Clelles: Landscape, Trails and History

Get to know Clelles through its marked trails, rural landscape, local cuisine and historical landmarks. The village lies on the edge of the Parc régional du Vercors, with Mont Aiguille rising above Clelles to the west. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Clelles, these different highlights can help you plan your trip around a hike, a visit to the market or local history.

Landscape and trails around Clelles

The rural landscape has been shaped by centuries of traditional farming and pastoralism. Fields, meadows, woodland, hedgerows and sunken lanes are all part of its character. The wildlife and plant life around Clelles are also diverse. Together with its location on the edge of the Parc régional du Vercors and Mont Aiguille to the west, this creates a landscape of both open spaces and leafy, hedgerow-lined trails.

Numerous marked trails run through Clelles and the surrounding area. The long-distance GR 91 trail also passes nearby. One specific circular hike is Les facettes du Mont-Aiguille: the marked route is 11.4 kilometres long, climbs about 415 metres and takes around four hours. It is rated moderate. These details on distance, elevation gain and estimated time can help you plan the hike.

Another option is the short circular walk along the Canal de Clelles. It runs near the train station and the Maison de Pays, offers views of Mont-Aiguille and follows the canal. The two routes therefore differ in their stated highlights: Les facettes has specific information on distance, elevation gain and duration, while the Canal walk is described in terms of its waterside route and views. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Trains run between Grenoble and Clelles. If you are planning to travel by train, check the current timetable for your specific journey, as schedules may change.

Local history and culture

The Église de Clelles is mentioned in a papal bull of 1123 under the historic name Sancta Maria de Claelis. Its bell tower dates from the 15th century and is listed as a historic monument. The church also houses a Westminster-style carillon clock by MAYET. These three features give the church a clear connection to the village’s history: its recorded name, historic bell tower and carillon clock.

The cultural program also includes the touring cinema L'écran vagabond, which screens films in the Jean Giono hall in Clelles. Screening dates may change; check the current program if you would like to include a cinema visit in your plans.

Market and local specialties

A producers’ market is held on the town hall square every Sunday morning from March to November. Stalls offer fresh meat, vegetables, fruit, eggs, cheese and honey, as well as prepared products such as pasta, fruit juice and terrines. Handcrafted goods, plants and flowers are also available; knives can also be sharpened. The selection may vary by date.

Ravioles and caillettes are among Clelles’ local specialties. Ravioles are small parcels of dough filled with potato and onion. Caillettes are made with pork neck, liver and bacon, prepared with herbs or leafy greens such as spinach and sorrel. The two dishes differ in both form and ingredients: the filling of ravioles is based on potato and onion, while caillettes are made with meat, herbs and leafy greens. These two specialties offer a way to discover local cuisine.

Whether you are planning your trip around the landscape, a particular hike, historic landmarks or regional cuisine, Clelles offers a range of specific highlights to explore. Shape your plans around the things that interest you most during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Ondras, Saint-Quentin-Sur-Isère, Gières, Le Sappey-En-Chartreuse, Susville, Chantelouve, Claix, Pontcharra

For the regional travel overview: Isere.