If you are in Grenoble, a visit to the Bastille Fort is a must. Getting there is an adventure in itself as you take the cable car up the side of the mountain and have spectacular views en route. The Bastille Fort is a veritable mélange of history with modernity.
If you have a head for heights, do try out the Acrobastille at the summit of the Bastille. The journey takes about two hours and ends with an amazing zip-wire experience. Safety is paramount and there are staff placed strategically around the course (suitable for children over 12).
There is plenty to explore on foot including Le CAB (Bastille Art Centre) which hosts exhibitions of contemporary art and the Mountain Troops Museum where you can actually meet and talk with mountain troops. These are both closed on Mondays.
We had lunch at the Restaurant du Téléférique which offers local and seasonal food and includes vegetarian options. This is a good basic French restaurant where you can feel comfortably about taking children – and there is a children's menu (formule enfant) of chicken and fish "nuggets" with salad or chips followed by an ice cream. Of course you could order starters from the adult menu for more variety.
The Téléféfrique gives diners the opportunity to take in the fabulous scenery on the Panoramic terrace.
Another good vantage point is the "viewing tower" which you can walk round and be pointed in the correct direction for various places/views of interest like Mont Blanc.
For children there's ample space to run around and let off steam plus the Speleobox and the Bastille Ghosts suitable from children aged four plus and their own. Both attractions offer shelter if the weather is bad.
The day we explored the Bastille Fort site was perfect, bright and sunny and not too hot. Although you can obviously take the cable car back into Grenoble, we went back down the montain on foot – about 45 minutes downhill hike. Make sure you are wearing suitable footwear. There is plenty to admire on the way down and lots of little gardens with benches if you tire. Not suitable for a buggy so if you have small children with you take a sling.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥