Hiking, history and nature at the foot of the Chartreuse

Fontanil-Cornillon lies at the foot of the Chartreuse massif. Your choice of activities can reflect a range of interests: hiking at Rocher du Cornillon, local history at Chapelle du Palluel and along the cultural routes, as well as public art and nature at Jardin de la Biodiversité. Exit 14 of the A48 motorway provides access to Fontanil-Cornillon. If you are looking for accommodation, first consider which of these themes you would like to shape your stay.

Rocher du Cornillon: trails, walls and valley views

The listed Rocher du Cornillon is a destination for walks and can be reached via several hiking trails. The rock still has remains of fortification walls and a water cistern. These tangible traces of construction complement the landscape experience: from the summit, you can enjoy views across the valley. You can therefore combine a walk with an interest in history, or make the valley views your main focus. The surviving walls and cistern give the site a different character from a mere viewpoint.

Chapelle du Palluel and its history of construction

Chapelle du Palluel offers another perspective on the history of the village. It was built as an oratory in the 17th century using limestone from Fontanil-Cornillon. In the 18th century, its owners converted the oratory into a chapel. This sequence distinguishes the original building from its later use. Visitors can enter the chapel and admire the frescoes. This gives you a clear contrast when choosing between the sights: at Rocher, the remains of fortifications and valley views take centre stage, while at the chapel, the focus is on its architectural history and frescoes.

Cultural trails and art in the streetscape

The cultural trails offer different points of focus. The Parcours culturel provides a numbered, downloadable map that guides visitors to Fontanil-Cornillon’s sculptures and frescoes. The numbering helps you view the works using the map. The Parcours des livres-chevalets is aimed at walkers and introduces the cultural, geological and natural history of the area. There are therefore two distinct ways to explore: focus on works of art, or take a broader thematic route through culture, geology and natural history. Eighteen sculptures have now become part of the streetscape of Fontanil-Cornillon.

Exhibitions and events at L’Atrium

L’Atrium is located in the heart of Fontanil-Cornillon. Exhibitions of sculpture, painting and photography are held there regularly. The programme also includes performances, concerts, plays and cultural events. L’Atrium therefore complements the artworks and trails with a programme at an event venue. If you would like to plan around a specific event, check the current dates before your trip.

Quiet areas at Jardin de la Biodiversité

Jardin de la Biodiversité offers a focus on nature. Its quiet areas have been created for fauna and flora and are designed to meet the needs of bees, butterflies, hedgehogs, as well as other insects and small mammals. This makes the garden a distinct theme alongside architectural history and art: here, the focus is on the living creatures that the landscaped areas accommodate. Informational panels and educational activities about the importance of environmental protection are planned.

Discover more destinations: Miribel-Les-Échelles, Vizille, Huez, Meyrieu-Les-Étangs, Auberives-Sur-Varèze, Pont-de-Chéruy, Mizoën, Treffort.

Go to the overview of destinations: Isere.