Cheyssieu: Hiking Trails and Nature

Cheyssieu offers a clear focus when choosing a travel destination: hiking trails, waterways, and an agricultural landscape. If you are planning a stay, you can choose between two named routes with different points of interest. There are also the four spring-fed ponds of the Étangs de Cheyssieu, as well as the natural and agricultural landscape of the plateaus. When searching for a hotel, these themes can help you choose a destination that matches your interests.

Hiking to the Chapelle Saint-Mamert

The Autour de la chapelle Saint-Mamert circular trail crosses the Suzon before reaching the village of Cheyssieu. An optional 20-minute round trip to the Chapelle Saint-Mamert is available; the chapel is listed as a historic monument. In addition, part of the circular trail coincides with the GR65, the Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, which leads from Geneva toward Cheyssieu. The route therefore offers both an optional detour to the chapel and a shared section with the Way of St. James. According to tourism information dated April 14, 2021, the circular trail was open year-round and free to access. Check this information locally before setting out. The 20-minute estimate refers to the optional round trip to the chapel.

Les deux églises and the View of the Pilat

The easy Les deux églises circular trail covers a distance of 5.4 km from Assieu to Cheyssieu. It crosses the agricultural plateau and offers an unobstructed view of the Pilat. Before reaching Cheyssieu, the trail crosses the Varèze. By contrast, this trail has a specified distance and landscape features, while Autour de la chapelle Saint-Mamert focuses on the optional chapel detour and the section shared with the GR65. This allows you to distinguish the stated points of interest when choosing a route, without inferring a walking time from the distance.

Spring-fed ponds and waterways

The Étangs de Cheyssieu are a natural area with four spring-fed ponds. Fly fishing takes place there, particularly the popular trout safaris. So, alongside the hiking trails, the ponds and a specific water-based leisure activity are a focus here. The Varèze and the Suzon are also designated as regionally important wildlife corridors that should be preserved. The two waterways therefore feature both in the route descriptions and in connection with protecting regional habitats.

Agricultural plateaus

The plateaus of Cheyssieu include extensive agricultural land, including consolidated and irrigated plots as well as orchards. Species of conservation interest, such as harriers, are also found there. Municipal planning lists the Varèze ZNIEFF Type 1, woodland and wetland areas, and a network of hedgerows as landscape features to be preserved. Thus, both agricultural land use and waterways and habitats are among the defining features of the surrounding area. When choosing your stay, you can combine this perspective on the landscape with the specific trails, the view of the Pilat, or the ponds of the Étangs.

Discover more destinations: Le Pont-De-Claix, Mottier, Biviers, Thodure, Mens, Tignieu-Jameyzieu, Vizille, Ambel.

For the broader travel overview: Isere.