Isere

South-east Isere

The town of Grenoble is the centre of cultural activity in Isere, with numerous museums and galleries to explore.

Just outside Grenoble to the south is the Chateau of Vizille surrounded by lovely gardens and parkland and holding the Museum of the French Revolution.

The small town of Mens is about 50km south of Grenoble and also merits to be explored.

A substantial part of the Ecrins National Park falls within the south-east of the department and is much loved - and much visited - for its dramatic and beautiful mountain and glacier scenery.

Other villages of interest include those at Cognin (next to the Cognin gorges), Méaudre and Saint-André-en-Royans to the west, Corps and the famous pilgrimage site of Notre-Dame-de-la-Sallette to the south, and the villages of Saint-Christophe, Venosc and Besse in the mountains to the south-east of Isere.

The best known ski-resorts in Isere fall in the south-east of the department, and include Alpe d'Huez (also well known as a Tour de France cycling climb), Les-7-Laux and Deux-Alpes.

North-west Isere

The part of the department to the north-west of Grenoble and around Vienne is generally of less interest to visitors, but still has some interesting highlights to discover.

Heading towards the north of Isere from Grenoble you pass through the extensive Chartreuse region of forested valleys (the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park) and the famous Monastery of Grande Chartreuse (not open to the public).

Alternatively, to the west of Grenoble you can enjoy the lovely scenery of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. As well as the scenery, particular highlights in this region include the scenic suspended houses in the village of Pont-en-Royans to the west of the department.

There is also a stunning abbey to visit a little north of Pont-en-Royans at Saint-Antoine-l-Abbaye, while south-east of the town we recommend the fascinating cave system at Choranche caves.

Further north-west the environment changes again as you reach the hills in the region around Paladru Lake - the lake is a popular summertime destination and offers a wide range of water based activities.

North of here the popular Walibi Theme Park is to the east of La Tour-du-Pin

Towards the north-west border, Vienne is an important city just south of Lyon (Note that the important city of Lyon is just outside the north-west border of Isere but you should visit the city when in the northern Isere).

Also in this area we suggest you visit the village a little to the south at Montseveroux, while the medieval town at Cremieu is in the far north of the department. Other villages that we recommend include those at Morestel and Saint-Chef.