The Painters Trail

Situated on the heights of Morestel, the museum has retained its old-world charm and houses a collection dedicated to Auguste Ravier, a precursor of Impressionism, and his painter friends. It has been awarded the "Maison des Illustres" label by the French Ministry of Culture.This early 18th-century residence in the heart of the old town is remarkable for the elegance of its proportions: it is accessed via an authentic porch with a carriage entrance that gives it its distinctive character. A 3-sided mansard roof with windows, covered in flaked tiles like the Dauphiné houses in the region, and four rows of genoises at its base, bear witness to the affluence of the owners who built this building. Set on the heights of the town, the terrace planted with lime trees and its gardens offer an astonishing panoramic view of the Bugey and Chartreuse mountains, the Belledonne and Vercors ranges. A town museum, the interior has retained the charm of days gone by and houses a collection dedicated to Auguste Ravier, a precursor of Impressionism, and his painter friends. It also features portraits by the painter François Guiguet, touching us with their sensitivity and tenderness. Temporary exhibitions punctuate the season. The Maison Ravier has signed the "Musée joyeux charter" and regularly offers a whole programme of original, fun activities for families. The museum has also been awarded the "Accueil vélo" label and offers a range of services for cyclists.

Discover the picturesque, narrow streets of the old town, following the heritage trail along Rue François-Auguste Ravier. From the St Symphorien church to the Medieval Tower, the history of Morestel is waiting to be revealed... Follow the guide!Morestel has seduced many artists with its particular light. The picturesque medieval setting of the town only enhances the attractiveness and charm of this old fortified settlement... and Morestel has kept many traces of its past. Walk the narrow streets of the upper part of the town, commonly known as the 'Old Town'... Let yourself be guided by the Heritage Trail and discover Morestel's history. The village of Morestel developed at the base of a rock, beneath the castle, and was certainly within ramparts in the first half of the 14th century. It was accessed by two gates, the Saint Symphorien gate, whose remains are still visible in the wall and the Murine gate. These gates were linked by the single commercial street in the village, the 'Grande Vie' (Latin via, the way), called Rue Ravier since 1945. Outside, near the gates, the two suburbs developed. Crowded inside the walls, sometimes attached to the Castle ramparts, there were many houses, barns and garden, as well as residences of the local nobility, which were sometimes fortified: 'Strong Houses'.