La Bastille

Grenoble Tourist Office website:

First fortified in the Middle Ages, the Bastille hill is covered with the most extensive 19th century military fortifications in France. The semi-underground bastion defence system, designed by Haxo and built between 1823 and 1845, provided all-round protection for Grenoble, lying at a strategic position on the Alpine frontier.

Since 1934, the Bastille site has been linked to the city by what at the time was Europe's first cable-car in a town centre. The short breathtaking ride in the "Eggs" sweeps visitors up to the viewing platforms, discovery trails around the fortifications, recreation areas, café, restaurant, footpaths and fitness circuits.

Had thought I would take a hike up there since it was such a nice day. Started at the base, where there is a garden. (Garden of the Dauphins)

I like these stone steps (left pic) and these incredible stone tower on the side of the walls (right pic):

Looking up at my goal:

For about the next 15 minutes (I think) I persisted in making my way up. The climb was getting steeper, the garden is now behind me. The way up was a zig zagy one (left) and a lot of stair climbing (right):

The path widened a bit...(Parc Guy Pape):

Almost there but not yet, but I looked around the place nonetheless:

A view of the River Isere:

Continuing the climb. * pant pant *

Finally I made it:

I guess I should’ve gone up in one of these bubble cable cars and then make my way down, it would have been easier, but I was happy with my achievement.

Panoramic view of the city below:

Walking around, I saw some of these caves.

So I explored them:

These caves (named Grottes de Mandrin, after an outlaw) were originally hollowed out by soldiers who were posted to guard the rear front, a means to retreat perhaps or to prevent the enemy from sneaking from behind. There is a passage way that goes all the way down and exits at the bottom of the hill. But it was too dangerous to go down there by myself. It was slippery and wet.

I continued my walk up the hill to the top of Mont Jalla, where there is the Memorial des Troupes de montagne (Memorial of the Troops of mountain). Took me about another half an hour.

Walking on rocks for the past half an hour…naturally, my feet was aching… some cyclists passed me. They were cycling up hill, on this sort of path! (See below.) I wowed at that.

The memorial:

There are also memorial plaques for soldiers from WWI and WWII here.

This place used to hold cannon guns.

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