1. Brangues, village classified as a Remarkable Heritage Site

– The Brangues church: rebuilt in 1847, it is famous for its rounded Swabian roof.

– The Château de Brangues and the tomb of Paul Claudel: former home of Paul Claudel, the building stands out with authority in the landscape. The writer lived there for 28 years, with his wife and children (he died in Paris).
Although the interior of the castle is not open to the public outside of European Heritage Days, Claudel's tomb remains accessible by walking around the park.
Since 1992, the castle has hosted “Lesencontres de Brangues”. This unmissable theater festival features world-renowned actors.

– Vernacular heritage: 9 fountains, 5 bread ovens as well as several wash houses and wells, witnesses of a lively community life.

– The many typical Dauphinoises houses (exposed adobe and stone walls, four-panel roof and scale tiles)

– The square in the center of the village lined with century-old plane trees, a bowling alley and a park with a picnic feel.


2. Brangues, at the crossroads of art

– The “Claudel-Stendhal Exhibition Space”, managed by the “Brangues Village de Littérature” Association. This cultural structure hosts thematic artistic and heritage exhibitions, renewed each year (opening from May to September). Don't miss their activities offered all summer long for all audiences.

– The “Le Solstice de Brangues” festival, which enlivens the village every year in June with theatrical performances and poetic readings.

– “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 19th century, the leader of which was François-Auguste Ravier .


3. Brangues on the nature side

– The meander of the Saugey*: the village of Brangues is ideally located in the heart of the Haut-Rhône Français National Nature Reserve. A discovery trail allows you to immerse yourself in the meander of the Saugey through a 2 km walk, accessible to families.
Remember to bring boots because the trails are often wet!

– ViaRhôna: want a little adventure on two wheels? Brangues is a stage of this cycle route. Perfect for a family stroll, but with no guarantee of not falling in love with the landscape!

– Family hike in Brangues: “History(s) of the Rhône, around Brangues” (8,2km – 2h20 – 40m d+).
Departing from Brangues, this loop which takes Viarhôna will take you to the French Haut-Rhône National Nature Reserve. Islands, lônes, river dynamics will be on the program of this walk without forgetting the local history and the varied heritage associated with this sector.
Hiking sheet on sale for €1 at the Balcons du Dauphiné Tourist Office.


4. Stendhal and Brangues or, “The Red and the Black” and “The Berthet Affair”

Brangues remains eternally linked to Stendhal, the famous writer born in Grenoble. It was, in fact, a tragic news item, which took place a few years earlier in the village, which inspired his famous novel “The Red and the Black” which was first published in 1830.

Born in 1801 in Brangues, Antoine Berthet was a young seminarian from a modest background. He joined the Michouds as a tutor and fell in love with Madame Michoud... Later, he became a tutor for the Count of Cordon where he fell in love with Henriette, the count's daughter. They decide to get married but Madame Michoud intervenes and puts an end to this project. Three months later, Berthet shot Madame Michoud at church and then attempted suicide. Arrested then condemned, he was executed in 1828. The character of Julien Sorel from Stendhal's famous novel mirrors Berthet, exploring ambition, unfulfilled love and social rebellion.



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

Free access.