Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze: Chapel, Château and Atelier Gilioli

Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze, with its village and around twenty hamlets, is spread across alluvial terraces at an average elevation of 760 metres. Cultural attractions range from the Chapelle de Pâquier and the Château de Pâquier to the Atelier Gilioli; there are also two named hikes and digital film screenings. If you are looking for a hotel in Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze, this mix can help you decide what you want to focus on during your stay: architectural history and art are options, as are time on the trails and film screenings in the village hall.

Chapel and château: historical landmarks

The Chapelle de Pâquier is listed as a historic monument. Its nave and vaulted apse are believed to have been built in the 12th century. A small cemetery surrounds the Chapelle Saint-Christophe de Pâquier; it includes the grave of the sculptor Émile Gilioli, among others. The chapel is in a green setting, two kilometres from the village centre. A visit to the Atelier-musée Emile Gilioli can be complemented by an approximately 30-minute walk to the Chapelle de Pâquier and its picturesque cemetery. Walking conditions may vary depending on the season.

At the Château de Pâquier, two tall, narrow windows on the north façade draw attention to its architectural history: they date from the late 12th century and attest to the building’s medieval origins. The two sites offer different points of interest: at the chapel, the focus is on its historic monument status and the presumed date of the nave and apse, while at the château, the dated windows point to its medieval origins.

Atelier and sculptures by Émile Gilioli

The Atelier-musée Emile Gilioli has preserved the sculptor’s workshop since his death in 1977. A permanent exhibition traces the internationally renowned work of Émile Gilioli and displays some of his sculptures; the sculpture “Paquier” can also be seen at the Atelier Gilioli museum. This offers two ways to encounter Gilioli’s work: at his preserved workplace and through a selection of sculptures on display. Émile Gilioli’s grave in the cemetery near the Chapelle de Pâquier provides another local connection to his art.

Two hiking trails with different destinations

The “Rando Châteaux – Boucle des trois Châteaux” leads to the Chapelle de Paquier, continues to the Château de Paquier, and then returns to Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze. The “Rando Châteaux – Boucle du Château de Paquier” goes as far as the gates of the Château de Pâquier and then returns to Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze. The routes differ in their sequence of destinations: the first names the chapel and château in turn, while the second goes as far as the château gates. Check local conditions before setting out.

Getting there and events

Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze is easily accessible via exit 13 of the A51 motorway. Traffic and road conditions can change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before driving. Municipal information dated 22 August 2026 also lists Transisère bus route T95 as serving the village. Routes and timetables can change; check the latest departures before travelling.

Ecran Vagabond du Trièves holds digital film screenings every other Tuesday in the “La Dondelle” village hall. This schedule is stated in municipal information dated 22 August 2026. Check the specific screening dates in advance, as event schedules may change.

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Luce, Ambel, Panissage, Domène, Ponsonnas, Saint-Siméon-de-Bressieux, Pierre-Châtel, Paladru.

For the broader travel overview: Isere.