Gateway to the Alps and Vales of Dauphiné

Its rolling hills offer many examples of traditional rammed-earth constructions, with use of the traditional pisé being revived in the contemporary architecture of the new town of Isle-d'Abeau.

Bourgoin Jallieu

This town has always been a strategic intersection where the valleys meet, at the "gateway to the Alps", and over the centuries it has become both an economic and a cultural crossroads.

It is now one of north Isère's main towns.
> www.bourgoinjallieu.fr

Saint-Chef

This medieval village with typical narrow streets and canons' houses has an abbey which was one of the most famous in Dauphiné until the Revolution.
> www.saint-chef.fr

L'Isle d'Abeau

At the gateway to the Alps near Bourgoin Jallieu, l'Isle d'Abeau is one of the five localities making up the New Town.

Pont de Beauvoisin

At the heart of the vales of Dauphiné, close to the boundary with Savoie, Pont de Beauvoisin has also been a major furniture-making centre since the time of Francis I.

Visit its museum of woodturning and hand tools, the only one of its kind in France.

Worth seeing

Château de Moidière

Built in the 17th century, this chateau was completely restored during the Empire and is now at the centre of a landscaped safari park in which ibex roam side-by-side with racoons.
Tel : 04 74 96 44 63

Le Moulin recreation area

At Meyrieu les Etangs, Le Moulin recreation area offers a wide range of activities, from bathing to canoe rental through to organised games. Accommodation and food available on-site.
Tél : 04 74 58 30 05