VAE Circuit No. 3 A little trip back in time

A beautiful stroll through the Dauphiné countryside punctuated by traditional and remarkable buildings: Grange de Louisias, Grange Dîmière, Château de Virieu... Take a break to contemplate them and why visit them?

Please note: visits to remarkable sites are subject to the opening hours of each site (the Grange de Louisias is not open to visitors).

In this shortened western version of circuit no. 2, you will discover a beautiful Dauphiné countryside on the borders of Pays Voironnais and the Vals du Dauphiné.
Quickly in the atmosphere by climbing steeply to Louisias, you will discover two buildings with thatched roofs including the emblematic barn of the same name. Opposite you, the medieval keep of the castle of Clermont stands out against the sky. After the descent to the barracks (former evening factory) a climb towards a small agricultural plateau will lead you to the Grange Dimière, former outbuilding of the Carthusian monastery of the Sylve Bénite, it dates from 1655. Stone walls, monumental porch, masterful framework, it today offers an ideal setting for the staging of exhibitions of contemporary ceramic sculptures.
Via Blaune, taking the Way of St. James, you will then enter, after passing under the Calvary of Mollard Rond, the neighboring valley of the Bourbre. Dauphiné architecture flourishes on both sides of your route: rural buildings, the old commandery, the castles of Pupetières and Molinière, and the Bourg de Virieu. From the market hall, after a steep climb (long live electric assistance!), you will arrive at the impressive Virieu castle, already mentioned in 1107 (visits). Going back down to the Pin (be careful of the slope!), you will reach Charavines via the path of the Cuchet hillside, which offers a very beautiful view of the Lac de Paladru.