Situated at the confluence of the River Isere and the River Drac in the Rhone Alps is the self-proclaimed capital of the French Alps - Grenoble. The city sprawls out along a valley plain, surrounded by forested mountains that lead up to the craggy, and often snow capped mountain peaks of the Massif des Ecrins. Only a short drive away from the world class skiing resorts of the French Alps, Grenoble and the surrounding countryside are the perfect locations in which to buy French property, whether the prime motivation is the enjoyment of outdoor sports or just the sheer pleasure of the alpine scenery.
To the west of Grenoble is the Vercors Regional Park - a wild and dramatic place that takes in the Montagne de Lans mountain range, where the peaks rise up to 7,000ft above sea level. To the north of Grenoble is the Massif de la Chartreuse and its regional park - an equally awe-inspiring place that yields pine forests, spectacular waterfalls and immense rocky outcrops. To the south-east of Grenoble are the serious peaks of the French Alps in the Massif des Ecrins. Here, the mountains attain a height greater than 10,000ft above sea level and are often frequented by climbers and skiers.
Grenoble property in the city itself is quite varied. There are 17th century townhouses lining the river, as well as chalets, villas and apartments constructed in a more modern era. Grenoble property prices are very competitive considering the city's proximity to some of the most beautiful areas in the French Alps. A 3-bed turn-of-the-century French property in a quiet semi-rural sector of Grenoble was recently on the market for just 138,000 euros, while a short distance away at Bourg d'Oisans a 4-bed villa in France with access to local skiing facilities can be acquired for just 300,000 euros.
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