Discover Montferrat: culture, beach and trails

Montferrat offers several distinct options for a stay: the Musée Pégoud, the bathing and leisure area at Montferrat-Plage, and the trails of the Voie verte du lac de Paladru and Le Chemin des Vaches. When planning, you can choose between culture, time by the water and outdoor activities. There are also specific features to consider within each activity: exhibition content, beach facilities, route lengths and—on a hike—an approximate duration and elevation gain.

The Musée Pégoud and the history of aviation

The Musée Pégoud is dedicated to aviator Adolphe Pégoud, who performed the first parachute jump and the first loop in 1913. The exhibition covers his childhood, his military life and his time in the limelight. Videos, written documents and photographs are displayed alongside clothing and numerous objects related to aviation. The museum therefore explores both key stages in Pégoud’s life and the aviation with which he was associated.

Guided tours are available for groups of 20 people. They last an average of 60 minutes and are conducted in French. If you are planning a group visit, these details provide a guide to the timing and language of the museum visit.

The Church of Saint-Didier in Montferrat was completely rebuilt from 1868 onwards. It offers another historical point of interest in the town alongside the museum, with a distinct focus on the church’s architectural history.

Montferrat-Plage: swimming and leisure activities

At Montferrat-Plage, the spacious beach consists of small pebbles and grass. The slope is gentle and the water is shallow, making the beach suitable for swimming. In addition to the swimming area, there is a landscaped, shaded picnic area. Water sports equipment and sun loungers are also available to rent on site.

Other facilities include a beach volleyball court, a pétanque area and games for children. So, as well as swimming, Montferrat-Plage offers picnics and a variety of leisure activities. The beach facilities and the routes in the surrounding area offer different options for planning your day.

Trails by the lake and in the natural area

The Voie verte du lac de Paladru is 14 km long and passes through varied landscapes to reach three beaches, including Montferrat-Plage. It is suitable for beginners. There are car parks and public toilets nearby. If you are looking for a route with beach destinations and varied landscapes, this trail brings together several of these features.

In the Paladru/Montferrat sector, the Voie verte’s marsh trail leads to four discovery stations about the remarkable wildlife and plant life of the Marais de la Vérronnière. The Marais de la Vérronnière is designated as a sensitive natural area. The stations put the area’s natural environment at the heart of the visit, complementing the beach facilities with a nature-focused activity.

How to assess Le Chemin des Vaches by distance and duration

Le Chemin des Vaches is an 11.2 km half-day hike that takes about three hours and has an elevation gain of 120 metres. There is a car park by the Church of Montferrat for this hike. These details offer practical guidance if you are planning a trip based on distance, approximate duration and elevation gain.

The two trails can be compared by their respective features: the Voie verte covers 14 km and is suitable for beginners; Le Chemin des Vaches is shorter at 11.2 km and is described with an approximate duration and elevation gain. This can help you decide whether a longer route with several beach destinations or a half-day hike with a specific time estimate is a better fit for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Viriville, Brangues, Tignieu-Jameyzieu, Morette, La Frette, Besse, Mizoën, Saint-Pierre-D'allevard.

For the broader travel overview: Isere.