GRENOBLE

town, capital of Isre dpartement, Rhne-Alpes rgion, southeastern France (Dauphin), southeast of Lyon. It lies along the Isre River, 702 feet (214 m) above sea level, at the foot of Mount Rachais. The Isre divides the city into two unequal parts. The oldest part of the town, cramped between the river and the mountains, lies on the right bank; the major part of the city spreads out into the plain on the left bank. The town has one of the highest population growth rates in France. Its population multiplied fivefold between 1860 and 1960 and continued to increase throughout the ensuing decade. To deal with the rapid expansion, a vast urban renewal plan was drawn up and largely executed in time for the 1968 Winter Olympic Games, which were held in Grenoble. The town's numerous industries include the manufacturing of plastics, rubber, cement, and paper. Advanced techniques are used in the chemical, metallurgical, and nuclear industries. Although a university was founded there in 1339, Grenoble became an important educational centre only at the beginning of the 20th century. A nuclear research station and a school of electronic engineering are now affiliated with the university. The fine 15th- and 16th-century Palais de Justice formerly housed the Dauphinois Parliament. The sports stadium and the House of Culture are interesting examples of contemporary French architecture. The library has a rich collection of manuscripts, including most of the works of the novelist Stendhal, who was born there in 1783. The museum, in the same building, is reputed for its gallery of modern paintings. The present name of the town is derived from Gratianopolis (4th century), given in honour of the Roman emperor Gratian. After being occupied by the Arabs in the 9th century, the town passed into the hands of the counts of Albon. In 1349 it was ceded to France with the rest of the province of Dauphin. Grenoble suffered during the Wars of Religion, as well as after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. In June 1788 the town successfully rebelled against a royal decree limiting the powers of the local parliament. During World War II the French resistance movement was particularly active in Grenoble. Pop. (1990) 153,973.