In Les Abrets, discoveries range from local history to hikes of varying lengths. La fontaine tells the story of two important construction phases; the “Les chemins de soie” trail explores the textile heritage. For a nature-focused outing, the route by the Malseroud pond offers a different perspective. When planning your stay, you can choose activities according to your interests—for example, distinguishing a cultural walk from a longer hike.
La fontaine and textile history
The structure “La fontaine” was first approved in 1827 and extensively redesigned in 1913. These dates mark two distinct stages: the initial approval and the later redesign. Its sculpture depicts the technical allegory “L’électricité arrivant aux Abrets” and remains a very popular landmark. Dolphin sculptures, a basin made of Échaillon limestone and a statue holding a torch give the ensemble its distinctive features. Here, the history of the structure and its technical symbolism can be explored in one place.
The “Les chemins de soie” themed trail also focuses on textile heritage. The section in Les Abrets is called “Histoire de soie” and is 3 km long. The wider trail comprises five urban routes through Les Abrets, La Bâtie-Montgascon, Corbelin, St André-le-Gaz and Fitilieu. They explore the textile heritage and landscapes of these places. This gives you a choice between a specific 3 km section and a larger network of five routes; both explore the same theme, but on a different scale.
Hiking: distance, elevation gain and wetland
The first stage of the GR® 65 from Les Abrets to Grand Lemps is a different proposition. It connects Gare des Abrets-en-Dauphiné station with Lac de Paladru, is 18 km long, and has 430 m of elevation gain and 290 m of descent. Compared with the 3 km “Histoire de soie” section, this is a much longer stage; the ascent and descent figures also describe its elevation profile.
The “Marais et étang de Malseroud” route offers a different focus. This is an easy hike through a biodiverse environment with a river, pond and wet meadows. Malseroud pond is designated an “Espace Naturel Sensible”; the wetland is well suited to observing birds, dragonflies and frogs. From November to April, paths in the wetland may be muddy. When choosing between hikes, you can compare a longer stage with elevation changes to an easy route focused on the wetland’s flora and fauna.
Cultural and leisure activities
Parcours MUR-MÛR offers 20 podcasts that you can access on your smartphone by scanning QR codes at locations marked on a map. Digital access information may change; check the latest instructions in advance if you plan to listen to the podcasts.
The Vals d'O intermunicipal aquatics centre in Les Abrets en Dauphiné has a 25 m swimming pool with six lanes and a movable lane divider. If swimming is a key part of your plans, check the current operating arrangements in advance, as they may change.
Le Domaine des Fauves is a family-oriented zoological park with a large collection of predators with fur and feathers. The “Jeu/Chasse au Trésor by Terludik” game offers trails for families or friends that are accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs. Booking arrangements may change; check them in advance if you plan to include the trail. The activities therefore have distinct focuses: podcasts for a cultural discovery, a swimming pool with specified dimensions, a zoological park, and an accessible trail for families or friends.
Discover more destinations: Serpaize, Dionay, Eybens, Biviers, Ornon, Colombe, Septème, Saint-Geoire-En-Valdaine.
For the broader travel overview: Isere.
