Mottier: Bocsozel, Medieval Paths and Gardens

Mottier is shaped by three distinct themes: the old Bocsozel fortifications and their setting in the landscape, the Sentier médiéval de Bocsozel, and the gardens and educational activities of the Ferme du Regardin. The town’s profile therefore ranges from history and landscape to plant diversity and educational activities. If you are planning a stay, you can first consider whether you are particularly interested in the historic site, a named trail or garden culture. These themes can help guide your decision to choose Mottier as a destination.

Bocsozel: History and Landscape

The old Bocsozel fortifications stand on a prominent, open ridge above the Liers Valley; their castle mound and the terraces of the lower castle still shape the landscape today. The site is documented as far back as 1003. Its two restored towers, one round and one square, recall the site’s role in the conflicts between Dauphiné and Savoy from 1250 onward. It also bears the “Patrimoine en Isère” label. Bocsozel thus combines early historical documentation with a later history of conflict and a landscape that remains distinctive to this day.

Paths and Getting Your Bearings

The Sentier médiéval de Bocsozel leads toward Mottier and reaches the “le Mottier-Bocsozel” crossroads at an elevation of 524 metres. It includes a short detour to the nearby ruins of the Château de Bocsozel. If you plan to take this trail, check the current route description in advance, as technical details may be updated during revisions.

Another named circular route, “Bièvre Isère - Le Mont d'Avalon,” has two possible starting points: Mottier town hall and the Notre-Dame-du-Mont chapel in Gillonnay. As the possible starting points may change, check them again before setting out.

Gardens and Educational Activities

The Ferme du Regardin in Mottier focuses on biodiversity and includes three gardens with different themes: a garden of culinary and medicinal plants, a vegetable garden with heritage varieties, and a seed-saving garden. Together, they range from plants with practical uses to traditional vegetable varieties and the preservation of varietal diversity. The Ferme also organizes classes, talks, workshops, exhibitions and guided visits. This combines a focus on gardens and plants with various forms of educational activity. If you are planning to attend an event or visit on a specific date, check beforehand what will be offered; visiting arrangements may vary.

Highlights for Your Stay

Three distinct highlights can guide your choice of destination: Bocsozel combines history and landscape; the Sentier médiéval is defined by its route and short detour to the ruins; and the Ferme combines plant diversity with educational activities.

Discover more destinations: La Forteresse, Theys, Cholonge, La Morte, La Verpillière, Jarrie, Saint-Lattier, Treffort.

For the wider travel overview: Isere.