Discover Villefontaine

Villefontaine offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: nature at Étang de Saint Bonnet and Étang de Vaugelas, walks on foot, public art and a seasonal program of performances. These themes can help you decide what to focus on when planning your trip: would you like to spend time by the water, plan stops along the way or make a cultural event the centerpiece? The following places and activities offer a range of time frames and themes.

Nature by the water and walks

A circular trail of about an hour goes around Étang de Saint Bonnet. Along the way, it passes a dam dating from the 12th to 13th century and a viewpoint. The approximate duration helps you plan how much time to set aside for the walk; the route also connects the waterside landscape with a structure from the region’s history. The pond is a habitat for herons and European pond turtles.

A second natural highlight is the 5-hectare Étang de Vaugelas. Pike, perch, tench, carp, rudd, roach, crucian carp, largemouth bass and whitefish can be found there. The two bodies of water thus offer different nature experiences: Étang de Saint Bonnet is about habitats for birds and turtles, while Étang de Vaugelas is home to a diverse fish population.

Pierres & Terres organizes guided walks through Villefontaine several times a year. Groups explore on foot and stop at interesting places. The frequency may vary; check the specific dates before your trip if you would like to join a guided walk.

The “Aux alentours du Layet” walk is about 3 km long and takes two to three hours, including stops. Compared with the roughly one-hour circular trail around Étang de Saint Bonnet, it is the longer option. The different time frames can help you choose a walk that fits your schedule.

Architecture, street art and culture

Village Terre brings together architecture and interpretation: the rammed-earth complex also serves as an exhibition village, where visitors can learn about different earth-building techniques. Both the building material and the various construction methods are at the heart of the experience. Since 2008, Village Terre has been listed among the 45 treasures of sustainable development in the Rhône-Alpes region.

The street-art trail links the Perredière area with the Les Roches district and is accessible year-round. Additional artworks may be added to the trail over time. If you would like to include public art in your travel plans, the trail is a distinct point of interest connected to two named areas of Villefontaine.

Le Vellein offers a multidisciplinary program for all audiences, as well as a special program for young audiences. The selection changes with the seasons. The auditorium has 532 seats. If a performance is the reason for your trip, check the dates for your planned visit.

One example from 2026: the closing celebrations of the Biennale de Cirque took place on Saturday, June 6, at Le Vellein. They included performances outdoors and under a dome, circus workshops, activities and family areas. This information relates to that edition.

Discover more destinations: Cras, Izeron, Pont-de-Chéruy, Susville, Villette-D'anthon, Saint-Bernard, Reventin-Vaugris, Mizoën.

For the wider travel overview: Isere.