Vertrieu: Heritage, Gardens and Trails

For a stay in Vertrieu, historic buildings and gardens are just as much an option as hikes and views of the Rhône. The visiting hours at the Maison-Forte are a separate point to consider when planning; the trails offer different highlights, from views of the Monts du Bugey and the Plaine de l’Ain to the ViaRhôna stage for cyclists.

Maison-Forte and Historic Traces

The Maison-Forte de Vertrieu dates from the 13th century and stands on a rocky outcrop above the village. Its courtyards are open to visitors during the European Heritage Days and local festivals. The park and French garden are open daily from 12:00 to 18:00, free of charge, from 1 May to 14 July; they are also open to visitors free of charge during the European Heritage Days. Check the dates of the European Heritage Days before you travel.

The Jardin des Simples contains catalogued medicinal and flowering plants. Benches, tables and a small picnic area offer a place to take a break. The amenities and plants give the garden a distinctive focus, different from the historic courtyards and the park’s seasonal opening.

The cemetery chapel was built in the mid-19th century at the initiative of Ferdinand de Laroullière. The Château de Vertrieu, its outbuildings, the park, its associated structures and the large gateway have been listed as historic monuments since 1991. The Glacière de Vertrieu was built in 1716 in the Forêt de Serverin as a precursor to the refrigerator. It remained in use until the beginning of the 20th century and was restored in 1995.

Hiking, Views and Rhône History

The “La boucle du Serverin” hike starts at the entrance to the village and leads to the “La Croix du Serverin” viewpoint; along the way, it heads towards the source of Bonson. At the viewpoint stands a 6-metre-high stone cross with an orientation table. From there, you can see Vertrieu, the Rhône, the Monts du Bugey and the Plaine de l’Ain. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.

The Parcours patrimonial de Vertrieu is open daily year-round. A visitor map from June 2024 describes a numbered trail that starts at the Jardin des Simples and invites children to look for animals hidden in the village undergrowth. The trail also passes a climbing area. Check trail conditions locally if you plan to follow it.

For cyclists, Vertrieu is a stage on the ViaRhôna. This offers a cycling route as well as a hike to a named viewpoint; check current route conditions before setting off. Another connection with the Rhône is historical: the Bac à traille de Vertrieu once enabled residents to cross between the two banks. It is no longer visible today. While the Croix du Serverin offers a view of the river, the Bac à traille recalls an earlier way of crossing it.

Discover more destinations: La Buisse, Cheyssieu, Bouvesse-Quirieu, Vizille, Trept, Voreppe, Veyssilieu, Clonas-sur-Varèze.

For the broader travel guide: Isere.