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Explore Vignieu, Isère: a blend of nature and history

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Nestled in the Isère département within the Rhône-Alpes region, Vignieu is a charming town offering a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Nearby, you can explore the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park, perfect for hiking or mountain biking, where trails weave through breathtaking landscapes. History enthusiasts will be delighted to visit the renowned Château de Virieu, a beautifully ...See more

Walking around Vignieu

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Walk through the natural landscapes of Vignieu.
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The water paths
5.8 km

The water paths

This easy walk is nice to discover the Natural Sensitive Area and make the most of the fresh atmosphere of the ponds in summer. From the car park, follow the yellow signs and the following signposts: Les Communes > Le Rompay > Croix Droguet > Bois de Salérieu > Etang de la Feuillée > Petite Commune > back to LA CHAPELLE DE LA TOUR From the car park, take time to look at the pretty communal oven before admiring the panoramic view of the Vercors and Chartreuse mountains. Continue along the departmental road for 100 metres to reach a country road and then the shady Chemin du Dran. You'll pass close to the old water catchments used to supply drinking water to La Tour-du-Pin. The landscape opens up once more to farmland and cultivated fields. Between Les Communes and Le Rompay, the route follows the dyke of the former Dolomieu pond, which was drained during the French Revolution. You then pass through a number of woods that provide a little coolness in summer. Stop off at the Etang de la Feuillée, classified as a Sensitive Natural Area. This site is made up of wet meadows, ponds, reedbeds and wet woodland and is home to the marsh copper, a protected butterfly species, as well as two protected plants, the marsh peucedan and the loose-flowered orchid. Continue on to the educational pond at Petite Commune, an ideal spot for a picnic in the shade of two tables, then return to the village. You can climb to the top of the church tower to admire the scenery (contact the Mairie beforehand).

3 h
10 km
Easy
Parking du four banal (derrière l'église) Route de Caillite - D16i 38110 La Chapelle-de-la-Tour
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Section of the Via Rhona to the Balcons du Dauphine
6.5 km

Section of the Via Rhona to the Balcons du Dauphine

The Via Rhona is an 815km long cycle route, which links Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea, along the Rhone river. It alternates between safe greenways, managed for cyclo-tourists, and shared routes. The Via Rhona in the Balcons du Dauphine is composed of three sections, where countryside, patrimony and authenticity blend harmoniously to become one! Therefore, a 88km long course on our lands. Start your journey from Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers to Groslée (Belley - Groslée section, 39 km). You ride along the edge of the Haut-Rhône Français National Nature Reserve (and the meanders of the Saugey river). Greenways and managed roads for this part. Continue on the Groslée - La Balme-les-Grottes section (52km), where you will discover the Balcons du Dauphine, and, particularly, Morestel, the town of painters, and La Balme-les-Grottes, a village known for its magnificent caves and its picturesque centre. This part features unspoilt nature, with ponds, lakes and marshes. With minimal elevation, it is suitable for the whole family. Ride at your own speed and discover the rich scenery, generously provided by the river. Finish your ride in the Balcons du Dauphine by taking the provisional route from La Balme-les-Grottes - Jons (towards Lyon): 38 km where authentic villages, castles and vineyards come one after the other. You will also be amazed by the natural site at the junction between the Ain and the Rhone, the Jonage Canal and the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage. This stage is on small roads. Extend the experience by exploring the whole Via Rhona, a detailed map is available in the tourist information offices. Also note: The Via Rhona now connects to the Balcons du Dauphine Greenway, meaning you can ride from Arandon-Passins to Crémieu.

52 km
38510 Morestel
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Routes from station to station - La Trans' Vals du Dauphiné
7.6 km

Routes from station to station - La Trans' Vals du Dauphiné

Walk through the Transvdd, walking, by bike or riding a horse, departure from the different train stations, from La Tour du Pin or Le Pont de Beauvoisin. You will discover the region named Les Vals du Dauphiné, through the small valleys, the panoramas, the soil and the heritage. Departure from the station of La Tour du Pin to the one of Pont de Beauvoisin and gentle return by the SNCF line Lyon/ Chambéry. The route can be done in three stages (shops and accommodation in each stage town): -La Tour-du-Pin > Val-de-Virieu : 14,6km - positive difference in altitude : 234m -Val-de-Virieu > Les Abrets-en-Dauphiné : 17,8km - positive difference in altitude : 415m -Les Abrets-en-Dauphiné > Pont-de-Beauvoisin : 16,4km - positive difference in altitude : 97m There is a train station in Val-de-Virieu (1km from the city center) and in Les Abrets-en-Dauphiné (1.5km from the city center) to cover only 1 or 2 stages. Follow the yellow markings and the following crossroads: Charvin / Château de Pin / la Grisolle/Marlieu/ Les Arphants/ Ravin des Gabelles/ Lézieu/ La Mollat/ Chélieu église/ Gare de Virieu Panissage/ Virieu/ La Trêve / Château de Virieu / Les Cardelles / Chubins/ Brézin/ Chemin de la Vie / Côte Simandre// Chemin du lavoir/ Le Brocard/ Jalinières/ Les Allimards/ Château de Juvenin/ Les Abrets Eglise/ Les Abrets/ La Loue/ Vérou/ Les Perrières/ Pressins/ La Corbière/ La Combe Noire/ Les Forêts/ Le Menou/ Le Grabier/ Pont de Beauvoisin train station. The paths of the Ravin des Gabelles in Chélieu, the ascent of the castle of Virieu and the portion between La Combe Noire and Les Forets in Pressins can be slippery in wet periods.

50 km
Gare SNCF 38110 La Tour-du-Pin
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What to do in Vignieu

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Vasselin Belltower Clock
2.3 km

Vasselin Belltower Clock

This clock dating from 1926 was designed by "L.D. Odobey Cadet Morez du Jura" and purchased with funds donated by parishioners and town councillors and the proceeds of a tombola. Background: On 3rd April 1926, the Vasselin village council discussed a project to install a clock in the church belltower. The Lyon firm CHARVET proposed 3 clock faces for a price of around 6,000 francs. The Mayor pointed out that 3,000 francs had been donated by Mr. REYNIER and another 2,000 francs by Mr. APPRIN. The council members (Joseph CHARY, Marius AUDOUAL, Jean-Louis BLANCHIN, Constant GUILLET, Louis VARNET, Antoine GARNIER, Désiré GUILLAUD, Joseph GUILLET, Jean BLANC and Joseph CHOLAT) decided to each donate 100 francs in order to reach the estimated sum. On 16th May 1926, the village council decided to ask Mr. PAULIN to install the clock for a fee of 7,300 francs. On 22nd August 1926, the council voted to entrust the scaffolding to Mr. DREVON to allow 3 holes to be pierced to accommodate the clock. Because the cost was higher than expected, a tombola was organised to raise extra funds. The clock mechanism was installed on the 2nd floor of the tower, just below the bells. On 2nd October 1926, Mr. PAULIN was paid 5,000 francs to install the clock. He was to receive the balance on a later visit to Vasselin after ensuring that the whole mechanism was working properly. Mr. CHARVET also received 10 francs for the glazing. On 11th November 1927, the Council engaged Mr. Joseph BLANC for the rewinding and maintenance of the clock mechanism for the sum of 100 francs per year. On 13th February 1927, after the tombola had taken place and all the bills had been paid, the sums were done and revealed a leftover sum of 2,106 francs. After 75 years of good and loyal service, the mechanism was still in working order, but required some maintenance work. On 18th May 2001, the clock maintenance company suggested the electrics be updated to standards and an electronic clock installed. But the Town Council decided not to replace the original mechanism with an electronic one. Instead, a decision was taken to bring it down from the tower and install it in a weatherproof cabinet where it would be better protected and easier to maintain.

38890 Vasselin
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Mes Voisins de Panier
2.6 km

Mes Voisins de Panier

If you want to buy products from a number of local producers without having to go from farm to farm, place your order online! The advantage? Benefit from products from around twenty farms in the area, with collection from a single farm! The order is registered at your nearest relay farm. You can find it easily on the website, on the "collection points" page and then see the list or map. Orders can be placed by telephone or by visiting a relay farm, no later than 8pm on a Saturday. For fresh produce, remember to bring a cool box or insulated bag and a basket to collect your vegetables. Packaging should be brought to the relay farms: egg cartons, glass jars (jam, milk bottles brought back clean, etc.), crockery pots, etc. Don't forget to bring the crates back too if you're taking them with you. The group is based on the following criteria: - the use of pesticides on crops is prohibited, - the use of sanitary treatments and antibiotics on animals is limited to those authorised in organic farming, - the use or purchase of products containing GMOs is prohibited, - The natural cycles of crops and animals must be respected, - wild and domestic biodiversity must be preserved, - priority is given to the production of animal feed on the farm, - the use of animal effluents to feed the soil, without pollution, is implemented, - renewable energies and fossil fuel savings are favoured, - self-sufficiency in plant and animal seeds is sought. On these points, some of which are more demanding than the "organic farming" specifications, each farm commits to development objectives to move towards farming that is even more respectful of nature and people. The exchange and dissemination of techniques between the different farmers in the group should enable everyone to benefit from the experience of others. More generally, in its links with consumers and the local area, the association will make it possible to: - limit transport by selling locally - introduce fair trade rules: a fair price for the consumer and a decent income for the producer, - promote consumer information by means of a liaison sheet, - involve consumers in the same way as producers in defining the association's objectives and decision-making processes.

2577 Route d'Olouise 38510 Sermérieu
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What to visit in Vignieu

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Walk along the picturesque streets of Vignieu.
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Saint Blaise Church
12 m

Saint Blaise Church

The remarkable church of Saint Blaise stands in the picturesque village of Vignieu, standing out against the landscape like a tribute to 19th-century eclectism, with its tall porch belltower topped with a glazed-tile spire... At its dominant position in the village centre, Saint Blaise church stands parallel to one edge of the square, Place Fanny Geneste. Steps lead to the porch belltower, a real figurehead with its octagonal glazed-tile spire which can be seen from miles around. Flanked by two octagonal turrets, the flight of steps hides the central part of the western wall which has no windows. The church features twin bay windows in the first two bays of the nave and in the gables of the side-chapels, which form the arms of a Latin cross. Two lean-to sacristies adjoin either side of the right-hand bay of the chancel, which ends in a semi-circular apse with three bay windows. A flight of six steps leads up to the main door enhanced by a dimension-stone frame with inset mouldings. Above the door, a lintel and a Gothic-style arch frame a glass tympanum featuring an openwork triangle surrounding a circle from which stretches a cross. Inside the building, the vast dimensions of the double-bay nave, the crossing and the chapels are ornated with almost pendentive ribbed vaults with narrow grooves running down to standalone columns attached to wall brackets that also support some very thick buttress arches. The Gothic arch is in fact the only example here of the neo-Gothic architecture which is much more visible on the outside of the building than on the inside. Churches of this type, from the same period and featuring a porch belltower and side turrets, are more frequently found in the south of Isère, for example in Monteynard, Saint-Pierre-de-Méarotz, La Salette and Valjouffrey. History: A first church dedicated to Saint Chef was mentioned in Vignieu in 893, and a priory is listed in the pouillé of 1375. The church of the Ancien Régime is little known to us. In the Napoleonic cadastral map it appears to comprise a long nave with chapels on either side of its eastern bay which leads to a semi-circular apse. Proceedings for its reconstruction were launched in 1869. The plans and costings were drawn up by Etienne-Louis Journoud, a diocesan architect from Ain, on 19th July 1873. The total cost was nearly 40,000 francs (including demolitian of the old church, but the belltower was deferred). The church was built between 1877 and 1879 and the old belltower remained in use pending the building of the new one. This only happened in 1888, in line with plans drawn up by the architect Chamberot and for a total sum of 12,400 francs.

Place Fanny Geneste, 38890 Vignieu 38890 Vignieu
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Vasselin Belltower Clock
2.3 km

Vasselin Belltower Clock

This clock dating from 1926 was designed by "L.D. Odobey Cadet Morez du Jura" and purchased with funds donated by parishioners and town councillors and the proceeds of a tombola. Background: On 3rd April 1926, the Vasselin village council discussed a project to install a clock in the church belltower. The Lyon firm CHARVET proposed 3 clock faces for a price of around 6,000 francs. The Mayor pointed out that 3,000 francs had been donated by Mr. REYNIER and another 2,000 francs by Mr. APPRIN. The council members (Joseph CHARY, Marius AUDOUAL, Jean-Louis BLANCHIN, Constant GUILLET, Louis VARNET, Antoine GARNIER, Désiré GUILLAUD, Joseph GUILLET, Jean BLANC and Joseph CHOLAT) decided to each donate 100 francs in order to reach the estimated sum. On 16th May 1926, the village council decided to ask Mr. PAULIN to install the clock for a fee of 7,300 francs. On 22nd August 1926, the council voted to entrust the scaffolding to Mr. DREVON to allow 3 holes to be pierced to accommodate the clock. Because the cost was higher than expected, a tombola was organised to raise extra funds. The clock mechanism was installed on the 2nd floor of the tower, just below the bells. On 2nd October 1926, Mr. PAULIN was paid 5,000 francs to install the clock. He was to receive the balance on a later visit to Vasselin after ensuring that the whole mechanism was working properly. Mr. CHARVET also received 10 francs for the glazing. On 11th November 1927, the Council engaged Mr. Joseph BLANC for the rewinding and maintenance of the clock mechanism for the sum of 100 francs per year. On 13th February 1927, after the tombola had taken place and all the bills had been paid, the sums were done and revealed a leftover sum of 2,106 francs. After 75 years of good and loyal service, the mechanism was still in working order, but required some maintenance work. On 18th May 2001, the clock maintenance company suggested the electrics be updated to standards and an electronic clock installed. But the Town Council decided not to replace the original mechanism with an electronic one. Instead, a decision was taken to bring it down from the tower and install it in a weatherproof cabinet where it would be better protected and easier to maintain.

38890 Vasselin
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Where to eat in Vignieu

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Where to sleep in Vignieu

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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾