Le Pont-De-Beauvoisin combines a distinctive border history with religious sites and activities on the Guiers. For centuries, the river formed a border between Dauphiné and Savoie; at times, Pont de Beauvoisin consisted of two independent towns. The Église des Carmes, the Fontaine Saint-Félix, a self-guided walking route and a canoe route offer different ways to explore. You can choose between local history, discovering both towns and spending active time on the water.
One Border, Two Towns
After the Treaty of Paris in 1355, the Guiers formed the border between Dauphiné and Savoie for five centuries. A treaty concluded on February 24, 1376, divided Pont de Beauvoisin into two independent towns for several centuries. These two facts shed light on different aspects: the border between the territories and the division of the towns. The Pont François Ier connects the two towns across the former border. There was once a customs post at the bridge, where a toll was charged to cross the border. The town’s history can therefore be traced through its river, division and connection. The self-guided route “Une histoire, deux villes” takes visitors around the two towns of Pont-de-Beauvoisin. Practical route information may change; check it before setting out.
Church and Pilgrimage History
The Église des Carmes was built between 1419 and 1497. The Fontaine Saint-Félix reveals another aspect of local history: pilgrims came for the water and to honor Saint Félix. The church was intended to house some of his relics. Here, the church’s long construction period sits alongside the religious significance of water and the veneration of saints. Anyone interested in local history will find two specific topics here: when the church was built and why pilgrims visited the Fontaine.
Canoeing on the Guiers
The canoe route on the Guiers offers a different way to explore. It is just under eight kilometers long, passes through Le Pont-de-Beauvoisin and goes by the town’s hanging houses. As a family activity, it is accessible to everyone. This distinguishes it from the self-guided walking route: the canoe route combines time on the water with views of the hanging houses, while the walking route focuses on the two towns. Seasonal details may change; check the information about the canoe route before including it in your plans.
More Activities at Drago Park
Drago Park in Le Pont-de-Beauvoisin brings together a play park, laser tag and a go-kart track. It also has a climbing course, a giant trampoline and two climbing walls. A room in the park is reserved for people with reduced mobility. Its range of activities makes the park another way to enjoy an active stay. Facilities and accessibility arrangements may change, so check the latest information before your visit.
For a history-focused stay, the walking route, Pont François Ier and Église des Carmes offer different ways to explore local history. If you would rather focus on an activity, you can choose between the canoe route on the Guiers and the range of leisure activities at Drago Park.
Discover more destinations: Janneyrias, Charavines, Bouvesse-Quirieu, Moirans, Vinay, Les Avenières, Voiron, Crolles
For the main travel guide: Isere.
