Car Hire: Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +33 (0)1 5566 8344 from 11am-3pm Monday-Friday and Sunday. If you have pre-booked and arrive out of normal office hours, you'll be met by a Europcar representative.

Airport Transfer: Pre-book your door-to-door transfer with easyJet’s transfer partner, Holiday Taxis—from home to the airport, then city or resort (easyjet.holidaytaxis.com). Ski transfers available now.

Taxi: The fare to the city is about €70.

Bus: A shuttle bus goes to the central bus station, next to the train station. Tickets: €3.80.

Le Neil
( 2 Rue de Lionne. )
This fajita bar is the newest fast-food outlet in town. Let Samia and Abdel serve you innovative fajitas that are sure to satisfy.

O’Brother
( 17 Rue Bergers. Tel. 04 7646 1972 )
This café might look nondescript from the outside, but inside it will blow you away with its fabulous interior decorated with miscellaneous relics and a diner-style transatlantic menu of scrumptious burgers.

Les Archers
( 2 Rue Docteur Bailly. Tel. 04 7646 2776 )
Following in the tradition of Parisian brassieres, this elegant and contemporary restaurant serves exceptional French food.

A Ma Table
( 92 Cours Jean Jaures. Tel. 04 7696 7704 )
On entering, you'll be transported back a century or two. The menu may be small, but the classic dishes are prepared with perfecting, resulting in sublime tastes you can enjoy in a warm, elegant and intimate setting.

Le Hasard
( 27 Rue Barnave. Tel. 04 7601 1074 )
Casual and laid back. Don’t be intimidated by the communist insignia, Le Hasard is a super place for an early-evening drink.

Le Bootsy Café
( 5 Rue Aubert Dubayet. Tel. 04 7646 9236 )
Named after Bootsy Collins, this café pays homage to afro-funk and reggae music. Play pool or darts while grooving to the beats of the band.

Bukana Pub
( 1 Quai Crequi. Tel. 04 7601 8117 )
A regular haunt for students, this bar stays open until late.

La Glisse is one of the best-known shops where extreme sports thrill-seekers buy their gear. From ski to snowboard and even skate and wakeboard equipment in summer (28 Boulevard Gambetta).

Get a unique aerial view of Grenoble and the snow-capped mountains surrounding the city on a breathtaking helicopter ride. For more details contact the tourist office (Tel. 04 7642 4141).

The covered market of Place St Claire is a hub of activity on weekend mornings, where local residents gather to taste the regional specialities and exchange friendly banter with merchants.

Calling all board riders! The thrilling Mondial du Snowboard hits the slopes of Les Deux Alpes on the first weekend this month. Test out the latest snowboarding gear and get ready for the forthcoming season (Until 2 November. www.mondialdusnow.com).

Saint Pierre de Chartreuse – This town is home to the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, founded by Saint Bruno in 1085. In the 18th century the monks concocted Chartreuse liqueur, which is still produced here today under their supervision. Spend an afternoon visiting this legendary monastery and enjoying the breathtaking views of the landscape.

Grenoble is considered France's melting pot: there are more than 70 nationalities among the city's population of 600,000.

Compiled by Sri Ram Ramadas