Chozeau brings together a walking trail around the Étang de Chalignieu, distinctive natural features and traces of different eras. The village can be explored through its landscapes and paths, as well as its buildings and historic sites.

Walking Trails and Nature at the Étang de Chalignieu

The family walking trail around the Étang de Chalignieu is a 2.2-kilometre circular route for beginners. It is open daily year-round and free to access. Check trail conditions and markings on site before setting out.

Local walking trails in Chozeau are marked with yellow arrows and regular paint markings on rocks, trees or other surfaces. These signs help guide you along the routes; as markings can change over time, it is a good idea to check the route before setting out.

The GR 422, following in the footsteps of Charles IX and the French court, also passes near the Étang de Chalignieu. For a walk around the Étang, choose the family trail; the nearby GR 422 offers a historical connection to Charles IX.

A significant colony of greater water-crowfoot grows there, a species considered particularly rare in Isère. European pond turtles have been recorded at the Étang several times, with their presence confirmed in 2018.

Historic Buildings and Traces of the Past

The Pierre à cupules de Chozeau combines a distinctive geological feature with a historic monument: it is a large erratic boulder bearing cup marks, above the hamlet of Boirieu. It has been listed as a historic monument by decree since November 26, 2007.

The Maison forte de Boirieu overlooks the plain. Its extensive complex of buildings includes a large square tower. Thus, alongside the individual Pierre à cupules stands a group of buildings whose described character is defined by its size and tower.

The Eglise de Chozeau was built in the mid-19th century. The oldest part of the Château de Poizieu dates back further, to the 14th century, and includes a narrow cylindrical tower with machicolations. This comparison shows that the buildings date from different periods, rather than grouping them into a single era. The Château de Poizieu is privately owned and not open to visitors, so do not plan to tour the château. At the Château de Poizieu, the tower is narrow and cylindrical, while the tower of the Maison forte de Boirieu is large and square. Machicolations are projecting defensive galleries with openings through which the area immediately alongside the walls could be defended.

Discover more destinations: Tignieu-Jameyzieu, Montcarra, Charantonnay, Annoisin-Chatelans, Vénosc, Saint-Christophe-En-Oisans, Montferrat, Cheyssieu.

For the regional travel overview: Isere.