Arandon-Passins

1. The heritage of Arandon-Passins

– A Gallo-Roman villa? At the beginning of the 1980s, scientists found traces of a very ancient occupation. Passins was in fact located on the Roman road linking Lugdunum (Lyon, 69) to Epaona (Yenne, 73).

– The Arandon church: restored in 1841 and enlarged in 1861, this church is distinguished by its nave and its side chapels added by the architect H. Quenin. It is placed under the name of Saint-Cyprien.

– The church of Passins: built in 1861 by the French architect Alfred Berruyer in a very simple Romanesque style, it replaced an old church. It stands out for its stained glass windows representing Christ, the evangelists and the apostles. It was renovated from 2009 to 2011.

– Montolivet castle (private site): overlooking Passins, this “U”-shaped castle from the 1781th and 1952th centuries is an architectural gem, framed by a park and outbuildings. This building retains elements of the past, such as the square tower and the monumental portal from 2017. It has had various owners over the centuries and was transformed into a holiday center in XNUMX when it was purchased by the Compagnie Générale Electrique. Since XNUMX, it has been a venue for weddings, seminars and receptions. It is open occasionally during European Heritage Days.

– The vernacular heritage: the wash houses and fountains of Arandon and Passins, including La Crapaude which is distinguished by its original pouring spout, but also the bread ovens, crosses and wells.

– Notre-Dame de Cromayen in Concharbin: erected in 1887, this statue commemorates a miraculous healing and its construction was reportedly requested by the Virgin. It remains an important local place of worship. It houses a statue of the Virgin of Lourdes.
A mass and a procession take place every August 15 alternating with the Madonna of Sermérieu. Until 1960, ex-votos were numerous since young brides came to lay their crowns the day after the wedding to obtain protection for their home (an ex-voto is an offering made to a god in request for grace or in thanks for a grace obtained).

– Dauphinois roofs and mantelure roofs: Dauphinois roofs have a four-sided frame and a scale tile roof. Mantel roofs, for their part, are formed by a series of slabs arranged like stairs on each side of the gable wall, which gives them a stepped appearance. These slabs, which protrude from the roof, are also called “mantles” or “covers”. They are used to protect the walls of the house against humidity and fire, an important precaution at the time when roofs were made of thatch. This is why they protrude on each side of the roof. At the top, we can observe a piece of flint in the shape of a sugar loaf, called “the round Charvet”, which adds an original final touch to these roofs.


– “The Painters’ Route”: this thematic route, which crosses several villages including that of Brangues, allows you to discover the landscapes that inspired the painters of the Lyon school of landscape in the 1814th century, the leader of which was François-Auguste Ravier (1895-XNUMX). The latter notably painted the Roche pond which you will find on the trail of the large loop of Lake Save.
It was in particular his interest in this place that pushed another artist, Abel Gay (1877-1961), to paint the mill and the Roche pond.




2. Nature in Arandon-Passins with the Sensitive Natural Space (ENS) of La Save*

The etymology of Arandon allows us to connect the name of the town to its geographical location. Indeed, “Are” means “near” and “Randa” can be translated as “the limits” if we compare them to Gaulish. While the pre-Celtic root “Aar” evokes water which is not surprising because the village has the Save Sensitive Natural Area which brings together two ponds and a lake:

– Étangs de la Serre: a short trail adapted for people with reduced mobility allows for immersion in this precious ecosystem. The site also features several picnic areas, playgrounds, barbecues, and restrooms. It's an ideal spot for families seeking respite from the heat. Furthermore, the site's accessibility is facilitated by its proximity to the ViaRhôna cycle route, which runs along its eastern edge.

– Étang de Passins: formerly a low marsh, this site has evolved into a set of ponds following environmental and human modifications. More than 745 species have been inventoried there, including some with high heritage value such as the purple heron. The 3 km hiking trail offers a beautiful perspective of the ponds and the surrounding countryside.

– Lake Save: with a depth of 15 meters and steep banks, this lake is a precious witness to the erosion of post-glacial lakes formed 80 years ago. A path, partially built on stilts, allows you to discover the astonishing biodiversity of the site, sheltering species such as the European beaver and the pond turtle (000km or 1km loop).

* Activities are regularly organized in the local ENS. Information and registration at the Balcons du Dauphiné Tourist Office.


And to learn more about the heritage and history of the town, get the magazines published by the association "Once Upon a Time in Arandon-Passins"!