Guide to Isere & Property for Sale in Department 38

Isère is a department located in the southeastern part of France. It was established during the French Revolution in March 1790 and was one of the original 83 departments. The department was formed from the central part of the former province of Dauphiné. Its area has been reduced twice, first in 1852 and then again in 1967, losing territory to the department of the Rhône. Today, Isère is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and is surrounded by the departments of Rhône, Ain, Savoie, Hautes-Alpes, Drôme, Ardèche, and Loire. The department of Isère (number 38) is known for its picturesque landscapes, including a part of the French Alps. The highest point is the Sub-Peak "Pic Lory" at 4,088 metres, which is a subsidiary of the 4102 metres Barre des Écrins in the adjoining Hautes-Alpes department. La Meije is another well-known summit at 3,988 metres. The Vercors Plateau aesthetically dominates the western area of the department.

Skiing Paradise in Isère

Isère is a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts, boasting numerous ski resorts, including l'Alpe d'Huez, Les Deux Alpes, and the 1968 Winter Olympics resorts of Chamrousse, Villard-de-Lans, and Autrans. Other popular resorts include Les 7 Laux, Le Collet d'Allevard, Méaudre, Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, Alpe du Grand Serre, and Gresse-en-Vercors. It is France's third-largest ski and winter destination, after Savoie and Haute-Savoie, but before Hautes-Alpes.

A Festival of Flight

Apart from skiing, Isère is also known for hosting Coupe Icare, an annual festival of free flight that includes paragliding and hang-gliding at the world-renowned paragliding site in Lumbin. The festival draws thousands of spectators and participants from around the world.

Cultural Riches in Grenoble

If you're interested in history and culture, Grenoble, the largest city in Isère, has a dozen museums. The most famous of which was the Museum of Grenoble, created in 1798. The museum features over 900 works of art spanning from the late Middle Ages to the 20th century, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.

Key Information about Isère (38)

• Main City/Prefecture: Grenoble
• Nearest Airport: Grenoble Alpes-Isère Airport (approx. 45 km) or Lyon
• Population: Around 1.26 million (as of the latest census)
• Area: 7,431 sq. kilometres and 2,870 sq. miles
• Landmark: Bastille of Grenoble, a historic fortress offering stunning panoramic views of the Alps
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 4 million, attracted by its ski resorts, alpine scenery and cultural sites.

Why Buy a Property in Isère?

Isère provides an ideal mix of nature and modern life. With its towering Alpine peaks, lush countryside, and lively cities, it’s a region where nature and urban living coexist harmoniously. Its combination of mountain allure and city vibrancy makes it an attractive spot for both permanent residence and vacation getaways.

Property Types in Isère

The property market is diverse, ranging from charming stone houses in traditional villages to modern eco-friendly homes and cosy ski apartments. Whether you picture a classic stone cottage in a peaceful village, a contemporary eco-friendly house among lush hills, or a trendy apartment in vibrant Grenoble, the region offers a highly varied real estate market. 

Most Common Types of Properties

• Village Houses: Built in stone, these properties are common in older villages, offering authenticity and a sense of place.
• Chalets and Timber Homes: Popular in mountain areas, these properties combine rustic charm with energy efficiency. Many modern chalets and timber-frame houses are designed for ecological living.
• Modern and Contemporary Villas: Sleek, modern homes with clean lines are increasingly found in new developments or outskirts of towns.
• Townhouses and Apartments: In Grenoble, urban areas feature diverse apartments and attached houses, from older, renovable properties to modern developments close to amenities and transport.

Average Property Prices in Isère (38) in 2025

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,624 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €3,157  (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Price trends: -2% over the last 12 months, +31% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

2025 House Prices in the Main Towns in Isère

• Average House Price near Grenoble: €2,936 per sq. metre
• Average House Price near Saint-Martin-d'Hères: €2,859 per sq. metre
• Average House Price near Échirolles: €2,667 per sq. metre
• Average House Price near Vienne: €2,028 per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro - October 2025)

Find Your Dream Lifestyle in Isère

• Alpine Diversity & Value: From the snow-capped peaks of Oisans to the Chartreuse hills, Isère offers mountain chalets, ski apartments, and fermes dauphinoises, often cheaper than Savoie or Haute-Savoie.
• High Rental Demand: With world-class ski resorts (Alpe d’Huez, Les Deux Alpes) and Grenoble’s urban appeal, properties here achieve 7–11% annual yields, especially for ski apartments.
• Exceptional Connectivity: Grenoble-Isère Airport (1 hour to Lyon), TGV to Paris (3 hours), and proximity to Italy and Switzerland make it ideal for international buyers seeking easy access to the Alps and major cities.
• Four-Season Paradise: Ski in winter (Dec–Apr), hike, bike, swim, and paraglide in summer (25–30°C), endless outdoor fun in fresh alpine air. Year-round rental potential for chalets and apartments.
• Dynamic Alpine Lifestyle: A region blending Grenoble’s lively city with rural traditions like Beaufort cheese and walnut festivals. The area offers mountain sports, cultural events, and a strong community.

If you are looking for a property in the Isère, please get in touch to discuss your search criteria.