Musee Dauphinois (Dauphinois Museum), Grenoble (must see)

The Dauphinois Museum, perched on the slopes of the Bastille, is a museum devoted to the cultural and historical heritage of the Dauphiné region and the Alpine world. Housed in the 17th-century Sainte-Marie d'en-Haut convent-founded by Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Joan of Chantal-the museum offers a striking setting that overlooks the city and the surrounding mountains. Listed as a Historic Monument, the former convent has seen many uses over time, including as a religious school, a prison, a military barracks, and later, a residence.

The museum is known for its rich and varied exhibitions, which draw from fields such as archaeology, rural and industrial heritage, and regional history. Exhibits are grounded in historical research but often explore contemporary themes and questions. The permanent exhibition Gens de l'Alpe is a particular highlight, focusing on rural mountain life in past centuries. In addition, the museum regularly hosts two to three temporary exhibitions each year, complemented by talks, publications, and public debates that encourage reflection on Alpine identity and societal change.

A visit to the Dauphinois Museum also rewards visitors with panoramic views from the terraced gardens, offering a peaceful vantage point over Grenoble’s old town and the Isère River.