Tours
Activities
Places of interest
Where to eat
Where to sleep

Explore Charancieu, Isère, Rhône-Alpes

Are you in charge of the destination?
Nestled in the beautiful Rhône-Alpes region, Charancieu in Isère is a perfect destination for those who love exploration and outdoor activities. Visitors can delight in scenic hiking trails that wind through and around the town, offering breathtaking views and a gateway to the natural beauty that abounds in the area.

A visit to the nearby Chartreuse Regional Nature Park is a must, where biodive...
See more

Walking around Charancieu

See more suggestions
Discover the walking paths of Charancieu.
See more suggestions
GR 65 -  Way of Saint James in Isère from Romagnieu to Valencogne
1.3 km

GR 65 - Way of Saint James in Isère from Romagnieu to Valencogne

The Via Gebenensis [Way of Geneva] comes from Geneva and joins Le Puy en Velay and the Way of Saint James, 1700km (Spain). After Savoie, the route gets smoother when you reach the Dauphiné's hills, inviting walkers to take this thousand-year-old challenging and spiritual route. Four historical routes led to Santiago, merging into one in Puenta la Reina, Spain. The Via Tolosana started from Arles, the Via Podiensis from Puy-en-Velay, the Via Lemovicencis from Vézelay and the Via Turomencis from Tours. If many pilgrims go to Compostela from these four places, a certain number began upstream their solitary walk. Among these itineraries attached to a main route, the "Via Gebennensis", from the Latin name of the departure city Geneva, allows German and Swiss pilgrims to join the Via Podiensis or route du Puy since 1998. Every year, 3500 pilgrims walk this 350 kilometers section also called GR65. After the mountains of Savoie, the way of St James enters in Isère by the municipalities of Aoste/ Romagnieu/ Les Abrets en Dauphiné / Saint Ondras and Valencogne for a soft stage on the Vals du Dauphiné's hills. In, 1998, the pilgrims road of St James was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The paths are marked and safe. The 21st century pilgrims, often well equipped, have very diverse motivations and go to Santiago on foot but also by bike or on horseback. Pilgrims accomodations (Accueils jacquaires) are installed in the area. They welcome you on presentation of the "credential". You can find their contact details in the "Guide Jaune Genève- Le Puy en Velay" of the Amis de St Jacques de Compostelle Rhône Alpes on sale at the association or in the tourist offices (10€).

7 h
26 km
Easy
38490 Les Abrets en Dauphiné
Show
Malseroud marsh and pond
2.7 km

Malseroud marsh and pond

An easy hike to discover the wealth of biological species (fauna, flora) in the river, pond and wet meadows. Access via Les Abrets-Fitilieu train station (+2km round trip). ROUTE Take a narrow country road through the forest, then a wide track through more open countryside to reach the marshes, you follow the river Bourbre on your left. The track is often shaded at this point. You pass a number of farms and arrive at ‘Château de Donat’. Take the path to the right and turn left to see the beautiful brick tower, last remaining evidence of the residence built around 1870. Continue to the Malseroud pond, classified as a Sensitive Natural Area. This wetland area is ideal for observing birds (coots, grebes, herons), dragonflies, frogs and more. You can walk around the pond. An educational booklet is available at the Tourist Office and on www.tourisme-valsdududauphine.fr. Dogs must be kept on a leash around the pond to preserve the tranquillity of the species. On the way back, the paths and small country roads go through cultivated fields and small copses to take you back to ‘Les Bruniaux’. Then cross the village to return to your starting point. This loop is very pleasant in summer, but not recommended in wet season (November to April), as the paths through the marshes are often muddy. WAYMARKING AND SIGNPOSTING Follow the yellow markers and the crossroads : FITILIEU > Château de Donat > Les Bruniaux > FITILIEU

2 h
8.8 km
Very easy
Parking devant la mairie de Fitilieu - D142 38490 Les Abrets en Dauphiné
Show
Mountain bike trail - Malseroud marsh and pond
2.7 km

Mountain bike trail - Malseroud marsh and pond

An easy loop to discover the wealth of biological species (fauna, flora) in the river, pond and wet meadows. ROUTE : Via a small country road in the forest and then a wide track with more open countryside, you reach the marshes where you follow the river, the Bourbre, on your left. The track is often shaded at this point. The only difficulty is that halfway along the route, there is a 200m climb just before the Ayes farm. The path is quite stony at this point. At ‘Château de Donat’, take the path on the right and turn left to see the beautiful brick tower, the last remaining trace of the house built around 1870. Continue as far as the Malseroud pond, classified as a Sensitive Natural Area. This wetland area is ideal for observing birds (coots, grebes, herons), dragonflies, frogs and more. You can walk around the pond. An educational booklet is available from the Tourist Office and at www.tourisme-valsdududauphine.fr. Dogs must be kept on a lead around the pond to preserve the tranquillity of the species. On the way back, the paths and small country roads wind through cultivated fields and small copses to take you back to ‘Les Bruniaux’. Then cross the village to return to the start. Be careful, this trail is very pleasant in summer, but the paths through the marshes are often muddy in the wet season (November - April). SIGNS AND MARKINGS : Follow the yellow markings and signs: FITILIEU > Château de Donat > les Bruniaux > FITILIEU

45 min
8.8 km
Very easy
63 Rue du 11 Novembre 1918 38490 Les Abrets en Dauphiné
Show
Mountain bike circuit - The soul of the hills
4.3 km

Mountain bike circuit - The soul of the hills

Take a stretch of the GR65, offering lovely views of the Chartreuse massif and Mont Blanc. Calm and rejuvenation guaranteed! ROUTE: From the car park along the 17d departmental road below the church, go back up the road alongside the church on your left, then look out for the small oratory on the right at Brocard. Continue along the GR65 St-Jacques de Compostelle path and soon reach a track with a view of Mont Blanc opposite. At Les Allimards, turn right and leave the GR65. An alternation of small roads and paths takes you through the heart of hills that are sometimes cultivated and sometimes grazed by cows. After Bois Reyer, the path goes deeper into the forest. On your right, you will overlook the Etang du Vivier, where you are likely to see a few fishermen. At Gréhaut, you catch up with the GR65 as far as Côte Simandre on a fairly flat section with clear views at first, then into the Valencogne woods. The path then descends for 1 km. The slope is steady but quite steep. Take care. The return to Valencogne is very pastoral. A flat path leads you past meadows and the village can be seen in the distance. On your left is a small pond. Then, after taking a larger road for 100m, the path suddenly climbs again. Don't worry, it's only a short climb. Head back down to the football stadium (on your right) and up the path opposite, which leads to the Madonna, a statue of Notre-Dame des Vignes. The spot at the top is ideal for a picnic (there is a table). Take in the views of the Bugey peaks on your left and dominate the village of Valencogne on your right. Continue on to the starting point. SIGNS AND MARKINGS : Follow the yellow signs and the following signposts: Chemin du lavoir > Le Brocard > Jalinières > Les Allimards > Montfrelet > Ferme du Mont > Bois Reyer > Le Gréhaut > Sourilloud > Côte Simandre > Chemin de la Vie > Les routes > Croix du Jubilé > Le Brocard > Jalinières > Retour VALENCOGNE

2 h
18 km
Medium
Parking D17d en contrebas de l'église 38730 Valencogne
Show
Between valleys and countryside
4.4 km

Between valleys and countryside

Come and walk a portion of the route to Santiago de Compostela o Valencogne heights offering beautiful views of the Chartreuse massif. Calmness and resourcefulness guaranteed! ROUTE From the church in Valencogne, follow in the footsteps of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela. Note the small statue at the ‘Chemin du Lavoir’ signpost. The path quickly climbs to the heights until ‘Gréhaut’. The route then has a little elevation gain and offers many woodland sections as far as ‘Côte Simandre’. After a nice descent, you reach the hamlet of Brézin. Turn right immediately to take a very pleasant path through the valley, lined with hedges and cow meadows. In front of you, you can see the village of Valencogne and, in the distance, the mountains of the Savoyard foreland. The path joins the départementale 17C road, which is not very busy and which you follow for 100m. Once on the other side of the road, the path climbs steeply for 350m. You return to Valencogne via the stadium, then climb one last hill towards the curious statue at the top. It is the Madonna of Notre-Dame des Vignes. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Bugey peaks on your left and the church of Valencogne on your right. This is a very pleasant spot for a picnic (there is a table in the sun). Finally, continue along the path and then the road back to the village. WAYMARKING AND SIGNPOSTING From the Valencogne parking lot, follow the yellow markers and the following crossroads: VALENCOGNE (start) > Chemin du lavoir > Le Gréhaut > Sourilloud > Lambert > Côte Simandre > Chemin de la vie > Les routes > Croix du Jubilé > Le Brocard > Chemin du lavoir > VALENCOGNE (finish)

3 h
11 km
Easy
Parking en contrebas de l'église - D17D 38730 Valencogne
Show

What to do in Charancieu

See more suggestions
Plan a perfect day in Charancieu with our bookable activities.
See more suggestions

What to visit in Charancieu

See more suggestions
Attend shows and concerts in Charancieu.
See more suggestions

Where to eat in Charancieu

See more suggestions
A wide selection of restaurants awaits you in Charancieu.
See more suggestions

Where to sleep in Charancieu

See more suggestions
Book a pleasant stay in Charancieu.
See more suggestions
L'Auberge des Avenières
12 km

L'Auberge des Avenières

Located just 5 minutes from Walibi Rhône-Alpes and close to the ViaRhôna cycle route, this hotel offers 9 comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, ideal for a family holiday, a stopover for sightseeing or a cycling trip. The Auberge des Avenières offers nine air-conditioned rooms, accommodating between one and six people, including a suite that is ideal for family stays. Each room is equipped with an en-suite bathroom, a television and free Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and peace and quiet after a day of sightseeing or leisure activities. Thanks to its prime location, the inn is an ideal base for visitors to Walibi Rhône-Alpes, whether for a night’s stay before or after a day at the park, or to explore the Balcons du Dauphiné. As an ‘Accueil Vélo’ certified establishment, the inn also offers a range of services tailored to cycle tourists. A private car park is available for guests, as well as a secure room with CCTV for storing bikes and equipment with complete peace of mind. Breakfast is served as a full buffet, with sweet options (pastries, jams, cereals, dried fruit, etc.) and savoury options (cold meats, cheeses), ensuring there’s something to suit everyone’s taste first thing in the morning. For added convenience, the establishment also has a self-service launderette open seven days a week, which is particularly popular with backpackers and cycle tourists. On site, the inn’s restaurant welcomes guests for lunch with daily set menus featuring a varied starter buffet comprising around ten different dishes. In the evening, the à la carte menu showcases traditional French cuisine and local specialities (excluding weekend evenings). Finally, a luggage storage service is available at reception, allowing guests to leave their belongings before setting off again or exploring the village at their leisure.

8, Place du 11 Novembre 1918 Les Avenières 38630 Les Avenières Veyrins-Thuellin
Book from 0.88 EURBook
Show
Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾