Located in the heart of the Dauphiné, the historic site of Quirieu is known for its appearance as a storytelling setting where imagination and poetry rub shoulders with history and nature. Through this article, we take you on a discovery of this sleeping city with its breathtaking panorama, among the 100 places to discover in Isère and freely accessible throughout the year. So, ready?
A ghost town, a timeless setting
To reach the historic site of Quirieu , simply take the Montée de Quirieu (after parking near the oven if you are coming from the hamlet of Quirieu), or the Montée du Lavoir (from the hamlet of Bayard), either on foot or by bicycle. Then, follow the information panels to explore this historic site at your own pace.
A little history…
Built on a plateau, the Quirieu site reached its peak in the 14rd the 16rd century even though Savoy and Dauphiné were in conflict. The fortress, built by order of the Dauphin, then includes a fortified house, a chapel, stalls, craft workshops as well as halls and of course a village. The Rhône, located below the historic city, made Quirieu a dynamic commercial place at the confluence of the two enemy territories.
Au 17rd century, the fortress was dismantled due to the remoteness of communication routes and the development of new commercial centers. Even today, the urban fabric and the habitat remain very perceptible.
The site, largely private, is currently subject to regulations for the protection of archaeological remains and is completely uninhabited.
A medieval city with a breathtaking panorama
From the historic site of Quirieu, a marvelous panorama from east to west awaits us, a real treat for the eyes throughout the visit.
The site overlooks the Rhône River and offers a breathtaking view of its alluvial terraces. Sometimes hidden by the mist or bathed in sunshine, the Rhône has, whatever the weather, this ability to make the place peaceful and melancholy. You will be able to take advantage of this moment out of time to escape for a moment.
Facing the city, described as the most romantic in Dauphiné, stand the first vineyards of Bugey. On a clear day, you can admire large expanses of vines on the nearby hill.
On the west side, Quirieu opens onto the cold lands of Bas Dauphiné.
A green setting where vegetation and nature coexist
The city of Quirieu is recognized for its historical side but also for its fauna and flora. In this season, the vegetation is dormant and it is from spring that it will come back to life.
An orchid meadow filled with enchantment
Along a marked path, which you are asked to respect, we invite you to cross the orchid meadow imagined and shaped by the Imagine Quirieu association. Mown in winter, the meadow takes on its colors from April and May and gives way to a field colored by a dozen families of orchids.
We strongly advise you to visit the site in the spring to enjoy the flowering!
An insect hotel arousing curiosity
All around this orchid meadow and to avoid some trampling, a green wall is being built. Thanks to the advice of the ENS services of the Department of Isère and the League for the Protection of Birds, the latter also has the function of “Hotel for insects and small animals”. As a result, it helps to revitalize the site's biodiversity. In summer, you can therefore observe many butterflies and insects that have found refuge within it, as well as various mushrooms. We invite you to participate in the protection of our nature by taking care of this "work".
A historic site where history and culture intertwine
Would you like to discover Quirieu differently? The Imagine Quirieu association organizes occasional events throughout the year to revitalize the city while preserving it.
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