Saint Laurent district

The Saint-Laurent district

A stop on the Grenoble audio-guided tour, rue Saint-Laurent is at the heart of the district of the same name, the oldest in the city. Located on the right bank of the Isere, it is nicknamed little Italy for its pretty colourful facades and the origin of its inhabitants, many of whom came from the Puglia region.

From the mint to glove-making

In the sixteenth century, the district housed the mint, where coins were struck until 1732. In the eighteenth century, crafts developed there: tanning of hides, gloves, hemp weaving and even the making of playing cards. Of all these skills, it was glove-making that prevailed: Grenoble was the world capital of the glove.

What to see

A true village within the city, the Saint-Laurent district keeps its narrow alleys, its colourful facades and its many pizzerias, a legacy of its Italian roots. Stroll through it to feel the atmosphere of the oldest district of Grenoble, between history and conviviality.

Practical information

The Saint-Laurent district is on the right bank of the Isere, in Grenoble, reached by the Saint-Laurent footbridge. Freely accessible, it can be walked at any time.

Why is the Saint-Laurent district nicknamed little Italy ?

For its colourful facades and the Italian origin of many inhabitants, who came from the Puglia region.

What activity made Grenoble famous ?

Glove-making: Grenoble was the world capital of the glove.