Grenoble

Shadows of the Alps: Grenoble's Secret War

4.3 km119 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into the dual life of Grenoble during World War II. Surrounded by the imposing Alps, this picturesque city became a fierce battleground of shadows, sabotage, and survival. Join your guide Max and historian Nina as they uncover how ordinary students, railway workers, and citizens transformed their hometown into the 'Capital of the Maquis'. From the relative safety of the Italian occupation to the brutal crackdowns of the Gestapo, you will walk the very streets where the French Resistance fought, bled, and ultimately triumphed, earning Grenoble the rare and prestigious title of 'Compagnon de la Libération'.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Place Saint-Bruno

The working-class heart of Grenoble, where early defiance and resistance against forced labor took root.

0.56 km • 9 min
2

STOP 2

Gare de Grenoble

The central railway station where brave workers sabotaged German logistics and smuggled vital resistance communications.

Gare de Grenoble

Image by AirScott on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

1.03 km • 16 min
3

STOP 3

Lycée Champollion

A prestigious school that became a hub of intellectual resistance, where teachers forged documents to save students from forced labor.

Lycée Champollion

Image by Milky on Wikimedia Commons (FAL)

0.81 km • 13 min
4

STOP 4

Caserne de Bonne

Former military barracks where the Resistance executed a massive, morale-boosting explosion, destroying the German arsenal.

Caserne de Bonne

Image by Milky on Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

1.33 km • 20 min
5

STOP 5

Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de l'Isère

The institutional memory of the era, preserving the tragic and heroic stories of the local resistance and the brutal reprisals they faced.

Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de l'Isère

Image by Guillaume Allègre on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.59 km • 9 min
6

END

Parc Paul Mistral

A vast park housing memorials to the city's liberation, reflecting on Grenoble's rare status as a 'Compagnon de la Libération'.

Parc Paul Mistral

Image by Mike Peel on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, WWII enthusiasts, urban explorers, and those moved by powerful human stories of defiance and courage.
  • Best time Daytime, particularly late morning or early afternoon when the city's squares and markets are bustling, providing a stark contrast to the historical narrative.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as we will be covering several neighborhoods.
  • Weather prep Grenoble's Alpine weather can change quickly; bring a light jacket even in summer.
  • Pacing Take your time at the memorials. The emotional weight of the stories requires moments of pause.
  • Audio Use noise-canceling headphones to fully immerse yourself in the atmospheric narrative.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Max Krämer
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Max Krämer

  • History & Memory
  • Northern Germany

Historian with a passion for urban places of remembrance. Has worked in archives and museums for years; shows the traces of revolutions, monuments, and colonial pasts in today's streets.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

Now only €3.99 incl. VAT