Discover Lavars, Isère, Rhône-Alpes: Nature and Culture

Family loop to discover the surroundings of the lake and an almost Mediterranean flora. Departure from Savel-Plage, car park at the beach towards Château de Savel via the path on the left. From the Château, return to the start by the other path.

A pleasant, varied route through the back roads of the Trièves, taking in the scenery on both the Vercors and Dévoluy sides of the region, and admiring two emblematic peaks: Obiou and Mont Aiguille!

A sporty loop that links the Col de Menée and Col de Grimone climbs. The Col de Menée is signposted with kilometer markers. It's a great way to enjoy this Mediterranean climate!

A pleasant circular ride meandering through the south of Le Trièves on lovely quiet roads.

An original walk that takes you up to the vertiginous Ebron footbridge, alternating between the panoramic trail and the forest path that offers original views of the turquoise waters of Lake Monteynard-Avignonet. This original figure-of-eight loop offers a variety of pleasures and the best views, thanks in particular to the forest trail that winds along the lake between pines, boxwoods and oaks...

A loop with plenty of surprises under the gaze of Mont Aiguille. On leaving the train station, take the street on the left (north-west) to head towards the reservoir. Carry on towards Génie and Bois des Chaux. Continue until you get to Darne, where you will be at the foot of the Darne viaduct. Cross under the viaduct and climb up to the hamlet of Trézanne via Au Fontaniou. In Trézanne, walk to the chapel of the hamlet so you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mont Aiguille. Now return on the D7C towards Ruthière via Les Ruines (crossing a stream by a ford), Aux Fontaines and Ruthière. A little further on, take the path on your left in the direction of La Scie/Clelles. At La Scie, carry on along the D7 in the direction of the train station. After you pass a huge rock, take the track on the left and follow the path along a canal and continue on the PR until you get to the D7. Cross the road, and walk along the path in front of you to get to Mailletère and the train station.

Hike with the scent of adventure, dizzying sensations in dazzling colors, in the heart of a landscape worthy of the Mediterranean. Whether you're setting off from Treffort or Mayres-Savel, start your day with a 30-minute guided boat trip to the other side of the river. Then set off at your own pace to return to your starting point via the two footbridges. The Drac bridge is 220 meters long, and the Ebron bridge is 180 meters long. These bridges offer a surprising experience 80 meters above the lake. You'll enjoy an air of the Mediterranean in the heart of the Alps, with the song of the cicadas and the brilliant color of the water. There are several picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake. Dry toilets are also available along the way. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS > Are the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet open all year round? >>> Yes, but beware: in wet weather, the trail can be muddy and slippery. On the other hand, the La Mira boat that makes the crossing only sails when the lake level permits (generally from May 1 to September 31, check with La Mira). >Are there any charges for crossing the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet? >>>The Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet are free of charge. Parking charges apply from May to October. Boat crossings are not free. > Do I have to take the boat to hike the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet? >>> No, the boat allows you to cross the lake to make a loop, which means you can hike both footbridges. If you don't want to take the boat, you can leave from the Treffort lakeside parking lots and walk to the Ebron footbridge, then retrace your steps (round trip). > Is it possible to book the boat on site? >>> No. The boat can only be booked online via the mira website https://reservation.la-mira.com/booking. Places are limited, so please book well in advance. > How much does the boat trip cost? >>> Fares 2022: Over 4s: €8 / Reduced fare: €7 / Under 4s: free > Are dogs allowed on the Lake Monteynard-Avignonet Himalayan footbridge tour? >>> Yes, dogs are allowed on both the La Mira boat and the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet. >How long does it take to hike around the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet? >>> The Himalayan footbridges tour of Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet takes around 4h30. The hike is 11.9km long and has a vertical drop of 307m. >Where to park for the Himalayan footbridges tour of Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet? >>> You'll need to park in one of the parking lots near the La Mira boat landing stage on the Treffort side of the lake: parking des Combettes, parking de la plage or parking de La Salette. If you're making the round trip to the Ebron footbridge, you'll want to use the Vignes parking lot. > Which way should I hike the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet? >>> We recommend that you start by taking the boat at Treffort to cross the lake to Mayres-Savel. You can then reach the Drac footbridge, continue to the Ebron footbridge and return to your starting point. Starting the hike with the boat crossing allows you to walk at your leisure, with no time constraints during the hike! > What do I need to bring to hike the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet? >>> To hike the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet, you'll need to bring ..: - water (there's only one watering place at the halfway point) - walking shoes (no flip-flops) - sunscreen and hat - a jacket or sweater (the area can be windy!) > Is it possible to use a baby carriage on the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet? >>> It is not possible to walk around the footbridges in a stroller, but it is possible to make the round trip to the Ebron footbridge by taking the panoramic trail from the Vignes parking lot on the Treffort side. Please note: you'll need an all-terrain baby carriage (big wheels!) as the track is rocky.

A beautiful loop in the heart of the Trièves, taking in small villages with magnificent views: Le Percy, Monestier-du-Percy and Prébois! The main difficulty is the short climb between Sandon and Le Percy.

This loop offers many panoramic views of the Trièves and its cultivated land, which in spring is a colorful patchwork! Take the time to look up from the handlebars on this very pleasant route, punctuated by splendid viewpoints!

A magnificent itinerary that allows you to appreciate the rich landscapes of the Trièves, from the foothills of the Vercors massif to those of the Dévoluy massif! The program includes passes, picturesque villages, small undulating roads, panoramic views...

If you love hiking, water sports and social, family-friendly holidays, Le Savel Campsite is for you! Perfectly located in the heart of the Alps, at the junction of three nature reserves (Vercors, Chartreuse and Écrins National Park), the campsite is only 45 minutes from Grenoble and sits across seven hectares along Lake Monteynard. As this is the second windiest lake in Europe, you can experience the joys of windsurfing, kite surfing and catamaran sailing! Enjoy a full day of activities before heading back to savour the campsite’s peaceful setting and great amenities: heated swimming pool with view of the lake and mountains, gourmet restaurant with dishes prepared on site, evening entertainment on Thursdays and Saturdays (July and August), lakeside pitches and deluxe accommodation! And for those who love fishing, the campsite sells fishing permits and equipment.

Let's board on La Mira boat for a unique cruise, ideal to discover the history and all the natural ressources of Monteynard lake ! (duration : 1h30) Morning cruises depatures : * Savel departure : 10:00 am to 11:30 am * Treffort departure : 10:30 am to 12 pm - Wednesdays in may, june, septembre and octobre - Wednesdays and fridays during July and August

Visit this unique site, inaccessible by all other means, with the "Monteynard" cruises. It can be discovered either by day or by night, with a group or with friends, The Mira boat adapts to everyone's needs... Let the festivities begin. Crossings are daily from 01/05 to 30/09, and can be operated from April and October if water levels permit. They open in the morning or afternoon, depending on the boat's schedule. Treffort reception office: Open from May to September 30.

Enjoy the pleasure of a fine lunch while crossing the blue waters of Monteynard lake... LA MIRA boat welcomes you on board to enjoy a nice lunch while discovering the Monteynard lake's surprises. Duration : 2h30 Let's choose your menu among several options : * The Classic Ebron * The Sénépi * The vegetarian menu For the childrens : The Moussaillon menu ! All the menu options are available for consultation on the website : https://la-mira.com/croisieres-restaurant/ * TREFFORT departure : Boarding : 11:45 am Departure : 12:00 pm Return : 2:30 pm * MAYRES-SAVEL departure : Departure : 12:30 pm Return : 3 pm

LA MIRA boat welcomes you on board to enjoy aperitif cruises during 2 hours. Time : 2 hours. Boarding 15 minutes before departure.

The Trail of the footbridges offers many tours for everyone around the lake Monteynard.

Visit this unique site, inaccessible by all other means, with the "Monteynard" cruises. It can be discovered either by day or by night, with a group or with friends, The Mira boat adapts to everyone's needs... Let the festivities begin. Cross timetables : * SAVEL departure : 8h30, 9h50, 14h40, 16h, 17h20 * TREFFORT departure : 9h10, 10h30, 15h20, 16h40, 18h Please note : Not all the cross are open everyday (depending on the season...). Check on our website www.la-mira.com for every cross departure.

Bungee jumping on Ponsonnas 's bridge, of 103m high. The 1st European centre of bungee jumping. In single or in tandem

This musuem is about the mining exploitation through the visit of the gallery, an exhibition and a film to tell you the story of miners.

Very calm campsite located beside the big lake of Laffrey; it offers you an incredible panorama on the mountain range of « Grand Serre ». Wanting to take a fresh air? This campsite is made for you! Far niente or sporty vacation. Very calm campsite located beside the big lake of Laffrey; it offers you an incredible panorama on the mountain range of « Grand Serre ». Wanting to take a fresh air? This campsite is made for you! Far niente or sporty vacation, come to discover or re-discover the mountain hiking, the water sports, fishing, biking, and so much more activities of Medium Mountain! With a tent, a camping van or else Mobil-Home and chalet, come to enjoy a protected nature with mind-blowing landscapes! Don’t want to cook? The restaurant offers a fined cooking, with lots of fresh and local Product .

The dam lake of Monteynard is a paradise for windsurf and kitesurf practice. The Monteynard lake if the most extended lake of Matheysine, linking with Trièves territory. There are pebble and grassy beaches, kids games and picnic area equipped with barbecues. A nautical base offers various activities (sailboat, sailboard, catamaran, kayak and paddle rental). Warning : It's a dam lake with high navigation : swimming is forbidden.

Welcome to Terre Vivante a special and magical place Far away from hectic urban life, come and enjoy magnificent landscapes, combining nature and ecological gardens. Terre Vivante Eco-Centre is a special place where wilderness and cultivated land meet, at the heart of a 50 hectares of forest at 750 m of altitude. For the past 25 years we have been experimenting with organic gardening and ecology on a day to day basis. We provide an environment fostering discoveries, as well as all the necessary tools and equipment for visitors, interns and pupils to learn and practice… The centre is a place for sharing and passing on knowledge and there are many reasons to pay a visit: -for a workshop of 1 to 5 days -for a school trip -for a visit on your own or guided -for a company’s meeting A room with snacks is available on site for your comfort. Find out more about our workshops and events at centre.terrevivante.org

The piped water is a story of slope.Controlling the slope allows to control the regularity of the water flow. Elevation at start : 897 mElevation at arrival : 880 mLenght : 3 km

A 60 m² exhibition space dedicated to EDF's activities in the Drac valley. Find out all about the Monteynard-Avignonet dam and the valley's 3 other major dams, through films, panels and photos. A place of welcome and information, partly financed by EDF, with the aim of promoting both the Lac de Monteynard Avignonet site and the culture of hydroelectricity, a renewable energy par excellence. Indeed, the Monteynard-Avignonet dam, which created the lake of the same name, is unique. It's a factory dam, with the turbines used to generate electricity integrated into the heart of the dam. This information and much more is freely available, and photos and live explanations by the staff present will complete your visit.

In 1821, a group of local farmers constructed a canal to irrigate parts of their land and gardens in Clelles. The canal was fitted with numerous sluice gates, but only members of the Syndicate were entitled to have access to the water supply. At the beginning of the 20th century, Mr Corréard, a local miller, leased part of the rights to operate an electric power plant. In addition to running his mill, he became an electricity producer and supplied the commune of Clelles. In 1948, the power plant was connected to the national electricity grid!

In the heart of the historic district of Mens, the Musée du Trièves recounts the rich history of the region and its inhabitants. From prehistory to the present day, permanent and temporary exhibitions present the sites of this remarkable rural heritage. Located in the heart of the historic center of Mens, this museum traces the history of the people who have shaped the Trièves landscape. A genuine local museum, it gives pride of place to landscapes, early human occupation, rural heritage and village life, as well as to the artists who have spent time here (Jean Giono, Edith Berger, Emile Gilioli). Temporary exhibitions complete the discovery. The Musée du Trièves, the former garrison of Lesdiguières soldiers during the Wars of Religion, located on the Place de la Halle (Monument Historique), traces the history of the places and men who have shaped the region...

The alluvial fan is the lower section of a mountain stream where sediment is deposited. The fan is clearly visible in front of you, and its sediment comes from the northern foot of Mont Aiguille. The Côtes stream from Trézanne struggles to make its way through all the tributaries of the Ruines stream.

The name «Mont Aiguille» appears quite late on geographical maps, not before the 17th century. However, the mountain is not pointed like a needle, as suggested by its name. It is possible that the local dialect term «aguïo» for a pointed rock might have been confused with the Occitan term «eyguèyo» equivalent to «aiguière» in French, meaning a water vessel. Thus, Mont Aiguille wouldmost likely come from the Occitan name for this mountain (Peiro Eyguèyo), which refers to a «Mountain of Springs», because of the numerous springs at the foot of its northern face (Francès, 1997).

Nestled at the foot of Mount Aiguille, the Chapel of Trézanne offers a magnificent view of this majestic mountain, overlooking it more than 1000 m. This small Romanesque chapel is characterized by its thatched roof which was rehabilitated in 2001 and recently renovated. Before the eighteenth century, the thatched roofs were numerous in the Trièves: they were gradually replaced by tile roofing, notably because of the fires.

Shady terrace with panorama over Monteynard's lake, cosy atmosphere. Traditional cooking Our open kitchen lets you experience the creation of your dishes at first hand. Talk to our chefs, ask for advice on food and wine pairing...

Take away beers and drinks. The tasting and the sale are done on the spot as well as the consumption on the terrace: homemade beers, homemade aperitif drinks, homemade lemonade, homemade syrups, wines. In summer, you can enhance your appetisers with local products or artisanal icecreams. You can also homemade dishes.

A 30-minute walk from the village of Corrençon via the GR 91 in the direction of the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors (the Vercors Highlands). Whetheron foot, on snowshoes or cross-country skis, this is an easy excursion providing a “taste” of the picturesque ambiance of a true mountain refuge.

With golfing in summer and downhill skiing in winter, the restaurant is open every day from 9am to 6pm. The biggest appetites will be satisfied with a slow-cooked stew or menus à la carte. Traditional cooking.

In the secret of the forest of Alloubière, among the hundred-year-old trees, Alice welcomes you and perpetuates the family tradition. The Auberge de Malaterre keeps its peasant and bewitching identity. Bernard and Lydia will still tell you their country and its legends. Alice will cook your favourite dishes and many more. Access by snowshoeing or skiing in winter. By car in summer.

The best Vercors products on your plate. Depending on the season by the fireplace or on the terrace. Several menus are available. Nicolas Fayollat our chef proposes a cuisine sensitive to local tastes.

Make the most of a simple break with a warm and pleasant welcome on the Route Napoléon, in the midst of the mountains. Family cuisine with wood-fired pizzas. Lunch specials and à la carte dishes.

At our restaurant, we invite you to discover our regional and gastronomic menus, the Chef's specialities (duck terrines, 'ravioles' gratin, etc). Set menus from €19 to €32 and children's menu at €10.

At the meeting point of the Champsaur and Valgaudemar valleys, our restaurant has been welcoming diners in a family setting for 30 years. 'Tourtons', 'ravioles' with honey, 'oreilles d'ânes', mountain charcuterie... All our specialities can be enjoyed in our restaurant or as a takeaway.

A 13th century chateau in a park lined with two-centuries-old lime trees, where Louis XIII and Richelieu stayed in 1629. Gastronomic and regional cuisine. Ideal for receptions, seminars, weddings and family get-togethers.

If you love hiking, water sports and social, family-friendly holidays, Le Savel Campsite is for you! Perfectly located in the heart of the Alps, at the junction of three nature reserves (Vercors, Chartreuse and Écrins National Park), the campsite is only 45 minutes from Grenoble and sits across seven hectares along Lake Monteynard. As this is the second windiest lake in Europe, you can experience the joys of windsurfing, kite surfing and catamaran sailing! Enjoy a full day of activities before heading back to savour the campsite’s peaceful setting and great amenities: heated swimming pool with view of the lake and mountains, gourmet restaurant with dishes prepared on site, evening entertainment on Thursdays and Saturdays (July and August), lakeside pitches and deluxe accommodation! And for those who love fishing, the campsite sells fishing permits and equipment.

The Baraque of Veymont is an unguarded cabin of the Forest Service. It can accommodate 8 people for the night, but plan your equipment because it does not have mattresses or stove.

A rustic cabin located at the entrance of the Hauts-Plateaux Nature Reserve not far from the Pas de l'Essaure, in the valley Combau.It is composed of a basic common room on the ground floor with table and wood stove (to envisage small dry wood) and a floor on the floor (sleeping of 10-15 people, to envisage mattress and sleeping bag ).There is water at 700 m but be careful, it is often dry!Remember to close the chalet at the time of departure (shutters and doors).

The cabin of the Aiguillettes is a former shepherd's hut dating back to the time when the pastoral units were smaller. This hut, open to the public, accommodates only 4 people by tightening a little and does not have a stove.

At the crossroads of several important trails, the Cabin de Pre Peyret is one of the most frequented of the massif. Located at the entrance of the high plateaus at 1600 m, this unguarded stone hut can accommodate 10 people for the night. It has a stove.The place exudes an old tradition of welcome because it is an old cabaret where those who were penniless went to drink at the Fountain of the Endettés, which bears his name well.

The shelter of Peyrouse (Abri de la Peyrouse) located on the balconies East of the Vercors is an unguarded stone hut, 2 places are planned to sleep there, but you will not find there water nor stove to warm you.

A short distance from the Hauts-plateaux at 1540 m, the shelter of the Pison is a shack in sheet metal, able to accomodate 6 people. It has a stove.

Quiet and family campsite located in an amazing setting between lake and mountains. Many landscaped pitches have a vue on the lake. The toilet block is confortable and spacious. Direct access to the lake enables you to swim or sunbathe on the little grassy private beach. .

Welcome in the heart of the "Ecrins" national park in the village of Valbonnais, place of nature and freedom. The campsite is on the bank of a small lake "Le plan d'eau". It is a quiet and restful place with a fantastic view