FRANCE - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 159

the concealment of the area to move his armies into the Italian campaign. Modern
mountaineering was born on its towering peaks.
Grenoble unfolds the past as well as the present in its monuments and art. The
Musée de Grenoble houses one of the finest collections of old and modern mas-
ters in France. The classics of Rubens and Watteau, along with those of Utrillo
and Picasso, adorn its galleries. The Cathedral of Grenoble dates from the 12th
century. In the center of Grenoble, in the oldest part of the town, you will find the
Musée de l'Ancien Evêché. Begin by exploring an area below the surface of the
outside square to see the remains of the town wall and Grenoble's first baptistery,
then continue on to the old bishop's palace. The early Renaissance Palace of
Justice was built in the 16th century.
The University of Grenoble was founded in 1339—making it one of the oldest in
Europe—and is considered by many academics to be one of the best in France.
Grenoble's student population exceeds 50,000, more than 8,000 of whom are for-
eigners from 150 different countries. With university students near snow-covered
slopes, it was inevitable that winter sports should develop. The 1968 Winter
Olympics were hosted by Grenoble, and many other sports gatherings, including
the Davis Cup finals, have taken place in the city's magnificent Sports' Hall.