Things to do in La Motte-D'aveillans range from mining history to nature and winter activities. At the Musée La Mine Image, the underground visit and the history of coal mining take centre stage; other experiences lead to forest loop trails, a natural rock formation or seasonal activities. This lets you tailor your choices to culture, scenery and the time of year you travel.
Mining history at the Musée La Mine Image
The Musée La Mine Image offers guided tours by reservation. The tour leads through authentic, developed underground mine tunnels. The exhibition traces more than 1,000 years of coal mining on the Matheysin plateau. The visit therefore combines a close-up look inside the tunnels with a long sweep of history. Check the reservation arrangements in advance if you plan to take a guided tour.
For orientation: La Motte-D'aveillans tourist railway station is a few hundred metres from the Musée La Mine Image. If you are including the station in your travel plans, check the current timetable; train services may vary.
Forest trails and accessible visits
The Arboretum de Combe Noire is located at an altitude of 1,400 metres and has three forest loop trails. You can discover several tree species along them. The three loops give the visit a clear structure, while the variety of tree species draws attention to the diversity of trees.
The arboretum's origins are also part of its character: it was created through collaboration between schoolchildren and children with disabilities. The arboretum is accessible to wheelchair users and people with pushchairs. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before your visit.
Two hikes, different highlights
The hike to Pierre Percée starts in La Motte-D'aveillans and leads to the natural rock arch on the hill of Creys. It is considered one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné; from there, you can enjoy a panorama across the entire Matheysine area. The route thus combines a specific natural landmark with a wide-ranging view. Trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.
The “A Rebrousse Temps” loop trail has a different focus: it invites you to discover the past of the Les Signaraux site. The route is accessible to all age groups and suitable for families. Compared with the hike to Pierre Percée, this loop is therefore suited to anyone particularly interested in the history of the site.
Winter activities and summer alpine pasture
The Domaine des Signaraux offers alpine skiing on four slopes with a drag lift. Other winter activities include 26 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, three snowshoe routes, a snowkiting area and a toboggan run for children. The range of activities spans skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as snowkiting and sledging. Availability depends on snow and operating conditions; check these for your planned travel dates.
Every summer, the Alpage du Senépi is home to France's largest organised alpine pasture, with nearly 1,000 heifers. The size of the herd may vary. Together with the seasonal winter activities, this alpine pasture illustrates a clear change in the experiences described over the course of the year: grazing shapes the landscape in summer, while activities at the Domaine des Signaraux depend on winter conditions.
Discover more destinations: Jarcieu, Le Bourg-D'oisans, Saint-Julien-De-Raz, Pont-de-Chéruy, Saint-Ondras, Pontcharra, Le Sappey-En-Chartreuse, Mayres-Savel.
For the broader travel guide: Isere.
