Jardin de Ville

The Jardin de Ville

A green stop on the Grenoble audio-guided tour, the Jardin de Ville is a small dose of nature in the heart of the city. It is a typical example of a classical French garden, mixing a wood of plane trees, chestnuts and limes with a flowery section of rose garden, palms and orange trees.

From the treasury meadow to the Lesdiguieres garden

Before the seventeenth century, here lay the treasury meadow, which hosted fairs and was turned into a garden when distinguished guests came, such as Catherine de' Medici during her visit to Grenoble. It was the Duke of Lesdiguieres, whose house overlooks the park, who ordered, at great expense, the transformation of this vast meadow into a private garden.

What to see

On the right, a statue of Hercules, at the heart of the botanical square, is a glorious representation of Lesdiguieres, facing his former house, now occupied by the International House and the public library. Stroll through this French garden, a haven of peace in the heart of Grenoble.

Practical information

The Jardin de Ville is a stone's throw from the pedestrian streets of central Grenoble. Freely accessible, it can be discovered according to its opening hours, to be checked depending on the season.

Who created the Jardin de Ville ?

The Duke of Lesdiguieres, who in the seventeenth century turned the former treasury meadow into a garden.

What does the garden's Hercules statue represent ?

A glorious representation of the Duke of Lesdiguieres, facing his former house.