Louis Maisonnat Farmers' Market
A seasonal market with about fifteen local producers offering fresh meat, vegetables, bread, and cheese.
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Fontaine
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Fontaine
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Take tram line A for a quick and direct connection into the heart of Grenoble.
- Rent a bike to cycle along the Drac river path, which has remarkable mountain views.
- Explore Parc de la Poya, a great starting point for hiking trails up into the Vercors Massif.
- Check out the local outdoor markets to find the region's famous Saint-Marcellin cheese.
🍽 Food
🍽
Gratin Dauphinois
This classic creamy baked potato dish is a staple in traditional restaurants around the area.
🍽
Ravioles du Royans
Tiny cheese-filled pasta pockets, commonly found in cozy bistros near the town center.
🍽
Grenoble Walnuts
Look for desserts and salads featuring these renowned local walnuts in bakeries and cafes.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
City Hall Market
Find fresh regional produce, ranging from Alpine cheeses to cured meats.
🛍
Mountain Sports Gear
Check out specialized shops along the main roads to gear up for hiking in the Vercors.
🧘
Parc de la Poya
A large, wooded park featuring an old castle, convenient for a quiet break.
🧘
Banks of the Drac
The riverside walking and cycling paths provide a peaceful escape from the urban noise.
Water temperature…
Fontaine is the third-largest city in the Grenoble metropolitan area, located in the Isère department of southeastern France. Its geographic setting is dramatic, wedged between the Drac river to the east and the towering cliffs of the Vercors Massif to the west. Originally a quiet agricultural village, it expanded rapidly during the industrial boom of the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming a key site for metallurgy and textile production. Today, Fontaine is a fully integrated suburb of Grenoble, benefiting from its proximity to world-class scientific research facilities and universities. The city is known for its cultural dynamism, particularly the 'La Source' arts center, which is a major venue for live music and performances. Urban planning in Fontaine emphasizes green corridors and public transport, with tram Line A providing a seamless link to central Grenoble. Residents enjoy easy access to the Vercors Regional Natural Park, offering endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, and skiing. The city maintains a strong community spirit, balancing its industrial heritage with a modern focus on sustainability and high quality of life.
- Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Top sights: Parc de la Poya · Les Vouillants · Église Saint-Maurice
- Nearby: Seyssins (4 km)
- Population: ~25.036
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 70 | 57 | 68 | 65 | 88 | 65 | 56 | 58 | 67 | 85 | 100 | 77 |
Geography
Facts
- Fontaine covers an area of 6.74 square kilometers.
- The city sits at an altitude of approximately 210 meters.
- The Drac river forms the eastern boundary of the city.
- La Source is a nationally recognized cultural venue.
- Fontaine is part of the Grenoble-Alpes-Métropole area.
- The city features several parks, including Parc de la Poya.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Fontaine (5)
Frequently asked questions
Where is Fontaine located?
Fontaine is located directly west of Grenoble, at the foot of the Vercors Massif.
How to get to Grenoble?
Tram line A connects Fontaine directly to Grenoble city center in just a few minutes.
Are there hiking opportunities?
Yes, it is a gateway to the Vercors Regional Park, with numerous hiking trails nearby.
What is Bois des Vouillants?
A large forest park above the city, good for hiking, running, and views.
Are there local markets?
Yes, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, there is a lively market at Place des Écrins.
Fontaine: where is it located?
Fontaine is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Fontaine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Parc de la Poya, Les Vouillants, Église Saint-Maurice.
Fontaine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Fontaine: why is it worth visiting?
Fontaine is the third-largest city in the Grenoble metropolitan area, located in the Isère department of southeastern France.
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