Nord Isère: what to see and what to do?

Spread over Bourgoin-Jallieu and Vienne, Nord Isère, though geographically closer to Lyon than to its own prefecture of Grenoble, has retained and still showcases a Dauphiné way of life. Between the remarkably well-preserved Roman heritage in Vienne, the famous Romanesque frescoes of the Saint Chef abbey and the sensational Wallibi amusement park in Avenières, all the major epochs of history are represented. Whatever your taste, you are sure to find a place or an activity to suit your interest.

Here are some ideas and recommendations. Though impossible to do them all over a weekend, we hope that they will encourage you to prolong your stay in this fascinating country.

To start with, take a stroll through the heart of the beautiful medieval and fortified city of Crémieu. Surrender to the romantic and chivalrous atmosphere as you wind your way through the picturesque alleys of its old quarter. The fortified doors, the Old Market, and the Cloister are all remarkable. Being already in the vicinity, you must also visit the fascinating Balme caves which were used by the notorious bandit Mandrin as his hideout! Under no pretext miss the town of Vienne-la-Romaine. Its distinctive light on the banks of the Rhone gives it the appearance of southern village. Visit its Roman theatre, its temple of Augustus and Livia and its remarkable Saint Maurice cathedral. For the connoisseurs of terroir, this is the acme: for the oenophile, we have the Balmes dauphinoises vineyard, the prestigious Vins de Vienne in Seyssuel and a little more to the south, the exceptional Chartreuse liqueur in Voiron and the superb Poire du Colombier brandy in Vilette de Vienne. As for food, a host of cheeses, nuts and ravioli make for some of the outstanding products of the region. And all but naturally in the midst of such abundance, discover the Lemps Lake in L'Isle Crémieu, the famous Vallon de Lamartine in Les Abrets or the English gardens of the Bois Marquis in Vernioz. On the festival side we have the unmissable Jazz à Vienne in July or the charming Hector Berlioz festival in August in Côte-Saint-André.

by Laurent Turrel, ©  www.nuncbibendum.com   
See also: http://www.isere-tourisme.com