Fontaine De La Bastille, Grenoble, France

## Overview Fontaine De La Bastille is a public drinking fountain perched high above the city of Grenoble, France, at the famous Bastille hilltop fortress. Situated at an elevation of roughly 476 meters (1,562 feet), the fountain offers visitors a welcome refreshment point while they take in one of the most celebrated panoramic viewpoints in the French Alps. From here, sweeping views extend across Grenoble's old town, the confluence of the Isère and Drac rivers, and the surrounding mountain ranges — including the Chartreuse, Vercors, and Belledonne massifs. The Bastille itself has a rich military history dating back to the early 19th century, when fortifications were constructed on this strategic hilltop to defend the city. Today, the site is one of Grenoble's most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors year-round. The little fountain at the panorama area provides a convenient source of fresh water for hikers and sightseers exploring the fortress grounds. ## Directions 1. **By Cable Car (Téléphérique de Grenoble Bastille):** The most iconic way to reach the Bastille is via the famous "Bulles" — transparent, spherical cable car gondolas that depart from Quai Stéphane Jay along the Isère River in central Grenoble. The ride takes approximately five minutes and delivers you directly to the Bastille summit area. From the upper cable car station, follow signs toward the main panoramic viewpoint — the fountain is located in the panorama area. 2. **On Foot:** Several hiking trails lead up to the Bastille from the old town. The most popular route begins near the Porte Saint-Laurent at the foot of the hill and ascends via a series of switchbacks and stone staircases. The hike takes roughly 30–45 minutes depending on fitness level. Once at the top, head to the panoramic terrace to find the fountain. 3. **By Car:** It is also possible to drive up via the Route de la Bastille, though parking at the top is limited. The GPS coordinates (45.200694, 5.725547) will guide you to the general area of the fountain at the panorama. ## What to Expect The Fontaine De La Bastille is a small public drinking fountain — modest in size but perfectly placed for visitors who have just completed the hike or cable car ride to the summit. It is located within the panoramic viewing area of the Bastille, making it easy to spot as you explore the terraces. The fountain is a typical French public drinking water point. While it has historically been used by visitors as a source of drinking water, as with any public fountain, water conditions may vary and visitors should use their own discretion. The Bastille site itself is open year-round, though the cable car may have reduced hours or seasonal closures (typically in January for maintenance). The hiking trails remain accessible in all seasons, though they can be slippery in wet or icy conditions during winter months. The panorama area is free to access, and the fortress grounds include a contemporary art center (Centre d'Art Bastille), restaurants, and additional walking paths along the fortification walls. Visiting in the late afternoon offers particularly stunning light over the city and mountains — and the fountain is a welcome stop before or after taking in the view.