Grenoble
Pioneering solidarity in France
Key Takeaways
- 1
The main successes of Grenoble do not lie in specific measures but rather in the overall political agenda of the current left-green mayor Eric Piolle (since 2014), who has invested in a more resilient city – economically, structurally, socially and environmentally.
- 2
Grenoble has a tradition of investing in service provision and public consultation (e.g. the city has appointed a migrants’ council that works closely with the municipality).Solidarity with migrants is deeply rooted in the city’s history.
- 3
The campaign for extending rights to all residents in line with the principle of unconditional reception is one of the most interesting approaches that other cities can learn from the example of Grenoble.
What is unique about the city?
Fighting for migrant rights: Grenoble has been particularly active in fighting for the recognition of migrant rights. To this end, a large network of organisations collaborates with the municipality on several initiatives for the provision of advice, information and basic services.
“In Grenoble, there is a real welcoming tradition; it’s kind of in the city’s DNA.”
Emmanuel Carroz, Deputy Mayor
What is the focus of local migration policies?
Unconditional reception: The current left-green local government is redirecting its local inclusion policy away from the defence and protection of specific rights for migrants and refugees, towards the extension of rights to all residents in line with its principle of unconditional reception. The city council’s recently created online solidarity platform is an example of how the municipality coordinates the requirements of the migrant population and services provided by local NGOs. While the municipality is eager to promote a universal politics of inclusion, it receives little support from the higher level government of the Isère department
Political activities and advocacy beyond the city level
The first administration of Mayor Piolle emphasised the hospitality of the city, declaring it in 2014 to be "a city for all" ("Une ville pour tous"). Through the Piolle administration's inclusive and participatory agenda, the city has positioned itself explicitly since 2015 as a city of welcome. Since then, it has been one of the most active cities in France and is a member of several city networks fighting for migrant rights. In 2018, Grenoble was among the nine founding cities of ANVITA, the National Association of Welcoming Cities and Territories.
Member of the following networks
Download the full city report
The city report contains more information about the city’s migration and inclusion policies and selected local approaches. Report from 2021, updated in 2023.