The department of Isere rises from the outskirts of Lyon to the high tip of Pic Lory. It covers a huge part of the French Alps. At its heart, marking the start of the mountains in earnest, is the city of Grenoble, a buzzing place that's topped by the Bastille, a mighty, mountainside fortress, and a museum about the French Revolution. Delve deeper into the region and you soon hit world-famous ski resorts. The dangling gondolas of Alpe d'Huez, Les Deux Alpes and Chamrousse are all there, home to ski-in, ski-out Isere vacation rentals. In summer, they become an adventure hub.
Isere might be a pop-up book of carved peaks and ski fields, but it's still got oodles of history and culture. You might want to bag yourself an Isere vacation rental in Grenoble, for that. It's hailed as the "Capital of the Alps" and comes with panoramic cable car rides that reveal a great Bastille and WWII memorials on the mountaintops – there's even a view of Mont Blanc. Below, is the Museum of French Revolution, telling tales of France's hard-fought wars, the demise of its monarchy and the birth of the French Republic.
While almost half the department of Isere is taken up by flatter lands, south of Lyon, the rest is the domain of some of France's highest peaks. The highest in Isere is Pic Lory, at 4,087 meters. It's part of the Massif des Ecrins – the highest peak in that range is the stone-spiked Barre des Ecrins, at 4,102 meters, in the adjacent apartment of Hautes-Alpes. They are all part of the vast Ecrins National Park. Get ready for mountain adventures of all sorts. Isere vacation rentals in Alpe d'Huez will have you whizzing down the snowy slopes, while others will see you scrambling on sections of via ferrata. Still others are a ticket to whitewater rafting, kayaking or wild camping.
Winter is an obvious favorite – December to April is high time for skiing, when ski-in, ski-out Isere vacation rentals in Huez and Chamrousse are the most popular picks of all. Then comes spring. The snowline recedes in April and May, bringing blooming wildflowers to the Alps and opening up the trails – it's a great time to strap on the hiking boots. So is summer, even if it's hotter, with temperatures regularly creeping into the high 70s between June and August. Fall is cooler again and usually perfect for hitting Grenoble's big sights without the crowds.
The region of Isere starts on the outskirts of Lyon, rolling across plains where the Bourbre River and others wiggle across farms and woodlands. Then the great wall of the French Alps begins. Grenoble is hidden behind a duo of gorgeous natural parks – Chartreuse and Vercors – ribbed with high cliffs and standalone peaks. Beyond them are the breathtaking mountaintops of the Ecrins National Park. They host cascading glaciers and deep glacial valleys, topping out at the Barre des Ecrins. Hiking paths abound within, passing Alpine lakes and forests of firs, a domain of chamois and wolves and more.
Fly into Grenoble (GNB-Grenoble - Isere), the closest airport, located 38.4 mi (61.8 km) from the city center.
If you're traveling by train, La Motte-d'Aveillans Station, Jarrie-Vizille Station and St-Georges-de-Commiers Station are the main stations in the area. It's easy to get around Isère by jumping on the metro at Denis Papin Tram Stop, Auguste Delaune Tram Stop or Marie Curie Tram Stop.
Whether you're organizing your next great adventure with friends or a romantic rendezvous with your other half, one of these top vacation rentals in Isère is sure to entice you:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Isère vacation rental for you.
Whether you're on the lookout for a modest retreat or a luxurious escape, you'll find an excellent range of log cabins to rent in Isère. Experience a blend of comfort and adventure at one of these options:
If you're searching for an escape and a change of scenery, Vrbo's got just the ticket. Return home feeling brand spanking new after a weekend getaway in Isère at one of these vacation rentals:
Typically well located and with a price tag that's easy on the wallet, studio apartments offer style and privacy with the comforts of home. Book one of these studio apartments for rent in Isère and use it as a base to discover the sights around you:
Yes, so forget about bunking down in a dull hotel or sleeping in someone's extra room. Book one of our short-term rentals in Isère and kick back in your own private escape. Here are two options that just might inspire you:
Whether you've been with each other for a month, a year or an eternity, there's nothing like a romantic weekend getaway to stoke passions. If you're after the perfect place to spend a few days with your other half, you'll be smitten with these retreats:
If your idea of a dream getaway is to bring along your nearest and dearest, you're going to need a whole lot of space. Luckily, there are many vacation rentals in Isère that cater to large groups, starting with these sprawling retreats:
There's a good selection of houses with a pool in Isère, so don your swimsuit and get ready to spend your days splashing about. Here are a couple of favorites guaranteed to entice you:
We have large family vacation rentals that'll fit just about everybody — yes, even that dear old aunt of yours. Whatever type of property you need, you'll find the perfect one on Vrbo. Here are a few of our favorites in Isère:
If you're on the hunt for some family-friendly attractions in Isère, you're spoiled for choice. Walibi Rhone-Alpes, Villard de Lans Aquatic Center and Cretes Ski Lift offer fun for all ages.
Booking a cabin rental in Isère is an ideal way to spend quality time with the family. Gather your loved ones and check out these great options:
For more options, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the Isère vacation rental that's perfect for your needs.