Discover Le Pont-De-Beauvoisin

Le Pont-De-Beauvoisin can be explored from several perspectives: its history is shaped by a former border and the division into two independent towns. Other highlights include the Église des Carmes, a self-guided walking tour, a canoe route on the Guiers and Drago Park. When planning your stay, you can consider the historical themes and leisure activities separately, as each has its own focus.

History along the former border

Following the Treaty of Paris in 1355, the Guiers served for five centuries as the border between Dauphiné and Savoie. Another treaty, concluded on February 24, 1376, divided Pont de Beauvoisin into two independent towns for several centuries. The treaties represent two related but distinct aspects of the town’s history: one concerns the border between the territories, the other the division of Pont de Beauvoisin. This distinction helps clarify the role of the river and the history of the two towns.

The Pont François Ier connects the two towns across the former border. There used to be a customs post at the bridge, and a toll was charged to cross the border. The bridge thus brings together the connection between the towns and the memory of a crossing that was once controlled. The self-guided “Une histoire, deux villes” walking tour invites you to explore both towns of Pont-de-Beauvoisin. It offers a distinct way to discover local history, while the Pont François Ier provides a tangible link to the former border.

Church and Pilgrimage Tradition

The Église des Carmes was built between 1419 and 1497. Its construction provides a separate historical time marker alongside the treaties that tell the story of the former border and the division of the towns. Pilgrims came to the Fontaine Saint-Félix for its water and to honor Saint Félix. The church was intended to house some of his relics. Water, veneration and the planned housing of relics were thus among the different elements of this religious history. The fountain and the church offer another way to explore the area, alongside its political history and the border itself.

Walking Tour and Canoe Route

The canoe route on the Guiers is just under 8 kilometers long and offers a family activity accessible to everyone. It passes through Le Pont-De-Beauvoisin and by the town’s hanging houses. While the “Une histoire, deux villes” walking tour focuses on exploring both towns, the canoe route offers a river-level perspective on the area and its houses. These provide two distinct ways to spend your stay: exploring local history and enjoying an activity on the water. Seasonal details about the canoe route may change; check the relevant information when planning your trip.

Leisure at Drago Park

Drago Park in Le Pont-De-Beauvoisin has a play park, laser tag and a go-kart track. It also offers a climbing course, a giant trampoline and two climbing walls. These facilities cater to different interests, from play to climbing. The park also has a space reserved for people with reduced mobility. As facilities and access arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Uriage-Les-Bains, Tignieu-Jameyzieu, Laffrey, Saint-Marcellin, Jarcieu, Les Avenières, Cholonge, La Verpillière.

For the broader travel overview: Isere.