In Valdaine, the territory stretches between plains and hills. Outdoor activities such as hiking or mountain biking are prevailing! But the sector conceals many other treasures around its history and its heritage. Manufacturing secrets and artisanal tastings, villages and castles… the trip promises a complete change of scenery!
Did you know?
"La Valdaine" is a contraction of Val d'Ainan. " Val is an alteration of "valley" and the Ainan is the stream that runs through the valley. It takes its source in the marshes of Chirens and merges with the Guiers a few kilometers north of the town of Voissant.
Take a walk from the multi-hike station
There's nothing like strolling through large natural spaces and breathing deeply to feel good! You will find in Valdaine the ideal starting point, in Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine, for walks, horseback rides, trail and mountain bike trails. A true multi-hike station, various facilities dedicated to sporting activities have been set up here: fitness, fitness and outdoor stretching/warming up areas, picnic tables, games for children... Everything is there to take full advantage of the surrounding outdoor activities!
Treat your taste buds
This rural valley also welcomes producers and <i>savoir-faires</i> not to be missed for a well-deserved gourmet break! Treat yourself and take home some local products!
History and heritage
If the industrial past of the valley has left few traces, its history is still very visible!
The village of Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine
Is a town of 2 souls which has been classified by the Ministry of Culture “remarkable heritage site” in December 2022. Among its treasures, it houses a 1907th century church (Saint-Georges church, classified as a Historic Monument since XNUMX) and seven castles, three of which can be visited.
The oldest is Castle of Saint-Geoire, built around 1030 by Sibaud 1st, one of the first members of the Clermont line, a family of French nobility originally from Chirens. It was completely rebuilt in the XNUMXth century in the neo-renaissance style. Its park offers a breathtaking view of the plain and the forests. A few hundred meters as the crow flies, is located the Longpra Castle, typical of Dauphinois architecture of the 18th century and considered the most beautiful in the valley. The third flagship element is the town hall: a former royal Benedictine abbey built in the 13th century by the Clermont family which would have been a commandery of the Order of the Templars.
Other areas: the castles of Cabarot, a former XNUMXth century monastery, of Lambertière, of Rochette and of Etergne are private properties.
Un orientation course allows you to admire them from a distance.