Les Abrets: Discover Culture, Hiking Trails and Nature
Accommodation in Les Abrets
If you’re looking for a hotel in Les Abrets, you can plan your trip around your interests: culture, nature or hiking. Highlights range from a striking landmark and textile heritage to wetlands and a longer stage of the GR® 65.
“La fontaine”: a technical allegory and building history
Construction of “La fontaine” was first approved in Les Abrets in 1827; a major redesign followed in 1913. The sculpture depicts the technical allegory “L’électricité arrivant aux Abrets” (Electricity Arriving in Les Abrets). Details include dolphin sculptures, a basin made of Échaillon limestone, and a statue holding a torch. “La fontaine” remains a much-loved landmark.
The dates mark different milestones: 1827 was the initial approval, and 1913 the major renovation. Together with the allegory and sculptural details, they give the landmark a specific place in cultural history.
Silk heritage along the trails
The “Les chemins de soie” (“Silk Trails”) walk is a self-guided experience available year-round. It comprises five town routes through Les Abrets, La Bâtie-Montgascon, Corbelin, St André-le-Gaz and Fitilieu. They showcase the textile heritage and landscapes of these places. The Les Abrets section is called “Histoire de soie” (“Silk Story”) and is 3 km long.
Wetlands and hiking routes
The Malseroud pond is classified as an “Espace Naturel Sensible” (Sensitive Natural Area). The wetland is a good place to observe birds, dragonflies and frogs. The easy “Marais et étang de Malseroud” (“Malseroud Marsh and Pond”) walk passes through the biodiverse surroundings of a river, a pond and wet meadows. From November to April, the paths in the wetland can be muddy.
For a longer route, take the first stage of the GR® 65 from Les Abrets to Grand Lemps. It connects Gare des Abrets-en-Dauphiné station with Lac de Paladru and is 18 km long. It includes 430 m of ascent and 290 m of descent. By comparison, the 3 km “Histoire de soie” section is considerably shorter; the GR® stage details also make the ascents and descents clear.
Digital experiences and swimming
The MUR-MÛR trail offers 20 podcasts that you can access on a smartphone: scan the QR codes at the locations marked on a map. As digital access details may change, check them before you visit.
The Vals d’O intermunicipal aquatic centre in Les Abrets en Dauphiné has a 25 m swimming pool with six lanes and a movable lane divider. If you’re planning a visit, check the latest operating information beforehand, as arrangements may change.
Discover more destinations: Reventin-Vaugris, La Motte-Saint-Martin, Villard-Reymond, Theys, Panissage, Besse, La Motte-D'aveillans, Assieu.
Back to the regional travel overview: Isere.
