Moving to Grenoble
 

Hi!
We are relocating to Grenoble for my husbands work later this year. We currently live in Copenhagen where I am a Senior Researcher in Transport and Smart Cities. I have 2 small children. I guess my question is work related. I really would like to find work, I know the job market is so so, and my French is school level (I am planning to get stuck in and learn!)
I also wondered about anyone who has young kids in Grenoble (mine are 8 months and 2.5 years). Also....I read about the 'Openhouse' group in Grenoblebut the website seems to have shut down?
Lots of advice/comments welcome please!!!
Thank you!!!!
Tessa

Re: Moving to Grenoble
 

I think your biggest problem is likely to be a lack of good French. (Keep working on it! :) ) The jobs market in France seems dire according to other posters on BE.you may have to be a stay at home Mum for a while until you find your feet and have made some contacts.
Good luck on your move.

Re: Moving to Grenoble
 

Thanks! Yes, I am hoping to get stuck in with the French and be optimistic!!!

Re: Moving to Grenoble
 

Hello and welcome to the forum.
Is your OH's employer offering a support package e.g. settle in assistance; french lessons etc?
Look for children's clubs and try to speak french - even if poorly. Make your mistakes and learn from them.
Good luck with your adventure.

Re: Moving to Grenoble
 

Hi, yes, we will have assistance, and relocation help which will be good. Also wondering where to live as well! We have a car, and 2 kids who LOVE being outside....!
Hopefully I will find work :)

Re: Moving to Grenoble
 

Hi, and welcome to the forum!
I can't help on the Grenoble front, but your 2 1/2 year old will be able to go to Maternelle (the Mairie allocates the nearest one to your domicile), and you can leave your baby with the local Halte-Garderie a few hours from time to time to do your own thing. Unless you're working (and even then, priority is given to low-income families), he/she wouldn't be accepted in an all-day crêche. Otherwise there are plenty of private child-minding possibilities in towns.
:)

Re: Moving to Grenoble
 

What is your work? Are you an academic? Will you normally be employed by the local council? Or do you want to do something different? Your french will have to be really good. Consider taking alliance francaise courses.

Re: Moving to Grenoble
 

To be employed in a local council or become a "fonctionnaire" of any type, you have to pass and win a Competitive Examination, i.e. do better than the French candidates.
The Alliance Française is a good idea. A good way of meeting people, too.

Re: Moving to Grenoble
 

Hi Tessa.
I work in Grenoble so any specific questions you have please ask away. I don't live in the city itself but I know it pretty well.