Chozeau: Nature, Hiking Trails and Heritage

Chozeau brings together nature at the Étang de Chalignieu, local hiking trails, and historic buildings and cultural sites. This gives you several points of focus when planning your visit: an outdoor circular route, a wetland with botanical and wildlife interest, and buildings from different periods.

Circular Trails and Nature at the Étang de Chalignieu

The family trail around the Étang de Chalignieu is a 2.2-kilometre circular route for beginners. It is open every day throughout the year and is free to access. The stated distance covers the entire loop, not just one section of the trail. Its length, circular route and beginner rating give you practical points of reference when planning a walk during your stay. Before setting out, check local trail conditions, as they can change. Local circular trails in Chozeau are marked with yellow arrows and regular color markings on rocks, trees or other surfaces; these markers can also change over time. The GR 422, following in the footsteps of Charles IX and the French court, also runs near the Étang. For hiking enthusiasts, this nearby route is another point of interest alongside the family loop.

The wetland at the Étang de Chalignieu is home to a significant colony of greater water-crowfoot, considered particularly rare in Isère. European pond turtles have been observed at the Étang several times, and their presence there was confirmed in 2018. The natural features complement one another: the plant is notable for its rarity in Isère, while 2018 is the specific date associated with confirmation of the turtle. Together, they highlight the wetland’s botanical and wildlife interest.

Historic Buildings and Cultural Sites

The oldest part of the Château de Poizieu dates from the 14th century and includes a narrow cylindrical tower with machicolations. Machicolations are defensive projections built into masonry. The château is privately owned and is not open to visitors. The Eglise de Chozeau was built in the mid-19th century. The Maison forte de Boirieu overlooks the plain with an extensive complex of buildings that includes a large square tower. The château’s narrow cylindrical tower and the Maison forte’s large square tower offer two clearly distinct architectural forms; the Eglise adds a 19th-century church building to the comparison.

Another aspect of the area’s heritage is the Pierre à cupules de Chozeau, above the hamlet of Boirieu. It is a glacial erratic with a cup-marked stone; since November 26, 2007, the Pierre has been listed as a historic monument by decree. The French name refers to bowl-shaped depressions in the stone and describes a defining feature of the object. While the buildings are notable for their towers and architectural complexes, this site consists of a single glacial erratic located above Boirieu.

Discover more destinations: Huez, Saint-Guillaume, Sassenage, Villard-De-Lans, Pressins, Nantes-en-Ratier, Saint-Lattier, Saint-Paul-Dʼizeaux.

For the regional travel overview: Isere.