Anglophone Grenoble, a rough guide
March 10th, 2010 | Published in Features, Info & Advice | 23 Comments
Just landed in Grenoble? Don't worry, there's a club for you. Photo: Guillaume Brialon
Just landed in Grenoble? Grenoble Life editor James Dalrymple gives his rough guide to Grenoble’s expat clubs and Anglophone businesses and services.
I have been asked by the French Entrée website to write a post with general advice for expats in Grenoble and the surrounding area, including relevant clubs and associations to join. Where to begin? Maybe you have already heard claims that Grenoble has one of the biggest Anglophone communities of any French city. I’m not sure of the real stats, and I will resist the temptation to invent some here, but suffice to say you stand a good chance of meeting other English-speakers whether you wish to or not.
It can be a bone of contention. Some people get defensive about the expat thing, saying something along the lines of, “I didn’t come to France to meet other [insert relevant English-speaking nationality here], I came to meet French people etc.” I don’t really subscribe to this view. When I lived in the UK, I always gravitated towards people who were very international in their outlook, and counted many cultures among those I called my friends. Just because I came to live in France, doesn’t mean that I should only spend time with French people just to feel good about myself. Among the expat groups and associations listed below, one may find many Anglo-French couples, so-called ‘third culture kids’, and all manner of general pan-European activity that belies the widely held view of what expat communities are.
Most new English-speaking Grenoble residents, particularly those with families, are likely to encounter Open House, the city’s long-established and possibly largest expat association. Among the activities Open House organizes are children’s parties, excursions, wine tastings, lunches, outdoor activities, book groups, coffee meetings and French-English language exchange.
The more student-orientated Happy People 38 organizes intercultural social events and language exchanges. Meanwhile, Celtic Connection promotes Irish and Scottish culture and sport in Grenoble and hosts Hallowe’en and St Patrick’s parties, a Burns’ supper, and summer picnics. Scottish expats and a host of other nationals can also be found at a weekly Knitting Bee at Café Leyritz, Place Vaucanson, every Tuesday afternoon at 2pm.
Although not Anglophone I feel duty-bound to make you aware of the lovely people at Le Club Danemark – Rhône Alpes, who are known to organise Glögg parties, Danish lessons and excursions, including cross country skiing. For more info contact: danemark-rhonealpes@live.com
English Talk Radio, presented by Vivian Draper, is a bi-monthly show on 90.8 Radio Campus Grenoble. The show talks about film, theatre, finance, restaurants and travel, and has a variety of topical local guests; every Sunday at 12.30pm, and every Wednesday at 7pm on 90.8, Radio Campus Grenoble.
For those expats who want their young children to have plenty of contact with the English language, there are some associations which can help with this, including Communication Café and ABC Anglais. Alternatively, French language classes for adults can be obtained from a variety of institutions and associations outlined in depth here.
If you are looking for American or British style cakes there is The Cake Shop and Bookworm Café. The latter also hosts book and poetry groups, language classes, local artists’ exhibitions and occasional musical performances. They also buy and sell second-hand English books, and have English newspapers and magazines to peruse. Furthermore, if you meet French friends yet to be convinced of the potential merits of American cuisine, Pumpkins might be wise place to convert them.
If you can’t find the book you are looking for at Bookworm Café there are two Anglophone libraries, La Bibliotèque Anglophone de Meylan and the English Library at Babel, which also runs book groups for teenagers and adults. Many municipal libraries also have English-language selections, particularly the International Public Library.
Given the dubious French proclivity for dubbing foreign language films into la langue maternelle, you may want to exercise caution when going to the cinema. Le Club (rue du Phalanstère) and La Nef (boulevard Edouard-Rey) are two theatres with dependably interesting programmes, all in version originale. For more info on the city’s movie theatres and film festivals, check out this comprehensive guide.
For church-goers, members from about 10 different denominations and 15 nationalities are welcome to attend The English Speaking Church of Grenoble, which also has a programme of social activities including dances, crafts nights, family evenings, visits to local attractions and walks.
In terms of professional development, the most dynamic and active association is the Working Women’s Network of Grenoble, which organizes networking lunches, workshops and seminars, and is run by a very helpful and efficient body of women. For opportunities to do volunteer work there is VSArt, an association that brings cultural opportunities to disadvantaged and elderly people. The Grenoble chapter was set up and is run by American Meredith Charreyron.
Grenoble also has a number of amateur English-speaking theatre groups. Students of different ages from Cité Internationale Scolaire de Grenoble participate in an annual pantomime and Upstage, respectively. The latter puts on very high quality plays every year at Ste-Marie-d’en-Bas, a 166-seat theatre off Place Notre Dame. Likewise, students of the English department at Stendhal University put on productions on campus every year. English-speakers are also invited to join a new Grenoble English Theatre Group, run by Nathalie Joshua. Novices welcome. For more information contact her at nathaliejoshua@hotmail.com
For health and well-being, Anglo-style therapeutic massage and aromatherapy can be obtained from Amy Cannata (waterfallwellness@me.com) and Shiatsu massage from Rebecca Skillman.
Finally, of course, I mustn’t forget to mention your very own Grenoble Life, which has articles and practical info for English speaking residents past, present and future. It also includes photo sharing, free classified ads and interviews with prominent members of the Anglophone community.
If I have forgotten any essential clubs or organizations, please use the comments box below to add to the list.
March 14th, 2010 at 10:50 pm (#)
Wow, that is one comprehensive list! I didn’t know there were so many organizations out there. By the way, I seem to remember 35,000 as the number of English speakers in Grenoble (it’s the number that came to my head, but I’m not sure where I got it from). That seems like a lot to me, so if anyone has an actual figure, please correct me. Very interesting article, and helpful for any Anglophone in Grenoble, new or not.
March 15th, 2010 at 9:22 am (#)
Hi Christina,
35,000 was in my head too, but I wasn’t sure why. Certainly its around that figure, which is extraordinarily large.
James
March 20th, 2010 at 10:24 am (#)
I’ve been in Grenoble for around 2 and a half years now and for the first two years I didn’t get involved in the English community, mainly because I felt that it would be the best way to improve my French.
Now that I have started meeting more of my fellow Anglophones, I sort of regret this choice as I feel I may have denied myself the opportunity to meet some of the amazing people living in Grenoble.
I’d recommend to anyone who is hesitating as to whether they should get involved in the community or not, to go for it!
As for the number of people, I’m not sure, but I did hear that Grenoble has the second largest English-speaking community in France!
April 4th, 2010 at 8:58 am (#)
Thanks James for this rather comprehensive list in your short but valuable info-packed rough guide… Good job indeed, and also pleasant reading!
Having now turned 67, I do belong to the “génération de l’écrit”, as our sholars put it.
Former computer technician, I keep deeply immersed in the NTIC (Nouvelles Technologies de l’Information et Communication, how do you translate that?). But I also love books !
Another thing, English has long been the lingua franca in our multinational family comprising a Danish-born wife and two expat offsrings (son in Japan, daughter in the US)
Wish I had more time, to contribute to Grenoble life, but alas neither the unions nor the government would listen to my begging for the 35-hour day…
April 12th, 2010 at 3:27 pm (#)
This is an impressive overview of all that Grenoble has to offer the Anglophone and Anglophile. Many thanks James for your continued beavering away at these fascinating facts! I do enjoy reading Grenoble Life as it’s a great read, as well as being a brilliant source of info.
p.s. I’m not good on the stats either, but I also thought Grenoble is the second most international/cosmopolitan city in France after Paris.
April 13th, 2010 at 8:43 am (#)
Thanks for your encouragement Helen,
I’m sorry we didn’t get to meet at the WWNG meeting. I hope we’ll get another opportunity soon.
April 19th, 2010 at 7:41 pm (#)
Thanks for your second paragraph, James – it made me feel better about my involvement with Anglo-associations here. (I have often felt a bit of judgement coming from others on this topic.)
English-speaking health professionals would be a good addition to the article.
I can add that if anyone is looking for Anglo-style therapeutic massage and aromatherapy, they can contact Amy at: waterfallwellness@me.com
(Soon I should place an ad here.)
And, lastly, it was nice putting a face to Grenoble Life at the WWNG meeting!
April 21st, 2010 at 2:01 pm (#)
Hi Amy,
It was nice to meet you too.
Sorry for the omission – I’ve added it to the original article,
Best,
James
October 20th, 2010 at 4:43 pm (#)
James,
I’ve just stumbled upon your website, and this article. I’m (yet another) English teacher, American, living in Grenoble for almost 7 years. I’m also a freelance writer, and used to be a bartender at the Druid’s pub. I know hundreds of anglophones! Have we met?
I just wanted to mention that there is also a national association for Americans (or anyone interested in encouraging friendship and understanding between the French and American cultures), which has a chapter here in Grenoble, France Etats-Unis. We are on Facebook, on the web, and we have monthly aperos at La Cafe de la Table Ronde the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30, as well as other seasonal activities, like Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanks for making this website–I may in touch with hopes of contributing an article or two!
All the best,
April
October 21st, 2010 at 3:58 pm (#)
Hi April,
Thank you for your kind message. We’d like to know more about France Etats-Unis. I have emailed you personally about that,
Best regards,
James
October 24th, 2010 at 1:29 pm (#)
Stay away from Grenoble all together! ->
1) something from your bike will be nicked
2) your bike will get punctured as they never clean the streets
3) if you walk, beware of the dog poo everywhere!
4) the buildings need painting.. so 3rd world looking
5) tramps everywhere
6) restaurants are over priced and terrible food
7) supermarket food is terrible (I don’t know what all the hype is in the UK with regards to french food!)
8) nothing open on a sunday
9) every shop shuts really really early during the week
10) the city is not adapted for foreigners at all
11) SFR the largest mobile phone company is a complete con, too many reasons to explain here.
12) Gyms are shit
Do not come to this dump!
October 25th, 2010 at 6:30 pm (#)
Hi Mark,
Wow, thanks for your contribution. I guess you didn’t have/are not having a very good time in Grenoble and I’m sorry to hear that.
For more positive vibrations, and perhaps some good tips for you and other readers, here is an article on things we like about the city:
http://www.grenoblelife.com/what-do-you-love-about-grenoble/
James
December 21st, 2010 at 12:20 am (#)
Hello,
I’m planning on moving to Grenoble in just over a year and I’m not sure how to go about getting connected let alone finding a job and apartment upon arriving. Do you have any tips? I’m hoping to form some connections and friendships there prior to moving but once again I’m not sure how to do that….
Shannon
December 23rd, 2010 at 6:35 pm (#)
Hi Shannon,
That’s a big request ;0)
Check out some of the links and use the search engine for tips on useful associations that can help and advice on jobs. Let me know if you have any more specific requests though …
James
January 24th, 2011 at 2:10 pm (#)
Good article! I would also be interested in knowing about Doctors or other medical professionals who can speak English.
May 23rd, 2011 at 6:11 pm (#)
[...] more easily into French culture. At that time I came across Grenoble Life’s March 2010 piece, Anglophone Grenoble, a rough guide, and its reference to Open House Grenoble, a group that has been around helping English-speaking [...]
July 30th, 2011 at 12:30 pm (#)
[...] ourselves more easily into French culture. I came across Grenoble Life’s March 2010 piece, Anglophone Grenoble, a rough guide, and its reference to Open House Grenoble, a group that has been around helping English-speaking [...]
November 6th, 2011 at 4:43 pm (#)
As a Brit living in Grenoble for 11 years I do have to agree with Marks comments esp. about the gyms (Amazionia<>>Integrate<<< I honestly gave up on French schools because I had problems with the teachers tell me that I was stupid because I am dyslexic and asked me if I need to take any medication!!!! This was at Tip Top Emploi. They got in touch with my social assistant and had my benefits cut because I was in France for over 5 years and had not progressed but I should of taken legal action…Yes so after 5 different schools I learnt another way.
When I wanted to start up my own company that was another joke. But the tax office and chamber of commerce here in Grenoble are VERY helpful and do not have any pre judgments and they will point you in the right direction too as the WWNG was useless.
Change your attitude and think positive as only you can choose your own happy life here in Grenoble. Trust me I've been through hell in his town and I still love it!
January 25th, 2012 at 5:53 pm (#)
Hi All,my name is Bharat from India. I was a student in Grenoble in 2008 . I was there for one year. Beautiful city but the people are not very open and friendly.
I wont recommend any Indian to go there to study
January 30th, 2012 at 2:40 pm (#)
Well since I am a music aficionado, i haven’t seen any live performance in any bars so far.. Would appreciate any info on bars,restaurants or salle de concert in Grenoble.
Bonne Journee
Aparna
February 18th, 2012 at 9:57 pm (#)
Good evening James!
I just would like to bring to you and your readers’ attention that I am starting an English writing pratice circle called’ Writing from the soul’.
It will take place every other Tuesday from 3 to 5 om at the Bookworm Cafe, 91 rue St-Laurent. It is a free session, and the first one starts on Feb 28, in a bit more than a week from now.
There are no prerequisite to participate, one just has to be at ease in English, writing and reading. And send an email at grenoble.writing@gmail.com to register at the latest 24h before the course takes place, as space is limited.
In groups of 8, max 10, the purpose is to pratice intuitive writing in a supportive group, free of any critical evaluation and freewrite for the joy of it, playing with evocative starters. The aim is to create a nourishing space to connect deeply and support each others as writers.
For further information, please contact me at grenoble.writing@gmail.com.
Thanks for reading, and enjoy your time in Grenoble! ;o)
Stéphanie
February 5th, 2013 at 2:01 am (#)
Hello.. This is all very useful advice as I’m moving to Grenoble this April. I was so glad to see a link to Irish culture as I hope to find live Celtic music sessions in bars there .. who knows :-)! There is another thing I could really benefit from though.. I’ve never been to Grenoble and know no one there so looking for affordable rented accommodation is a little stressful, especially as I’m keen to stay clear from rough estates which I’m sure they must have as all cities do.. (Looking for employment goes without saying too and hope I’ll find something soon once I get there.) Would you know or be able to advise me on areas to avoid?
Thank you for any help and advice
Yves
February 5th, 2013 at 9:27 am (#)
Hi Yves,
Grenoble does apparently have some quite rough estates, but I don’t think you should worry too much about ending up living in one. If you are looking through an agency, for example, there would be little danger of that happening. I reckon the safest bet would be to look for accomodation near the centre, or if not in the Ile Verte or La Tronche districts. A bit more expensive but worth it.
James