In Valdaine, the landscape stretches between plains and hills. Outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking reign supreme! But the area holds many other treasures steeped in history and heritage. Discover traditional crafts and artisanal tastings, explore charming villages and castles… Looking for a getaway that blends heritage and nature? Valdaine awaits!
La Valdaine or Val d'ainan
La Valdaine is a contraction of Val d'Ainan. "Val" is a corruption of "valley" and the Ainan is the stream that runs through the valley. It rises in the Chirens marsh and joins the Guiers a few kilometers north of the town of Voissant.
Discover Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine, a Heritage Gem
Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine is a town of 2,500 inhabitants which has been classified by the Ministry of Culture as a " remarkable heritage site » in December 2022. Among its treasures, it houses a 12th-century church (Saint-Georges Church, classified as a historical monument since 1907) and seven castles that cannot be visited, but can be viewed from the outside.
The Village of 7 Castles
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Parcours d’orientation patrimoine
Easy level
Heritage orientation course Partner offer -
Parcours d’orientation ludique
Level suitable for beginners
Fun orientation course Partner offer
St. George's Church
Built between the 12th and 16th centuries and now listed as a Historical Monument since 1907, this église It is striking for its unique construction and the richness of its interior decoration. The frescoes and choir stalls, dating from the 16th century, have exceptional iconography, sculpted faces, corbels, a grand portal, and include gifts from prominent figures of the village (choir stalls, altar, Stations of the Cross).
A valley with an industrial past
The Ainan River, up until the 30s, supported the development of numerous businesses such as sawmills, factories, and weaving mills that were powered by water before other energy sources became available. Today, traces of this past remain, notably a former silk mill with a sawtooth roof that now houses the Brasserie du Val d'Ainan La Dauphine.
for all levels
Outdoor activities
Valdaine is a great place for outdoor activities and the starting point for many sports, whether on foot or by bike. So what is there to do in Valdaine?
Hiking in Valdaine: routes and landscapes to explore
Au fil de l’Ainan vers le Sacré Coeur
Moderate level
Level suitable for beginners
Moderate level
Quite difficult level
Moderate level
Quite difficult level
Moderate level
Quite difficult level
Le chemin de Compostelle en Pays Voironnais
Quite difficult level
Mountain biking trails: paths for all enthusiasts
Difficult level
Level reserved for experts/experienced
Level suitable for beginners
Difficult level
N°32 – Aux portes de la Chartreuse
Level suitable for beginners
Level suitable for beginners
N°31 – Les Marais du Val d’Ainan
Level suitable for beginners
Trail running on the paths of the Val d'Ainan
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Level suitable for beginners
N°51: Discovery of the trail -
Level suitable for beginners
No. 50: Servelongue Loop -
Difficult level
N°52: Baracuchet Loop
Taste the Local Gems of Valdaine
Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine, cradle of Biscuiterie Louvat
This is something indulgent. It needs to be crunchy and crisp!
Founded in 1954 by Maurice Louvat, the flavors of yesteryear are still intact. Christelle Ivangine-Bogey took over the biscuit factory in 2020 with the aim of restoring its prestige. To achieve this, she is reviving old recipes and creating new ones. with the help of Patrick Casula, World Pastry Champion based in Biviers. Behind every Louvat biscuit or meringue, there's a whole team of gourmets, loyal to Family values of the company, at know-how and traditions, who wants to share a delicious moment with you.
Two Louvat shops
At Saint Geoire en Valdaine
452 route de Chartreuse 38620 Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine
| Opening hours from January 01 to December 31, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Monday | Open from 09 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 13:30 p.m. to 18 p.m. |
| Tuesday | Open from 09 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 13:30 p.m. to 18 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Open from 09 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 13:30 p.m. to 18 p.m. |
| Thursday | Open from 09 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 13:30 p.m. to 18 p.m. |
| Friday | Open from 09 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 13:30 p.m. to 18 p.m. |
In Voiron
| Opening hours from January 01 to December 31, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Open from 09 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Open from 09 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 30 p.m. |
| Thursday | Open from 09 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 30 p.m. |
| Friday | Open from 09 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 30 p.m. |
| Saturday | Open from 09 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 30 p.m. |
A little foam?
Of Belgian origin, great-granddaughter and granddaughter of brewers, Catherine Dereume She was destined to open her own brewery! She has purchased in 2005 this former weaving factory At the edge of the village, it was the third largest brewery in Isère at the time. Val d'Ainan Brewery offers range of 24 beers (blondes, brunes, ambers, blancs, bitters), and even whisky and brandy!
82 voie de la Martinette 38620 Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine
Local Producers: the authentic taste of the Valdaine
From goat cheese and poultry to eggs, vegetables, and meat, producers around Saint Geoire en Valdaine offer direct sales so you can stock up on quality farm products. You can also visit them at the market every Tuesday morning in the square in front of the village church.
in Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine
Organize Your Stay
Unusual accommodations
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Monchâteau Étoilé: The transparent bubble Partner offer -
Monchâteau Étoilé: The starry cabin with spa Partner offer -
Monchâteau Étoilé: The treehouses Partner offer
Bed and breakfast at Ysalice's
Head to Ysalice for a comfortable night's stay and perhaps a massage! Isabelle, your host, is a professional and offers a variety of relaxing and rejuvenating massages…
56 passage de Saint Sixte Hameau Saint Sixte Le Lac Saint Sixte le Lac 38620 Merlas
Holiday cottages in Valdaine
The calendar of festivals and events in Valdaine
Exposition des œuvres de Virginie Gauthier, l’art de la peinture à l’encaustique
Free
Le 19 September 2026
FAQ
What are the best hiking routes in Valdaine Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine?
The village of Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine is the starting point for many hikes, mountain bike trails or trail running routes.
you can consult our page of all routes by filtering the results on the "Valdaine" sector or look at the Outdoor Activities on this page.
Where to taste local products in Valdaine?
During your visit to Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine, you can stop by the Louvat Biscuit Factory or the Val d'Ainan Brewery. Several producers also offer local products; remember to check their farm shop opening days before you go ;-).
Can we visit the castles of Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine?
While Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine is known as the village with seven castles, they are unfortunately not open to the public. However, you can admire them from the outside, particularly via the Seven Castles Hike.
Dare to escape just a stone's throw from Grenoble
