Guide to Isère & 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, with the highest point being 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 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.

A Destination for All

Isère offers a mix of natural beauty, adventure sports and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination in France.

Key Information about Isère

• 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.

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