Castles and farms of Bas Dauphiné

ROUTE

From the church, wander through the streets of Virieu, a medieval village built at the foot of its castle. The picturesque charm of the village centre can be seen in the typical Dauphiné houses, the murals recounting the history of the village, the Place du Trêve painted by the impressionist Jongkind and the wooden covered market hall with its gable roof made of tortoiseshell tiles. A map of the village is available at the Mairie (townhall).

Once you reach the Trêve, head up towards the Château de Virieu either by the road or along a shady path (not recommended for mountain bikes or horses). You can visit the château and the Galoche museum, which traces the history of said shoe, a clog cousin (depending on opening hours).

Then, until the Croix de l'Homnézy, there are uninterrupted views over the valleys and mountain ranges.

The route then heads gradually deeper into the forest until the Croix du Moine Mort, a reference to the nearby former Carthusian monastery. The forest track then descends through the valley described by Lamartine in his poem. On the edge of the forest below stands the 17th-century château de Pupetières. Tours are available (subject to opening hours). You can also see the Dutch painter Jongkind house a few hundred metres further on. Finally, you return to Virieu along a wide path through the Bourbre valley.

WAYMARKING AND SIGNPOSTING

From the Virieu-sur-Bourbre SNCF station, follow the yellow signs to the village of Virieu (alternative starting point - car park in front of the church).

From the church parking, follow yellow markings and the following crossroads:

VIRIEU > Le Trêve > Château de Virieu > Les Cardelles > Croix de l’Homnezy > Chemin de Ripaillon > Les Frênes > Croix du Moine Mort > Mallein > Combe Mounard > Les Tournelles > Le Trève > VIRIEU (church parking lot)

Please note: add 2.2km (1.1km one way) if starting from the SNCF trainstation.