Grenoble in the Time of Lesdiguières: The Last Constable

(18 Reviews)
Price
Adult price15€
Price
Adult price15€
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23703
1,5 hour
Wheelchair Access: yes
Grenoble
Available in French (or English and Italian for private tours)
Min age: 10 year and more
Maximum Number of Participants: 25
Pictures
Visit Details

What you can expect:

  • Immerse yourself in the 17th century, a time when the city was undergoing a transformation to become the 'Capital of the Alps.'
  • Take a journey back to Renaissance-era Grenoble during the religious wars.
  • Accompany an accredited tour guide who humorously embodies the character of Marie Vignon, dressed in historical attire.
  • Être accompagnés d’une guide conférencière diplômée se glissant avec humour dans la peau de Marie Vignon, qu’elle incarne en costume d’époque
  • Explore Grenoble in a small group, solo, with family, or friends during an immersive tour.

Program

Meet Marie Vignon, the second wife of the Constable of Lesdiguières, for a journey through Grenoble, the 'Capital of the Alps,' in the early 17th century. She will recount the rise of her husband, a provincial Protestant noble who became the second most influential figure in the Kingdom of France. From religious wars to places of refuge, from the scandal of their relationship to their marriage, from murders to witchcraft trials, discover, with the ambitious and powerful Marie, how her husband transformed the appearance of Grenoble.

Get to Know Your Guide/Character:

In 1590, Marie Vignon, a young Catholic bourgeois woman and the wife of a silk merchant in Grenoble, met the powerful François de Bonne de Lesdiguières. A Protestant captain and Commander-in-Chief of Dauphiné for King Henri IV of France, he was 33 years her senior. Their relationship, in every sense a mixed one, caused a scandal: rumors suggested that Marie had bewitched François to seduce him, and that she was nothing more than an ambitious courtesan. However, Marie Vignon faithfully stood by the side of the future Duke of Lesdiguières, Constable of France, throughout his ascent. She thus became a privileged witness to his destiny and the transformations he brought to Grenoble, ultimately turning it into a true 'Capital of the Alps.'

Starting Point:

In front of the Statue of Hercules, in front of the Maison de l'International, 1 Rue Hector Berlioz, Grenoble

Points of Interest:

Hôtel de Lesdiguières, Place St André, surroundings of the Collégiale St André and the Palais du Parlement, Chenoise Quarter, Tour de l'Isle

Point d'arrivée :

Aux abords de la collégiale Saint-André, Grenoble

Default Schedule

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Additional Information:

  • - Theatrical tour of Grenoble in Historical outfit. Theatrical tour with a touch of storytelling, suitable for both locals and visitors, adults, and children (over 10 years old).
  • Useful InformationApproximately 1.3KM walk with avoidable stairs.
  • Minimum of 6 adults required.Tours are confirmed once a minimum of 6 participants is reached. If the minimum is not met, the tour will be rescheduled to a date of your choice or refunded if the traveler cannot reschedule.
  • Cancellation Policy:Cancellation free of charge up to 48 hours before the tour time.
    Entre 48h et 24h avant la visite : 50% de pénalités
    Less than 24 hours before the tour: no refund.
Trailer
Prices

Individual Rates

Adults
15 €
Reduced: Students (with ID)
10 €
Youth (13 to 17 years)
7 €
Children (10 to 12 years)
5 €
Free : (under 9 years)
Free

Private Tour

  • Date and time of your choice
  • Available Languages: French, English, Italian
  • Price: €160/group up to 10 people. Quote available for groups >10.
Map

 

18 Reviews
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Benedicte R

Couple Traveller

Visite passionnante avec plein d’intrigues.

22 July 2025

JL

Couple Traveller

Très belle expérience. Concept original et captivant. Nous n’avons pas vu le temps passer et nous avons appris bcp de choses. Choisir un personnage pour raconter l’Histoire à travers lui est une tres bonne idée.
Nous recommencerons l’expérience.

1 May 2025

Valérie S

Couple Traveller

+ de 2h de visite de la ville qui m’a vu grandir et je peux dire que j’ai été époustouflée par la prestation de notre guide car j’ai appris pleins d’histoires que je pensais déjà connaître.
Au travers de la vie de Marie Vignon, nous avons parcouru Grenoble et son histoire au travers de la vie sulfureuse de cette femme, 2 em épouse du Duc de Lesdiguières.
Rappel historique, visites insolites et anecdotes sont au rendez-vous. Bravo à notre conteuse qui nous a transposé à l’époque de Lesdiguières. Nous avons passé un fabuleux moment.

20 April 2025

Patricia

Group Traveller

Récit historique captivant de la petite histoire à la grande histoire de France
Narration subtile théâtrale agrémentée d’humour
Merci Cécile

13 April 2025

Aida S

Group Traveller

Bravo à la guide Cécile, alias Duchesse Marie de Lesdiguières 👏
La guide Cécile m’a complètement fascinée et emportée avec Madame Lesdiguières, j’étais captivée et n’ai pas vu passer les deux heures de la visite malgré le froid et le vent ! Le contenu était très intéressant, très belle façon de nous initier à l’histoire de France ! Bravo et merci à la guide qui a su aussi profiter du contexte ambiant pour faire de belles improvisations avec beaucoup de finesse.

13 April 2025
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