Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas: Culture and Nature

Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas offers several clearly distinct themes for a stay. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether you want to focus on archaeological remains, architectural history, nature or cycling: these include the Gallo-Roman villa of Vernai, Saint-Romain Church, the Peillard Mill, wetlands and the ViaRhôna. The themes range from antiquity to later construction phases and bring culture and landscape together.

Vernai: Villa and Ancient Experimental Garden

The remains of the Gallo-Roman villa at Vernai have been protected as a French historical monument under the decree of 18 June 1984. The archaeological site features parts of the baths, a hydraulic mill, a granary and the estate manager’s accommodation. Recently restored visible remains also include the immediate surroundings of the present-day church, a thermal area and an agricultural building. The archaeological clearing at Vernai lies on the edge of the Marais du Grand-Plan.

An ancient experimental garden was established on the villa site in 2018. It is based on the study and practical application of the treatises of Latin agronomists. This adds another perspective to the architectural remains: a connection to ancient agricultural knowledge and its practical use.

Saint-Romain Church and Peillard Mill

Saint-Romain Church was built in the Early Middle Ages, probably in the 9th or 10th century. It was extensively remodelled in the 19th century. In 1849, Hugues Quenin rebuilt the upper sections of the bell tower. In 1875, a new nave oriented north to south was built according to plans and estimates by Collomb, the roadworks inspector. The early construction date remains a probable one; the works of 1849 and 1875 are specifically dated later construction phases.

At Peillard Mill, the historical origin and the machinery need to be distinguished chronologically. The first mill dates from the 13th century, while the surviving machinery dates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The mill opens its doors for themed events about bread or mills. If the mill is on your itinerary, take these themed opening days into account when planning your visit.

Wetlands and the ViaRhôna

The Marais de la Besseye is a large wetland extending across the communes of Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas and Villemoirieu. The 35-hectare area includes fenland characterised by reed beds and Cladium, as well as alder woods and dry meadows. These habitats are home to plant and animal species of conservation value. The different areas show that this nature theme encompasses more than one type of landscape.

The ViaRhôna runs north of Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas as a cycling route and is also suitable for walks in nature. On the ViaRhôna, before reaching Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas, the turn-off to the Chemin du Peillard is on the right at the D 65B. The route for this section is provisionally signposted; check the latest route information before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Nivolas-Vermelle, Bourgoin, Jarrie, Mottier, Séchilienne, Domène, Eybens, Saint-Pierre-D'allevard

For the broader travel overview: Isere.