Witnesses to the military, religious and economic importance of the territory, the historic towns of the Balcons du Dauphiné take you back to the past.
Whether essential, dormant or still unknown, they all deserve your attention. For those who don't want to miss anything, free maps available at the Tourist Office will guide you during your visit. And for those who prefer to be surprised, take a stroll through the narrow streets of these charming villages in Nord-Isère...
Crémieu: the happy medieval city like stones
This is the must-see town in the Balcons du Dauphiné region! Ideal for a day trip: discover the town's gems in the morning (use a map or guided tour), then have lunch on a terrace in one of the many restaurants before a refreshing stroll along the Voie Verte (Greenway), which will serve as a warm-up for the climb up Saint-Hippolyte hill and its fortifications at the end of the day, culminating in a breathtaking sunset! Isn't life beautiful?
Morestel: the city that makes you see all the colors
This is the town that has inspired many! And for good reason: no matter which way you arrive in Morestel, the view is magnificent: the imposing medieval tower, the Church of Saint-Symphorien perched atop the ramparts, and the panoramic view of the mountains in the background (weather permitting)... A feast for the eyes! And that's just a taste... Wait until you stroll through the narrow streets of the old town or wander the aisles of the renowned Sunday market...
Saint-Chief: from the frescoes of the Angels to the escapades of San Antonio
It's the unexpected surprise, the "cherry on top," as they say! Sometimes even the locals in the Balcons du Dauphiné region don't suspect the village's treasures, and yet… As soon as you start climbing the Rue de l'Abbatiale, clues begin to appear… "Chemin des Châteaux" (Castle Path), "Place Frédéric Dard" (Frédéric Dard Square), and suddenly, there it is, the abbey church. The village's historic center, with its Provençal charm, promises wonderful discoveries, and above all, one of the finest treasures of Romanesque art in France: the exceptionally well-preserved 12th-century Romanesque frescoes!
Vertrieu: a city that takes you on board… on the Rhône!
The northernmost village in the Isère department! Bordered by the majestic Rhône, the town charms with its historical and natural heritage: a 17th-18th century castle and its French-style gardens, a 12th century fortified house, an icehouse from 1716, a giant fresco, a bucolic herb garden and, as a grand finale, an exceptional panorama of the village, the Rhône and the Ain department in the background from the Serverin cross… It's an invitation to total disconnection!
Quirieu: the sleeping city…
The "ghost" village with its fairytale setting! Not so ghostly after all… The town is set up for visitors, thanks to themed panels, and it regularly comes alive with storytelling walks, concerts, shows, guided tours… The highlight of the site: one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Balcons du Dauphiné!
