Walking in the footsteps of the history of the village of Saint-Marcel-Bel-Accueil

Bienvenue à Saint-Marcel-Bel-Accueil situé au sud-ouest des Balcons du Dauphiné, en nord Isère. L’église et ses vitraux classés à l’inventaire supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques sont, sans conteste, le fleuron de ce joli village.Le patrimoine de Saint-Marcel-Bel-Accueil – L’église Saint-Marcel et ses vitraux : l’actuelle église, construite en 1902, succède à deux autres édifices religieux témoignant de la continuité historique et spirituelle du village. Elle est embellie par vingt vitraux, classés à l’inventaire supplémentaire des monuments historiques en 1996. Quinze de ces vitraux portent la signature d’Antoine Bernard, maître verrier grenoblois, néanmoins on estime grâce à l’homogénéité de ces œuvres que toutes lui sont attribués. Ces pièces d’art illustrent divers cycles de la vie du Christ (dans le chœur), de la Vierge (dans le transept sud), de Saint Joseph (dans le transept nord) et des saints protecteurs (dans la nef). – La chapelle Saint-Pierre de Messenas se dresse fièrement sur un promontoire. Si elle était dans un état déplorable à la fin du XXème siècle, tout change en 1991 grâce à un projet un peu fou. En effet, le couple Coutif annonce à la commune leur volonté de marier leur fille dans cette chapelle qui était encore habitée par des ronces. Grâce à leur volonté, la chapelle retrouve sa beauté et son prestige après 9 mois de travail acharné. Aussi, deux ans plus tard, une association est créée pour continuer à travailler à la préservation et restauration de cet édifice. Elle sera à l’initiative de nombreuses manifestations culturelles qui permettront, grâce au fond récolté, de mettre en pratique ce projet. Grâce aux bénévoles, la chapelle a su perdurer et accueille toujours aujourd’hui diverses cérémonies. Les deux maison-fortes, toujours présentes dans le village de Saint-Marcel-Bel-Accueil, sont mentionnées pour la première fois par des titres du XIVe siècle : – La maison-forte de Bel Accueil (site privé) : c’est ancienne demeure de la famille Loras qui était très influente sur le territoire. Au XIXe siècle, le dernier des Loras meurt et l’édifice passe entre les mains de plusieurs propriétaires jusqu’au comte Nodier en 1897 qui initie plusieurs travaux de restauration qui donneront à la maison-forte son aspect actuel. La maison forte est dessinée en U autour d’une cour centrale. Elle est immergée au milieu d’un parc imaginé par le paysagiste Luizet en 1904. On y trouve notamment une chapelle du XVIIe siècle dédié à Saint-Antoine-le-Grand. – La maison forte de Loras (site privé) : situé à flanc de colline, nous avons peu d’informations sur cet édifice. Son élément le plus ancien est sa tour à l’angle nord-est.

Installée au point culminant de Saint-Marcel-Bel-Accueil, la table d’orientation offre une vue sur la chaîne des Alpes avec la Chartreuse et le Vercors en premier plan. Par temps clair, le Mont-Blanc et les massifs lointains se dévoilent.

The history of the village of Saint-Chef is directly linked to that of its Benedictine abbey, listed as an Historical Monument in 1840 for its Romanesque church among the oldest in Dauphine and chapel of the Angels, covered with 12th century frescoes.Saint-Chef's Abbey, through its influence for twelve centuries, has deeply marked the local landscape. The story begins in the hamlet of Arcisse at the beginning of the 6th century, where the young Theudère, a native of the hamlet, decided to leave everything to join the Lérins Abbey. Ordered in Arles, he returned 'home' to establish four monasteries, including that of Val Rupéen, probably on the site of the current church. Destroyed by barbarian raids, it was rebuilt in 890 by Benedictine monks from Champagne and experienced a remarkable boom. So much that, in the 11th century, the church was enlarged and highly decorated, in the 12th century, with Romanesque frescoes, illustrating Saint John's vision of the Heavenly Jerusalem, the eternal city. The abbey then extended its patronage to a dozen priories and a hundred parishes in the area. Becoming a noble chapter in 1536, the remaining twenty-eight canons decided to leave in 1774, to join the abbey of Saint-André-le-Bas in Vienne. Abandoned, then damaged during the French Revolution, the church was rescued from the ravages of time and men thanks to Prosper Mérimée who created the first inventory of Historical Monuments in 1840. From that point, the church was cleaned up by removing the four metres of earth that had slipped on its northern and eastern flanks, and the Romanesque frescoes were protected.

Crémieu, an iconic medieval town in the Balcons du Dauphiné region, charms visitors with its 15th-century market hall, ramparts, and Augustinian convent. As the starting point of the greenway, it offers a well-preserved and vibrant cultural heritage in the heart of a natural setting ideal for hiking.Crémieu, the gateway to Greater Lyon in the Balcons du Dauphiné region Crémieu is located in the heart of the historic Dauphiné region, at the junction of the departments of Ain, Rhône, and Isère. The first written records of its existence date back to the late 12th century. At that time, the town was the seat of a mandement—an administrative district within the barony of La Tour, which was incorporated into the Dauphiné in 1282. The Dauphiné was incorporated into the French Crown in 1349. It was in 1315 that the Dauphin Jean II, Lord of the Dauphiné, decided to grant Crémieu a charter of privileges. This seigneurial act, by granting new rights and privileges to the people of Crémieu, would pave the way for sustained growth, marked in particular by the construction of a new town on the site of former marshes, between the town’s two hills: to the west, Saint-Laurent Hill with the Dauphin’s castle, where the old quarters were established; and to the east, Saint-Hippolyte Hill with its Benedictine priory surrounded by fortifications. This new town, too, needed fortifications because Crémieu, located on the border between the Dauphiné and Savoy (with the Ain department largely belonging to Savoy), had to be able to play a military role in the event of an invasion. This second set of ramparts was therefore built in the 14th century.

Located in St-Chef, this pub combines modernity and friendliness with a menu created using local produce. On the premises or to take away, let yourself be seduced by tasty and generous recipes accompanied by one of our 5 craft beers.À la carte : Our home-made burgers : Le Big Daddy: Charolais minced steak (150g), grilled bacon, cheddar cheese, pickled onions, gherkins, bread from the local baker. Le Yeti: Melting cheeses (Emmental and Raclette), Dijon sauce. Le Hipster: Vegetarian option with potato pancakes, beetroot and goat's cheese. Local and Convivial Dishes Fish ‘n Chips: Fillet of Isère trout in homemade beer batter. Chicken Wings BBQ with Jack Daniel's: Perfect for sharing. Gourmet Plates Charcuteries and Cheeses: Artisanal and award-winning products. Hot Rocks: Hot selection with tempura, onion rings and croquettes. For children Children's menu : Chicken tenders or kids burger with local produce. Home-made desserts Brownies and custard. Homemade sorbets, including Tanzanian chocolate and lemon. For lunch, various set menus are available.

The team welcomes you to a relaxing setting. A restaurant with a terrace, a varied menu, entertainment throughout the year and festive events in a friendly atmosphere.As soon as you arrive, the spacious terrace and unobstructed view of the ponds create a refreshing change of scenery, perfect for enjoying a meal with family, friends or on a romantic outing. Although swimming is not permitted, the natural setting invites you to relax and socialise, just a few minutes from home. The menu celebrates diversity to cater to all tastes. Whether for lunch or dinner, everyone can choose their own meal from a wide selection of sharing platters, gourmet salads, burgers, meat dishes, fish dishes, pizzas, pasta, homemade croques, homemade crêpes and ice-cream sundaes. Throughout the summer season, The Lake brings the evenings to life with a varied programme: concerts, magic shows, blind tests and karaoke are all on offer. From November onwards, the venue will be transforming into a café-theatre and will be offering a new programme dedicated to live entertainment, featuring stand-up comedy nights, plays, immersive theatre and comedy club events.

In Panossas, this holiday cottage accommodates up to 6 people in a peaceful setting 6 km from Crémieu. With air conditioning, a private hot tub, a terrace and modern facilities, it is the ideal base for relaxing, working from home or exploring the region.Spread over two floors, the holiday cottage features, on the ground floor, a cosy living area with a lounge and a sofa bed, a fully equipped kitchen and direct access to the terrace. A true haven of relaxation, the terrace features sun loungers, a barbecue and a private hot tub, available on request during the winter months. À l'étage, deux chambres modulables permettent d'accueillir confortablement les voyageurs, avec la possibilité d'opter pour un grand lit double ou deux lits simples selon les besoins. Une salle d'eau, le Wi-Fi, la climatisation, une télévision connectée, une enceinte Bluetooth ainsi que de nombreux équipements électroménagers complètent les prestations. Set in peaceful, leafy surroundings, this holiday cottage is an ideal base from which to explore the many attractions of the Balcons du Dauphiné. Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to walking trails, mountain bike routes, the ViaRhôna and the Voie Verte, whilst history buffs can explore the charms of the medieval town of Crémieu. Ideal for holiday breaks, remote working or business trips, the Bumble Bee offers a rejuvenating setting less than an hour from Lyon, combining sightseeing, relaxation and outdoor activities.

In Panossas, in the Balcons du Dauphiné, the Lemon Tree holiday cottage welcomes you to a renovated former barn. A cosy terrace, private hot tub, car park and bike hire on request promise a relaxing stay just a stone’s throw from the medieval town of Crémieu.Designed with well-being and comfort in mind, this accommodation charms guests with its cosy atmosphere and high-quality facilities. Its private terrace is the perfect spot to make the most of sunny days with a barbecue and a large, convivial table, whilst the hot tub promises moments of relaxation after a day of exploring. Bathrobes are also provided to help you savour this moment of tranquillity. Spread over two floors, the accommodation can sleep up to five people. The living area comprises a cosy lounge, a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. Upstairs, the first bedroom has a queen-size bed, whilst the second has a double bed. An extra bed in the lounge allows for one additional guest. A shower room completes the accommodation. A private parking space makes your stay more convenient, and bicycles can be borrowed on request to explore the surrounding area. Situated close to the ViaRhôna, the Voie Verte and numerous hiking trails, this holiday cottage is an ideal base from which to explore the region. Visitors can also discover the local heritage, the charming villages and the cultural treasures that give the Balcons du Dauphiné their unique charm. Less than an hour from Lyon, the Lemon Tree is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic weekend, a wellness break or a few days’ holiday in a peaceful and rejuvenating setting.

At the gateway to Crémieu, near the greenway of the Balcons du Dauphiné, Nicole welcomes you to two charming guest rooms, certified Accueil Vélo. Enjoy a beautiful garden and a covered terrace with views of the surrounding nature.This accommodation and its garden are ideal for a holiday, a business trip or a romantic weekend away. The guest rooms at Les Loges de Pérelle are all on one level, air-conditioned and have en suite shower and toilet facilities. Breakfast is served in the kitchen, which is also available to guests. This kitchen is fully equipped with coffee machine, kettle, fridge, microwave, hob, oven, etc. A magnificent flower garden invites you to take a stroll. You'll find plenty of books and games in the covered, shaded relaxation area. And to make the most of the outdoors, there's also a brazier corner. Lovers of discovery will not be disappointed, as the Balcons du Dauphiné, less than an hour from Lyon, Chambéry and Grenoble, boasts some remarkable attractions: a variety of outdoor activities, a rich cultural programme, emblematic sites and major cycling routes such as the ViaRhôna and the Voie Verte des Balcons du Dauphiné, which criss-cross the region. Just 5km away, discover the small medieval town of Crémieu, with its rich and authentic architectural heritage (ramparts and fortified gates, 15th-century covered market).

A beautiful lake (regulated fishing), a path through dry grasslands, woods for shade. Highlights: Lake - Nut press - Orchids Facilities: Numerous information boards / Educational pondThe Marsa lake and dry grasslands offer a condensed environment typical of Isle Crémieu: dry hillsides, marshy areas and meadows. Do you know that this environment hosts more than 450 animal and plant species? The vegetation around the lake is an ideal refuge for many birds such as the Grebe and Marsh warbler, while the hillsides, hunting area of the red-backed shrike, are covered with orchids in the spring. The site also houses a large population of European pond turtles, an endangered specie in France, which feed and winter in the pond and lay their eggs on the dry grasslands.