Vaulx-Milieu: Nature and History

If you are looking for a hotel in Vaulx-Milieu, you can choose where to stay based on specific nature and cultural themes. Local points of interest range from nature reserves and ponds to medieval history and church art. It is worth distinguishing between the different places: Montgeard is characterized by its size and terrain, the focus at Étang de Saint-Bonnet is on birdlife, the circular trail and the dam, while Étang des 3 eaux is associated with fishing. Sainte Madeleine Church also offers its own cultural highlight.

Natural Areas and Activities

The Montgeard nature reserve covers around 150 hectares. Its terrain is uneven, and its landscape is varied. For nature enthusiasts, these are two distinct points to note: the area gives an indication of its size, while the terrain and variety of landscapes describe the character of the area. People go jogging in the nature reserve, so exercise is another specific travel-related activity. Fishing takes place at Étang des 3 eaux. If you would like to include fishing in your travel plans, it offers a specific point of interest. This makes it possible to distinguish between different interests in landscapes, exercise and fishing when choosing your destination.

Saint-Bonnet: Nature, Circular Trail and History

Étang de Saint-Bonnet has been designated a “Réserve Naturelle Régionale” since 2002 and is home to numerous birds. A circular trail around Étang de Saint-Bonnet passes a dam dating from the 12th to 13th century and an observation station overlooking the pond. Nature and history meet here: the birdlife is the natural attraction, the dated dam provides the historical connection, and the station offers a view over the pond. The dam’s date adds a historical connection to the nature theme, while its designation since 2002 indicates its protected status. The Saint-Bonnet nature reserve is located within the territories of Vaulx-Milieu and Villefontaine. The Saint-Bonnet site is a five-minute walk from the center of Vaulx-Milieu. This walking time gives you a specific reference to the town center when deciding how to plan your visit to the local highlights.

Medieval History and Church Art

In the Middle Ages, a Templar commandery stood on the site of today’s Château du Temple, serving as a stopover for pilgrims on their way to Lombardy. This links a specific historical function to the direction of the pilgrimage route. The commandery connects the site to the Middle Ages, while today’s Château du Temple marks the same location. Sainte Madeleine Church offers a different cultural highlight. Its interior features painted and sculpted decoration, and the church also bears the “Patrimoine en Isère” label. The paintings and sculptures draw attention to the interior, while the label provides a distinct connection to cultural heritage.

Nature or Cultural Heritage as a Travel Highlight?

The themes differ: Montgeard is known for its size, varied landscape and jogging; Saint-Bonnet for its birdlife, circular trail and dam; and Sainte Madeleine Church for its interior and cultural heritage label.

Discover more destinations: Clonas-sur-Varèze, Crémieu, Rives, Pont-En-Royans, Theys, Valbonnais, Sillans, Allevard.

For the overview of destinations in the region: Isere.