France’s Alpine Arc is the local version of Silicon Valley. It reaches from Geneva, in the north, to the Rhône valley, in the south, passing through Annecy, Chambéry, Grenoble and Valence. You will find many of the world’s information technology firms here, including such big names as HP, Sun Microsystems, Bull, ST Microelectronics, Philips, Thalès, Motorola, etc.

 Grenoble has just been selected by a European call for projects as the headquarters of Minatec, a huge research programme in which more than €1bn will be invested. In the months to come thousands of highly qualified engineers will be moving to the area to work on the programme.

 France’s Alpine Arc has enjoyed spectacular growth, far exceeding the regional and national average. What is more it boasts exceptional quality of life with mountains, lakes and natural parks. This is undoubtedly a strategic market. It is important to be here now, tomorrow it will be essential.