History | Culture and sports
History of our territories
To love a region, you first need to learn about and understand it. Grenoble, Valence, and Vienne, which are home to EUT-affiliated IUTs, are rich in history and cultural heritage.
Grenoble and the Dauphiné region
René Favier's book Nouvelle Histoire du Dauphiné (A New History of the Dauphiné) is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the history of Grenoble and the Dauphiné region. In its pages, the author traces the major historical periods of the region, from its medieval beginnings to its industrial and modern transformations. Published by Glénat, this work sheds light on the cultural specificities of Grenoble, a dynamic city with a rich and varied heritage.
Regional archives and heritage
The Lectura Plus portal, which brings together written and graphic archives from Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is another essential resource for exploring the cultural past of these regions. This site offers historical newspapers such as Le Moniteur Viennois,L'Impartial Dauphinois, and Le courrier de la Drôme et de l'Ardèche, as well as photographs and documents from the period. These resources allow you to relive the history of cities such as Grenoble, Valence, and Vienne through their local publications and significant events.
The Drôme and its unique characteristics
For the Drôme region in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Livre et Lecture is a platform that promotes regional history and literary heritage. By highlighting events, exhibitions, and dedicated resources, this portal provides a rich insight into Valence's past and its role in regional development, particularly in the industrial and agricultural sectors.
Cultural and historical treasures & Sports activities
The areas around Grenoble, Valence, and Vienne stand out for their diverse cultural offerings and major historical sites, attracting art and history lovers throughout the year.
Grenoble, the capital of the Alps
The Grenoble Museum is a national landmark, offering a rich collection of European paintings. The Bastille, with its panoramic view of the city and temporary exhibitions, is another must-see.
Festival lovers can enjoyExperimenta, the Arts-Science Biennial, which explores the links between art and science, the Outdoor Short Film Festival, a highlight for film lovers in the summer, the Streat Art Fest, the largest street art festival in Europe, the Cabaret Frappé, and many other cultural activities.
Grenoble and its surrounding communities offer a wide range of theaters and performance venues, such as the unmissable MC2, the Maison de la Culture, the Théâtre Municipal de Grenoble, the Belle Électrique, theAmpérage, the Summum, and more.
The Grenoble region is resolutely sporty, and the presence of the three mountain ranges that surround it, Belledonne, Vercors, and Chartreuse, has a lot to do with that! Hiking, skiing, mountaineering, climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, paragliding, and many other more traditional activities— the list is long!
Valencia, the gateway to the south
The cultural offering, although more modest, is dynamic and diverse. The
Armenian Heritage Center, located in the heart of the city, is an iconic institution that tells the story of the Armenian diaspora through immersive and educational exhibitions. This place has become a symbol of the region's cultural diversity.
Performing arts enthusiasts go to the
City Theater, which programs theater, dance, and music performances throughout the year, offering a wide range of artistic performances.
Valencia also stands out for its festivals, including the
Festival on the field which offers high-quality, free music programming. During the summer, audiences can also enjoy outdoor concerts and entertainment as part of local events, where contemporary music and local traditions come together.
Finally, the natural setting around Valencia is ideal for many outdoor activities. The proximity of the
Vercors and from
the Drôme making it an ideal destination for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Valencia offers an appealing balance between culture and nature, with spaces that are perfect for both relaxation and discovery.
Vienna, the Roman city
Rich in history and culture, it is a city with a unique charm, with a heritage dating back to Roman times. Its
ancient theater, one of the best preserved in France, hosts the famous Festival every year.
Jazz in ViennaThis unmissable event attracts thousands of music lovers from around the world every summer, who come to listen to the biggest names in jazz in an exceptional setting. In addition, the Temple of Augustus and Livia and the remains of the Roman lyre are impressive reminders of the city's Gallo-Roman heritage.
The proximity of Lyon, located just 30 km to the north, also gives the people of Vienne direct access to the cultural buzz of the Lyon metropolitan area. In Lyon, there are iconic places such as the
Lyon Opera House, the
Tony Garnier Market Hall for concerts and major events, as well as the
Celestines Theater. The Festival of
Fourvière Nights, held in the ancient theater of Fourvière, offers an eclectic program combining theater, dance, music, and circus arts, attracting internationally renowned artists every summer. There is also, of course, the
Contemporary Art Biennial or even the
Festival of Lights.
Halfway between historical heritage and cultural modernity, Vienne benefits from a dual influence: that of its rich past and that of nearby Lyon's vibrant atmosphere. Whether you are passionate about history, music, or live performances, this dynamic region offers unique cultural diversity to its residents and visitors alike.
