The Église Notre-Dame and three named hiking trails give a stay in Beauvoir-de-Marc a cultural and active focus. The church towers over the village and partly preserves medieval fabric from the 11th century. Those interested in architectural history will find several distinctive details here; those who prefer being outdoors can choose from hiking trails with different starting points and distances.

The Église Notre-Dame and its history

Different architectural forms and traces of different periods come together in the building. The projecting portal is Gothic; the main portal probably dates from the 15th century. Above the doors to the transept side chapels are two tympanums, classified as Monuments historiques. Together with the partly preserved fabric from the 11th century, these features make it possible to see both medieval architecture and a later portal at the church.

The interior also offers specific details: the nave has 70 painted and illuminated panels. They form a simple, symbolic depiction of biblical life. The inscription on a plaque in the Église Notre-Dame consists of 54 French lines of verse, each with ten syllables. According to the inscription, Brother Dom Jean Thanonne of Beauvoir-de-Marc endowed a weekly High Mass. The architecture, imagery, and inscription offer different ways to explore the church’s history.

A visit is possible during the European Heritage Days and during the Berlioz Festival, as part of the “Surprises du Patrimoine” organized by the “Terres de Berlioz” tourism organization. Concerts are also held in the Église Notre-Dame every year. The specific programme and concert dates may vary, so check what is on offer for your travel dates before you go.

Choose hiking trails by starting point and distance

The three named hiking trails differ in where they start and the distance given:

• “Haut et bas Bourassagne” starts at the church and is 3.6 km long.
• “Les chemins oubliés du village” starts at the gymnasium and is also 3.6 km long.
• “Le Fouilleux, Martel, le Colombier et la Madone” starts at the church and is 6.3 km long.

If you want to start at the church, you can choose between the two routes that begin there, measuring 3.6 and 6.3 km. The shorter listed distance is also available from a different starting point at the gymnasium. This allows you to compare the trails by starting point and distance without assuming that routes with the same distance follow the same course. Route details may change; check them before setting out.

La Madone and other reasons to visit

La Madone was built in 1868 and is located on a hiking trail. An orientation sign at the foot of the monument was unveiled in May 1974. La Madone is a historic structure on a hiking trail. The church and La Madone offer different points of interest for a stay, while the three named routes provide further options for a hike.

When planning your trip, you can first decide whether the church, a concert, or one of the hikes will be the main focus of your stay. If you plan to visit the church, the dates of the cultural events mentioned are important; for a hike, the starting point and distance are practical criteria for choosing a route. Plan your travel dates around the programme you actually want to attend, and check the relevant event or route details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas, Pontcharra, Saint-Nazaire-Les-Eymes, Saint-Étienne-De-Crossey, Saint-Martin-Le-Vinoux, Valbonnais, Nantes-en-Ratier, Domène.

For the broader travel guide: Isere.