Saint-Victor-de-Morestel

Although no ancient traces dating from Prehistory or Antiquity have been found, it is estimated that the territory was occupied thanks to discoveries in neighboring communes. In addition, the history of the commune is quite recent because it was in February 1790 that “Saint-Victor-de-Morestel” was born, which was previously attached to Morestel.


1. Saint-Victor-de-Morestel and its heritage

– The church of Saint-Victor de Morestel: old small Romanesque chapel, probably from the 1958th or 1990th century, it is one of the oldest churches in the region. Apart from a few mentions in the appointment of religious or in reports on the state of the church, we do not know much between its construction and XNUMX. In fact, this date marks the beginning of several interior modifications initiated by Father Bouvier-Donnat. He intends to beautify the church using the most local artists and craftsmen possible. Thus, René-Maria Burlet, a Savoyard painter, painted the two chapels, the large fresco and the baptismal funds. You can also admire the stylized Stations of the Cross by Roger Fouillet, as well as the tabernacle by the Lyon goldsmith Ollogier, a sculpture by Marc Hérard, granite cutter, the modern stained glass windows by the Rhone native Lamy Paillet and the restored statue of the Virgin. by Marc Cluzel. In XNUMX, the roof was redone and the exterior plaster was removed, revealing the jointed stones.

– The manor house (small castle in the countryside) called “The castle”: this immense building with a ceiling of more than 4m and 21 rooms has had many owners over the centuries, it is estimated that it dates from the reign of Louis XV (1722-1774).

– Fortified houses (private residences): the village is home to several fortified houses, witnesses of the Middle Ages, such as the fortified houses of La Roche, Varsin, Gouvoux and the Tour de Macon. The latter probably dates from the beginning of the 12th century, it is estimated that it was built at the same time as the medieval Tower of Morestel which it faces.

– Mantel roofs: these roofs have a series of slabs arranged like stairs on the edges of the roof, on the gable wall side. These slabs, overhanging the roof, are also called “coats” 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 extend over 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.

– Vernacular heritage: 6 functional bread ovens, 7 fountains fed by springs, 6 crosses (Varsin, de la Molière, Moulin, de la Place, Bertin, Gouvoux), 4 wash houses as well as a common oven and a monument to dead.



2. Saint-Victor-de-Morestel, nature side

In Saint-Victor-de-Morestel, nature is omnipresent since almost a third of the town is covered with woods and the Save river marks the limit of Saint-Victor-de-Morestel with Bouchage and Morestel.

– The Sensitive Natural Space (ENS) of Save – Laurentière Forest Sector*: This exceptional natural site is a true haven of peace for fauna and flora. With more than 1 species listed, you will surely have the opportunity to observe or simply come across: frogs, bats and the famous black woodpecker, during your walk on the 200 km hiking loop.

– Fishing at the Sorbier pond: for fishing or relaxation enthusiasts, this place offers comfortable infrastructure for a day or night at the water's edge (price varies depending on the activity, inquire in advance ).

– Viarhôna: nearby, for a cycling experience along the Rhône.

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


3. The poet of Saint-Victor-de-Morestel

Among the famous people of the village, we especially remember Émile Trolliet (1856-1903). He was a poet and literary critic, but also a teacher of rhetoric. In 1893 he became editor-in-chief of Revues Littéraires in which a large part of his poems were published. He writes numerous philosophical articles focused on social issues in favor of peace and fraternity. In 1905, the Academy awarded him the Capuran Prize (prize for the best poem written on a moral or religious subject, or for any play that could serve to improve youth). In 1894, he published an autobiographical prose text “Story of a Resigned”.
In these works we will find mentions of his native land which he cherished, although he left it after his years of teaching. We note this in particular in “Salut mon Dauphiné” of which here is an extract below:
“Country whose greatness made my lyre vibrate,
Country that has known me since I was born,
Who experiences my first tears and my first smile
Noble country, salute! Hello, my Dauphiné! »


4. The legend of Saint-Victor-de-Morestel

Legend has it that Gargantua had a stone in his shoe that was bothering him. To get rid of it he threw it from the summit of Tantainet and this stone landed in Saint-Victor-de-Morestel in a meadow near the old Moulin Bigallet.
The rock of Gargantua is still visible!

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