Merlas: Nature, Hiking Trails and History

Merlas combines a distinctive moorland landscape with hiking trails and several historical themes. At the Étang de Saint-Sixte, aquatic and waterside vegetation and wet woodlands take center stage; the trails offer their own highlights. The crypt, château and church each lead into different periods of the area’s history. If you are planning a hotel stay, you can choose what to focus on in Merlas according to what matters for your trip: nature, hiking or cultural history.

Natural surroundings at the Étang de Saint-Sixte

The Étang de Saint-Sixte in Merlas has a rich variety of aquatic and waterside vegetation and is surrounded by wet woodlands. Ecologically, it is classified as a mixed moor; this classification reflects the gradual transition from an alkaline to an acidic moor. The Étang is also protected under the Loi Montagne and lies within a regional nature park. Several clearly defined features come together here: the vegetation by the water, the wet woodlands and the moor’s distinctive classification.

Hiking trails with different highlights

The loop around Lac de Saint-Sixte passes through forests and clearings and follows stretches of water along the lake. The loop is also recommended for horseback riders and mountain bikers. Forest, open spaces and water shape the landscape along this route, giving it a different character from trails where elevation gain or historical connections take center stage.

The “Du côté des Mille Martyrs” hiking trail starts in Merlas and leads through the Carabotin Forest to open meadows. From there, the panorama extends across much of the Chartreuse Massif. Passing north of the Col des Mille Martyrs, the trail follows a mountain pass that was once a place of pilgrimage. The route is 9.6 km long, has an elevation gain of 300 meters and takes 2 hours and 50 minutes. These three figures answer different planning questions: the distance describes the route, the ascent indicates the elevation gain, and the stated duration helps you set aside enough time.

The former Schwarzwald near the Chapelle de Merlas consists of deciduous and coniferous trees and offers a family-friendly walk. You can distinguish the trails by their specific features: the lake loop by its forests, clearings and stretches of water; “Du côté des Mille Martyrs” by its panorama and route details; and the walk near the Chapelle by its trees and explicitly family-friendly character.

Historical traces in Saint-Sixte and Merlas

The Romanesque crypt of Saint-Sixte was built over the remains of a Roman temple dating from the 4th century. It is behind a gate and is not accessible. The combination of Roman remains and a Romanesque crypt gives this site a different historical focus from the wartime events surrounding the Château de Saint-Sixte.

During the Second World War, the Château de Saint-Sixte was occupied by Maquis fighters. Its present ruined state is the result of a fire set by German troops in retaliation during the war. The château’s history thus places a clear emphasis on wartime events.

The church of Saint-Ferréol in Merlas is one of the three churches from the former communities of Saint-Sixte, Merlas and La Chapelle that have been preserved. Together with the crypt and the château, it offers another way to explore local history: here, the church takes center stage as part of the heritage of the former communities.

Discover more destinations: Huez, Montalieu-Vercieu, Grenoble, Charantonnay, Morêtel-de-Mailles, Fontaine, Voiron, Laval

For the main travel overview: Isere.