Beauvoir-de-Marc: Church, Heritage and Hiking Trails

The Église Notre-Dame overlooks the village of Beauvoir-de-Marc and retains some of its 11th-century fabric. La Madone, historic details in the church and three hiking trails offer different ways to explore the area during your stay. Two trail lengths are listed, and their starting points also differ.

Église Notre-Dame: Building History and Architecture

The church combines several clearly distinguishable architectural features. Its projecting portal is Gothic; the main portal probably dates from the 15th century. The two tympanums above the doors to the transept side chapels are classified as Monuments historiques. The Église Notre-Dame thus brings together some surviving 11th-century fabric, a portal with a probable date and classified architectural elements. These features offer different points of reference as you explore the church’s architecture.

Details Inside the Church

The nave of the Église Notre-Dame has 70 painted and illuminated panels. Together, they form a simple, symbolic depiction of biblical life. The ceiling decoration adds a distinct feature alongside the portal and tympanums, which are other parts of the church building. A commemorative plaque in the church contains 54 French verses, each with ten syllables. The inscription recounts the foundation of a weekly High Mass by Brother Dom Jean Thanonne of Beauvoir-de-Marc. In addition to its religious purpose, the plaque’s precise verse form is a distinctive feature in its own right.

La Madone

La Madone of Beauvoir-de-Marc was built in 1868 and is located on a hiking trail. An orientation board at the foot of the monument was inaugurated in May 1974. The dates mark different milestones: 1868 for the construction of La Madone, and May 1974 for the inauguration of the board. This distinguishes the monument’s construction from the later inauguration of the orientation board.

Comparing the Three Hiking Trails

The three hiking trails differ in their starting points and lengths. “Haut et bas Bourassagne” starts at the church and is 3.6 km long. “Les chemins oubliés du village” is the same length and starts at the secondary school. “Le Fouilleux, Martel, le Colombier et la Madone” also starts at the church and covers 6.3 km. This lets you compare two routes of equal length with different starting points; the third is longer and starts at the church. When choosing a route, consider both its length and its starting point. Route details may change; check the latest information before setting out.

Concerts and Visitor Programs

Concerts are held every year in the Église Notre-Dame, although individual concert dates may vary. The church is open to visitors during the European Heritage Days and also during the Berlioz Festival, as part of the Surprises du Patrimoine organized by the Terres de Berlioz tourism organization. Concert and program dates may vary; check them before your visit if you are planning your stay around a concert or one of these visitor programs.

Discover more destinations: Ambel, Auris, Les Adrets, Saint-Quentin-Fallavier, Besse, La Sône, Beaucroissant, La Terrasse

For the broader travel overview: Isere.