a house may not be the same in France as in your home country. Find out as
much as you can beforehand so that you know what to expect. For example, a British buyer will be
surprised that a structural survey is rarely, if ever, carried out. As a general rule, you should never
assume that the process would be the same in France as in your country.
In general, buying property is done in 2 stages:
pre-sale agreement ( compromis de vente )
sale agreement ( acte de vente ).
The appointment with a solicitor (notaire) in order to get some information is free of charge.
Property loans are available through banks and other credit organizations; the conditions will have to
be examined and negotiated with them.

4.4 Public utilities / services

Electricity / Gas
You will need to have to provide the following information to the Electricity/Gas providers: name and
address of the former tenant, number and floor of the flat.
You can choose your electricity / natural gas providers. You will find more information on this topic
on the following website: Energie-info.fr/.
Keep your electricity/gas bills; you will almost certainly need them to prove your place of residence.
It is a good idea to have your partner named on the bill as well as proof of residence (when
requesting a residence permit, for example).
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Water
The cold water service is billed annually and calculated according to the reading of your water meter.
There are several water companies providing water in the Grenoble area. You can ask the estate
agent or your landlord or the town hall of your place of residence for the name of the water
company that provides water for your area.
In Grenoble: socit des eaux de Grenoble : http://www.reg-grenoble.fr/

Telephone / Internet
The installation of your telephone will normally be done without too much delay. You can either
purchase or rent your telephone appliance.
For an internet provider, you can go to their websites Orange; Free ; Neuf SFR ... Orange normally
provides a better coverage and debit if you live outside a town.
France Telecom is the historical operator. You can call them by dialing 1014.
The main mobile phone providers are: Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Virgin Mobile,
Television
If you import your television set, you should be aware that in France we use the SECAM system,
which is not compatible with the standard PAL used in other European countries. For more
information, contact a retailer.

5 Education and childcare

5.1 General information on schooling in France
In France, school is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 16. However, most children start school
when they reach the age of 2 or 3.
The school system in France is as follows:
From 3 to 6:
From 6 - 11:

Pre-elementary school (maternelle)

Primary school (cole primaire also called cole lmentaire)

Age 6 7
Age 7 8
Age 8 9

cours prparatoire (CP)

cours lmentaire - 1st year (CE1)
cours lmentaire - 2nd year (CE2)
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Age 9 10
Age 10 11
From 11 to 17 or 18:

cours moyen 1st year (CM1)

cours moyen 2nd year (CM2)
secondary education (collge: 4 years + lyce: 3 years).

Collge:

Age 11 12
Age 12 13
Age 13 14
Age 14 15

6 me
5 me
4 me
3 me

Lyce:

Age 15 16
Age 16 17
Age 17 18

Seconde
Premire
Terminale

Although children may attend either a free, state school or a fee-paying private school (fees vary
from one school to another), the curriculum is defined at national level and is the same in all schools.
Click here for the List of schools (nursery, primary, secondary) in the Grenoble district.
In pre-elementary and primary schools, pupils have 24 hours of class per week (Mon, Tues, Thurs and
Fri), usually from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. All schools are closed on
Wednesdays (all day).
In some schools a child-minding service (garderie) is available before and after official school hours
and most schools serve meals for the children at lunchtime (cantine).
Registration for cantine and garderie is necessary at the beginning of the school year and should
be done at the town hall (Mairie) of your place of residence. In some schools, the canteen is reserved
for children whose parents both work.
French schools calendar
In France, the school year runs from beginning of September until beginning of July. Click here for
detailed information about schools holidays in France.
Vaccinations
All schools in France require that children have received the compulsory vaccinations. For details, you
can ask the Head teacher of the school or any doctor or paediatrician. You can also enquire by
contacting your local PMI (Service de Protection Maternelle et Infantile) See the Healthcare
section in the Practical Information chapter of this handbook.
School insurance
Children must also have school insurance.
This school insurance is usually included in your comprehensive household insurance policy. This
insurance is necessary when children take part in activities organized by the school, such as trips, etc.
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It will be requested at the beginning of the school year and you should ask your insurance company
to provide you with a certificate of your childs coverage.
Schooling in Grenoble area
Click here for the List of schools (nursery, primary, secondary) in the Grenoble district.

5.2 Pre-elementary and primary schools

Pre-elementary schools (cole maternelle)
For detailed information and to register your child, please contact your local town hall.
Primary schools (cole lmentaire)
There are primary schools in each district of Grenoble and in most villages. See your local town hall.
Primary schools with international sections
In Grenoble, four primary schools have international sections (Ecole primaire section
Internationale):
Ecole Houille Blanche: has English and German sections for children aged from 6 to 11
Ecole Bizanet: has a Spanish section
Ecole Jean Jaurs: has an Italian section
Ecole Joseph Vallier: has Portuguese and Arabic sections.
To register in either one of these schools, it is advisable to arrange a meeting with the Headmaster.

5.3 Secondary education

Secondary education in France is divided into two cycles: the first four years at a collge and the last
three years at a lyce. Collges provide general education, which is identical for all pupils, except
foreign languages.
There are different types of lyces: some lyces provide general and/or technical education,
preparing pupils for the baccalaurat, which is necessary to carry on to higher education ; other
lyces provide a shorter and professional/practical education, leading to CAP (certificat d'aptitude
professionnelle) or BEP (brevet d'enseignement professionnel).
In order to find out the collge or lyce in which your child may be registered, contact the
"Inspection Acadmique".

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Secondary schools with international sections: Cit Scolaire Interantionale (CSI)

The Cit Scolaire Internationale Europole is part of the new international school complex
(Cit Scolaire Internationale or CSI) located in the Europole business district of Grenoble. The
college and lyce are attended by pupils from the sixime class through to terminale, with
classes divided into six International Sections: English, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic and
Portuguese. For more details, please see the Cit Scolaire Internationale web site.
The American School of Grenoble
The CSI complex also holds the American School of Grenoble (college and lyce) which is
designed for pupils who wish to receive an American education, such as American children
who will return to the United States once their parents' contract in Grenoble is finished. For
more information, please see the American School of Grenoble website.

5.4 Higher education in Grenoble

There are multiple higher education institutions in Grenoble: universities, business or engineering
schools...
For information concerning higher education, visit the Grenoble regional education authority web
site, Acadmie de Grenoble, for information about universities. Alternatively, follow the link to the
French Ministry of Education website to find out about "Grandes Ecoles".

5.5 Local education authority

Whom to contact in the Isre:
Inspection Acadmique Division des lves
Cit Administrative Rue Joseph Chanrion
38000 GRENOBLE.
The local education authority has appointed somebody to be the contact for non-French parents who
wish to have information regarding schooling in France: Mme BROUILLAC - Room 204 - 2nd floor Tel: 04 76 74 79 48 (Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 12.00 pm and from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm).

5.6 Child-minding
Different options are possible depending on whether you need child-minding regularly or
occasionally, part time or full time, and whether you prefer a crche or a public facility or a
nurse/child minder, at her home or at your home:
Halte-Garderie (occasional and part time child-minding) - Crche (regular child-minding)
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Children can be looked after in such institutions between the age of 3 months and 3 years and the
cost per hour varies according to the parents income.
Contrary to the halte-garderie, both parents must work in order to have their child accepted in a
crche. For more information, contact the nearest town hall (mairie).
Be aware that for many crches, the waiting lists can be long so the sooner your register the better!
There are two different types of crches:
The crches collectives: this is a crche that provides regular day care to children whose
parents work.
The crches parentales: this is a crche run by a group of parents who take part in the
provision of child care at the crche, with the assistance of qualified staff.
You may ask for further information at the Caisse dAllocations Familiales and for a list of crches
near you at your local town-hall.
Assistantes maternelles
An Assistante Maternelle is a certified child minder who looks after one or more children in her own
home and is employed directly by the parents.
Assistantes Maternelles can look after children from 2,5 months old
Some assistantes maternelles can also look after your children in your own home. In that case, the
cost per hour is normally higher. However this solution can be worth considering if you have several
very young children to be looked after.
For more information (list of Assistantes Maternelles in your area, cost, contract, financial help, etc.),
contact your local town hall or the Relais Assistantes Maternelles near you.
Baby-sitting
If you need a baby sitter, you can consult the ads in the local newspapers/newsletters or in the shops
near you or contact the CROUS (offers jobs for students):
CROUS (Centre Rgional des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires):
5, rue dArsonval
38000 GRENOBLE
Tl : 0810 064 069

5.7 Family allowances

In France, family allowances are managed by an institution called the CAF (Caisse dAllocations
Familiales).
You may be entitled to family allowance depending on your family situation (usually the number of
children in the family) and, for most allowances, also on your taxable income.

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Remember that payment of allowances is related to your overall financial situation. Applications will
therefore require a certain number of documents proving eligibility.
For further information, please contact the CAF de Grenoble or your employer.
CAF de Grenoble
3, rue des Allis
38051 GRENOBLE Cedex 9
Tl: 0 820 25 38 10

6 Leisure and cultural activities

6.1 Museums
The city offers many opportunities for visits and discoveries. Many museums can be visited, such as:
Le Muse de Grenoble
Le CNAC, Centre National d'Art Contemporain
Le Muse Dauphinois
Le Muse de l'ancien Evch
Le Muse Hbert
Le Musum d'histoire Naturelle.
For more information: Muses de Grenoble - Grenoble Tourisme & Congrs

6.2 Concert Halls

Le palais des Sports de Grenoble, built in 1967 for the Winter Olympics of 1968, welcomes many
events and performances such as rock/pop concerts, Festival international du Cirque, Supercross, les
6 jours de Grenoble (cycling event).
Le Summum/Alexpo for concerts, comedians, exhibitions, fairs, etc.
MC2 Maison de la culture has many facilities: a
large concert hall, an auditorium, a workshop, a
rehearsal theater, two dans studios...It is the
home of the National Choreographic Center of
Contemporary Dance, the National Drama Center
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of the Alps and the musicians of the Louvre-Grenoble.

6.3 Libraries and bookshops

Bibliothque Municipale Internationale a multilingual public
library (English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic).
Web site: Bibliothques municipales de Grenoble : le rseau

Bibliothque Anglophone de Meylan - English language library with bookworm Caf, second-hand
books in English, coffee/tea shop, book clubs, storytelling for kids in English, musical events, etc.
English Library at Babel - English language library housed in a local non-profit association.
The Connexion: French news in English.

6.4 Cinemas
Movies shown in their original version are indicated by the logo "V.O" or "VOST" (Version Originale
Sous Titre). Movies with subtitles can be seen in the following cinemas:
La NEF
Le Club
Le Mlis
Le Centre culturel Cinmatographique. The centre also organizes discussions about the
movies shown.
More occasionally, movies with subtitles will also be shown:
In some cinemas located in the outskirts of Grenoble such as la Vence Scne in Saint Egrve,
Arts et Plaisirs in Voreppe, Mon Cin in Saint Martin dHres and Espace Aragon in Villard
Bonnot
At the Nef Chavant
For more information: Cinmas, Clubs et Casinos de Grenoble - Grenoble Tourisme & Congrs

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7 Practicing sports
For detailed information about all leisure outdoor activities in the Grenoble area, check out the
following web site: Grenoble Tourisme.

7.1 Practicing sports in Grenoble

There are very popular places in the heart of the city that offer sport amateurs a wide range of
activities:

The Parc Paul Mistral is Grenoble's largest city park (21 hectares).
It is a very popular place for joggers, where you can also find
l'Anneau de Vitesse, which was built during the Winter Olympics
of 1968, to accommodate speed skating competitions. Today, it is
open all year long to people wishing to practice roller-skating and
street hockey outdoor and hosts numerous sporting
activities (climbing, mountain biking ...). For more information:
Grenoble roller.

The Bastille is not just a very worthwhile cultural place to visit in

Grenoble, it is also a place well known for sports. Several trails are
possible, allowing joggers to experience different levels of
difficulty, surrounded by a natural environment. The Bastille also has
its very own via Ferrata' that will delight rock-climbing lovers.

Other sports infrastructures are available in Grenoble where you can practice many different sports.
For more information: Ville de Grenoble.

7.2 Sports arenas

The main sports arenas in Grenoble are:
The "Stade des Alpes", with a capacity of 20 000 seats, is considered one of the
most modern stadiums in France. It now hosts the GF 38, the professional
football team of the city.
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The "Stade Lesdiguieres", a capacity of 12 000 seats, which hosts the FCG team (rugby).
The municipal skating rink, called PleSud, hosts the local ice hockey team,
called "les Brleurs de Loup". Many sports clubs use it to practice sports such
as short track, ice skating, ice hockey or karting on ice.

The Bachelard stadium offers a football and rugby field, a basketball playground, a fitness trail and a
running track. The running track is mainly reserved to the Athletic Club of Grenoble; however it is
possible to use it outside training hours.

7.3 Mountain activities

Grenoble's natural heritage makes it a great place for all
leisure and sporting activities: in less than an hour drive, you
can experience the joys of alpine skiing, cross country skiing,
snowboarding, paragliding, kite surfing, climbing...
In addition, you will find on the tourist board Ski France
website a great deal of information on ski resorts nearby to
help you prepare your ski trips.

The city of Grenoble has created a specialized website

dedicated to mountain activities: Grenoble montagne. This
very practical web site includes a section called "ides de
sorties" ("outing ideas") which gives you different ideas for
excursions depending on the season. All the mountain sites
suggested are accessible by public transport.
If you liking hiking and short walks, you will also appreciate the
following website Sipavag which offers a multitude of hiking
trails around the Grenoble area, all accessible directly from
the town, on foot or by public transport.

Finally, people looking for sensations also have the opportunity to

paraglide near Grenoble, in particular at Saint Hilaire du Touvet, a
mythical place for free flight. Saint Hilaire du Touvet hosts the
annual "Coupe Icare", a worldwide event dedicated to free flight.
Many clubs dedicated to free flight are located in St. Hilaire. For
more information you can go directly to the tourist board website
Chartreuse.
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7.4 Water activities

It is possible to find in Grenoble and its surroundings a multitude of
swimming pools open all year long. For more information: Grenoble
Tourisme.
A few kilometres from Grenoble, you can find natural lakes where you
will be able to enjoy the natural environment while practicing your
favourite activities: swimming, kite surfing, windsurfing, etc.

7.5 Sports clubs and associations

Grenoble offers a large panel of sports clubs and associations where you can practice the sport of
your choice. For more information: OMS Grenoble.
See also the sports association dedicated to GIANT staff.

8 Student life
Several organisations dedicated to the student life in Grenoble can be consulted for all types of
services.
INTEGRE
IntEGre(International Etudiants de Grenoble) is a student association that welcomes international
students at Grenoble Universities.
They help you to enjoy your time in France through various activities: socializing with other students,
linguistic exchanges, tutorship, wine and cheese testing, dinners and outings, cultural visits, and
much more!
EVE - Espace Vie Etudiant
Association located in the university campus where they organize events and offer services to
students such as: concerts, theatre, dance, exhibitions, integration of foreign students (API - Ple
d'intgration des tudiants trangers).
API - Ple d'intgration des tudiants trangers

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This association offers practical information : About student life To help you to deal with
administrative procedures You can find a guidebook in French, English, Chinese, Spanish (on IntEGre
website).
IZI PASS
Discount card reserved for students aged under 30 that offers discounts in: pubs, restaurants and
snack, shopping centers, sporting activities and shops beauty centers driving school, photo shops,
computing, caterers.
CROUS
A government agency with a regional authority offering student services: accommodation, meals on
the campus, culture, etc. Accommodation for foreign students.
ESPACE LOGEMENT ETUDIANT
Offers all kinds of services connected to student accommodation. You can get advice for settling
down in Grenoble, including financial help, meet other students who will share good tips about
Grenoble and its student life, consult ads to find student accomodation and flat mates, get internet
access to look for information, find documentation, maps, practical guides, etc.
GRENOBLE UNIVERSITES
Living in Grenoble: transport, accommodation, health, cultural life, practical information (cost of your
stay, etc.).
ACCUEIL CHERCHEURS GRENOBLE UNIVERSITE
The Kastler Foundation has two primary goals: to facilitate the visits of foreign scientists to France,
and to maintain contact with them after they return home.

GIANT website
http://www.giant-grenoble.org/

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