We ride the tram through it, bike across it, study there, work there… But do we really know the Saint-Martin-d’Hères and Gières university campus? Behind its buildings, paths, and green spaces lies a rich heritage of architecture, works of art, history, and landscapes. Starting September 10, 2026, the University of Grenoble-Alpes (Université Grenoble Alpes , UGA), in partnership with Grenoble Alpes Métropole, invites residents of the metropolitan area, students, and university staff to see this familiar place in a new light through the “One Campus, a Thousand Stories” tour in Archistoire, a free mobile app that transforms the campus into a true playground of discovery.

A campus you think you know… but is worth rediscovering

The Saint-Martin-d’Hères and Gières university campus is one of the landmarks of the Grenoble landscape. People come here to study, work, play sports, or simply walk through it. But how many people know its history, its iconic buildings, its works of art, or the landscapes that surround it?

That is the whole point of Archistoire: to inspire people to look at a place in a new light—a place we sometimes pass by without really seeing it.

Through a guided tour accessible directly from a smartphone, the app invites everyone to stroll around campus and discover—as they go—stories, architectural features, works of art, and places they might not have otherwise expected to find.
Through this initiative, theUniversité Grenoble Alpes aims to raise awareness of and share a heritage that is an integral part of the region’s history. The project is part of the UGA’s policy to promote scientific and technical culture and to highlight its heritage, as well as the “Region and Cultural Outreach” pillar of its strategic plan.

For Grenoble Alpes Métropole, this partnership also helps improve residents' access to the cultural and heritage resources in their region.

A free guided tour… right in your pocket

No guide or reservation needed: Archistoire can be downloaded for free on your smartphone and lets you explore the campus at your own pace. The suggested tour highlights different aspects of this university campus: its history, architecture, and works of art, as well as its natural spaces and landscapes. The app is designed for everyone: city residents, students, UGA staff, newcomers, visitors, and tourists. It’s a way to turn the campus into a space for discovery and exploration, while also strengthening the ties between the university and the city.

See you on September 10 for the launch at the Start UGA back-to-school event

Archistoire’s “One Campus, a Thousand Stories” tour will be officially launched on September 10, 2026, on the occasion of Start UGA, theUniversité Grenoble Alpes ’s major back-to-school event, which also marks the start of the European Heritage Days at the UGA, where no fewer than seventeen events are offered to the public to explore the university’s heritage in a new light.
Visitors will then be able to try out the app and let it guide them through the campus for an introductory tour of the university’s heritage, architecture, and art. 

It's Your Turn: #RediscoverYourCampus

To kick off this new initiative, the UGA and Grenoble Alpes Métropole are also launching the “Rediscover Your Campus” challenge, running from September 10 to 20.

How does it work? Download Archistoire, choose one of the 12 stops along the “One Campus, a Thousand Stories” tour and set out to discover your favorite: a work of art, a building, a view, an architectural detail, a historical anecdote…
Participants are invited to share their discoveries on social media using the hashtag #RediscoverYourCampus. UGA and Grenoble Alpes Métropole will highlight a selection of the most inspiring posts.

A living heritage to explore all year round

The launch of Archhistoire is just the beginning of the adventure. Starting in October, the UGA and Grenoble Alpes Métropole will continue to keep the app alive and regularly provide new reasons to return to campus.
Each month, a building, a work of art, an anecdote, a natural site, or a notable figure will be featured on the social media accounts and websites of the UGA and the Metropolis, with a direct link to the corresponding tour in Archistoire.

So the campus still has more secrets to reveal

Archistoire is…

• A free mobile app
• Trails to explore on foot at your own pace
• The History and Architecture of the Campus
• Works of Art to View in a Different Light
• Landscapes and Natural Areas to Explore
• An experience open to everyone

So, are you ready to rediscover your campus?
See you on September 10, 2026!