Choosing a school, Lyon vs. Grenoble?

[amadeus]

Hi everyone, I am applying to study abroad for one year in France, coming from the states...My primary goal is to have an authentic French immersion experience (with as little chance to speak English as possible), plus easy access to the rest of Europe. I ruled out Paris simply because of its international flavour, so it boiled down to Lyon or Grenoble (Ecole Normale Superieuse des Lettres vs. Institut d'etudes politiques Grenoble), both schools are good schools, but have never been to both, I'm curious whats your opinion on either?

yours gratefully

Victor

[Tourangelle]

no opinion on the schools, but Lyon is better than Grenoble to live in I think.

It is cheaper than Grenoble

It has a large international airport and excellent rail links

The climate is better

The city itself has an excellent transport system

There is lots to do, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, evening classes

The people are very enthusiastic about their city

There are a number of pleasant festivals (la fete de la lumiere, le Beaujolais nouveau)

I loved living in Lyon, and stayed there for 8 years.