Eybens: History, Culture and Trails

Eybens offers a variety of options to help you plan a stay: historic buildings, public cultural offerings, trails and nature, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. If you are looking for a hotel in Eybens, these themes can help you consider the town in light of your own interests. Its historical traces tell the story of different eras, while the trails and facilities offer further perspectives on the commune.

Historic buildings and their history

The Château d'Eybens stands on a hill above the historic town center and the passage towards the Champagnier plateau and the foothills of the Belledonne range. The current building is believed to date from 1610. Rediscovered trompe-l'œil frescoes in the castle chapel have been uncovered; they probably date from the 17th century. The term trompe-l'œil refers to a painting technique that creates the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat surface.

The church of Eybens has a longer documented history: its first known written mention dates from the late 11th century. Documents from the 15th century confirm that it is dedicated to Saint Christopher. The Château de la Commanderie offers a different historical reference point. Its earliest traces date back to the mid-13th century. At the time, it was called “Maladrerie de la Levade,” served as a leprosarium and belonged to the Knights Templar. Its building history, ecclesiastical mention and former use thus represent different aspects of Eybens' history.

Cultural offerings in Eybens

The Espace culturel Odyssée has an event hall with an auditorium for 300 people. The Côté Jardin area, located in the same cultural center, is open to the public and hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops and artist residencies. The range of offerings thus extends from the event hall to changing formats, without requiring a specific date for any individual event.

The Médiathèque d’Eybens may also be of interest during your visit: admission is free. Registration is required if you wish to borrow documents. This distinction is useful when planning a visit and wanting to know what is required to borrow materials.

Trails, nature and views

Three walking and cycling routes cross Eybens, connect municipal facilities and lead to trailheads as well as to the cycling paths in the metropolitan area. They offer two different ways of getting around: routes between municipal facilities and connections to hiking and cycling opportunities.

The municipal route “Des Coulmes au parc Dubedout” was published in September 2024. It leads into the forest of Parc Dubedout and forms a loop with views of the Grenoble metropolitan area. As route signage may change, check the current waymarking before setting out. On the Parcours d'orientation patrimoine adulte, the highest point is on Colline des Arselles, about 120 meters above the town center. The two offerings therefore highlight different features: the loop and its views are central to one route, while the orientation course is distinguished by the elevation of its highest point.

Parc Hubert-Dubedout is home to a diverse, little-known range of plant and animal life characteristic of scree woodlands. This gives the nature theme in Eybens a specific local character. In addition to the trails described, those interested in the landscape can also visit a park whose flora and fauna are part of this environment.

Outdoor swimming pool and practical information

Piscine d'Eybens is an outdoor swimming pool with an Olympic-size pool, a teaching pool and a paddling pool. As seasonal opening arrangements may change, check the current season schedule before your visit. The pool is accessible to people with reduced mobility; facilities include, among other things, suitable changing rooms and sanitary facilities, as well as an access aid. If you require a particular form of assistance, check the details of the facilities before you arrive.

Together, these places offer different focal points for a stay: historic buildings, cultural offerings, nature and an outdoor swimming pool. You can choose what to explore based on your interests during your time in Eybens, and search accordingly for a hotel in the commune.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Fontanil-Cornillon, Beauvoir-de-Marc, Quet-en-Beaumont, Saint-Marcellin, Valbonnais, Seyssinet-Pariset, Saint-Pierre-De-Chartreuse, Chanas.

For the main travel overview: Isere.