Discover Miribel-Les-Échelles

A trip to Miribel-Les-Échelles can focus on sacred architectural history, historic buildings, walks or farm produce. Churches and chapels tell stories of different eras and traditions; two circular trails differ in length and ascent.

Churches, chapels and architectural history

The church of Miribel is a Neo-Romanesque limestone building. It was built between 1876 and 1880. The Chapelle de l’Alumnat was established by the Assumptionists at the end of the 19th century and has an organ. It was part of a larger complex of buildings that included a former seminary, which the Assumptionists used and expanded between 1884 and 1970.

The Chapelle Saint Roch is a place of worship maintained by the community and volunteers. Its construction was a thanksgiving offering to Saint Roch: he is said to have spared Miribel during the plague of 1628 to 1630. A so-called Rogation Mass is held there on the Tuesday evening before Ascension Day, when prayers are offered for the protection of the land and crops.

Another architectural curiosity is the Pont de Pierre-Chave, built under Napoleon III. Its relationship to the road changes: in some sections the bridge passes over the road, while elsewhere it carries the road. This unusual arrangement makes it an exceptionally rare road structure.

Notre-Dame du Château and circular walks

Visible remains of a wooden motte-and-bailey castle, including an outer bailey, survive at the Notre-Dame du Château site. The structure was probably built in the second half of the 11th century. Notre-Dame du Château offers panoramic views of the western massif of the Grande Chartreuse and the final foothills of the Épine range. For the period from January 1 to December 1, 2026, the site is listed as open daily and freely accessible. Check the conditions before you arrive.

For circular walks, you can compare the distance and elevation gain. The 4.6-kilometre loop Passing by the Grotte du Loup starts in Miribel-Les-Échelles and includes 185 metres of ascent. It runs mostly through woodland, crosses numerous streams and offers views of the surrounding hills. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

The circular walk From the Madone to Rocharay is 5.9 kilometres long and has 219 metres of ascent. This family-friendly walk starts at the church and passes Notre-Dame du Château and the so-called Druid stones. Its length and ascent set it apart from the Grotte du Loup loop; the named stops also give you a different historical context when planning your route.

Farm produce and planning your visit

GAEC La ferme de Miri’Bêle invites you to meet the farm producers who have been working in the Chartreuse since 2020 and discover their cheeses, dairy products, and pork and lamb products. Their offerings include raw-milk cheeses such as Tomme, Bleu and Saint-Marcellin IGP, as well as yoghurt, ice cream, rillettes and saucissons. If you are planning a visit, check opening hours in advance, as they may change.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Chef, Saint-Didier-De-La-Tour, Montagnieu, Saint-Joseph-de-Rivière, Saint-Just-Chaleyssin, Corenc, Crolles, Proveysieux.

For the overview of the wider area: Isere.