The Painters Trail

On the heights of the old town of Morestel, the Maison Ravier is a fine example of the Dauphine houses with a heritage character. The painter Auguste Ravier (1814-1895) settled there in 1867 and lived there until the end of his life.This early 18th century residence located in the heart of the old town, is remarkable for the elegance of its proportions: it is accessed by an authentic porch door that confirms its character. A three-sided mansard roof, pierced with windows and covered with scale tiles like the Dauphine houses of the region, and four rows of decorative tiles at its base, testify to the owners' wealth at the time of construction. Surrounded by outbuildings, originally barns and stables, this house is spread over an area of ​​almost 190m² both on the ground floor and upper floors: the terrace and gardens cover nearly 6323m². From this privileged setting, there is a surprising view: mountains of Bugey and Chartreuse, and the chains of Belledonne and Vercors. Managed by the Association of Friends of the Maison Ravier, the house has been home to an exhibition space since 24 April 1992 with nearly 150 works, many unseen previously, by the painter Ravier, from private collections and museums. In 2000, restoration works in the building in front of the house, the old stable, allowed for increased storage areas and the association's office, where all the exhibitions are decided upon and prepared.

Discover the picturesque, narrow streets of the old town, following the heritage trail along Rue François-Auguste Ravier. From the St Symphorien church to the Medieval Tower, the history of Morestel is waiting to be revealed... Follow the guide!Morestel has seduced many artists with its particular light. The picturesque medieval setting of the town only enhances the attractiveness and charm of this old fortified settlement... and Morestel has kept many traces of its past. Walk the narrow streets of the upper part of the town, commonly known as the 'Old Town'... Let yourself be guided by the Heritage Trail and discover Morestel's history. The village of Morestel developed at the base of a rock, beneath the castle, and was certainly within ramparts in the first half of the 14th century. It was accessed by two gates, the Saint Symphorien gate, whose remains are still visible in the wall and the Murine gate. These gates were linked by the single commercial street in the village, the 'Grande Vie' (Latin via, the way), called Rue Ravier since 1945. Outside, near the gates, the two suburbs developed. Crowded inside the walls, sometimes attached to the Castle ramparts, there were many houses, barns and garden, as well as residences of the local nobility, which were sometimes fortified: 'Strong Houses'.