Discover Merlas in different ways: at the Étang de Saint-Sixte, the focus is on shoreline vegetation, wet woodland and moorland. Hiking trails lead through forests and to open meadows; the crypt, church and château add historical highlights. When planning a stay, you can treat nature experiences and cultural heritage as distinct focal points. For the trails, both the landscape and the time available are important.

Water, Forests and Moorland

The Étang de Saint-Sixte in Merlas has a rich diversity of aquatic and shoreline vegetation and is surrounded by wet forests. Ecologically, it is classified as a mixed moor; this classification reflects the gradual transition from an alkaline to an acidic moor. The Étang is protected under the Loi Montagne and lies within a regional nature park. For nature enthusiasts, the defining features are not only the water but also the transitions between shoreline, wet woodland and moorland.

Hiking by the Lake and in the Chartreuse

Two routes offer different experiences: the loop around Lac de Saint-Sixte passes through forests and clearings, and along the lake’s shore; it is also recommended for horse riders and mountain bikers. The “Du côté des Mille Martyrs” hiking trail starts in Merlas, passes through the Carabotin forest and reaches open meadows with panoramic views across much of the Chartreuse Massif. To the north, the trail passes the Col des Mille Martyrs, once a place of pilgrimage. The route is listed as 9.6 km long, with 300 metres of ascent and a duration of 2 hours 50 minutes. This makes it possible to factor the time required into your day’s plans. The lakeside loop and the Mille-Martyrs hike offer different landscape impressions: water and clearings on the one hand, open meadows and views of the Chartreuse on the other.

Crypt, Church and Château

The Romanesque crypt of Saint-Sixte was built over the remains of a 4th-century Roman temple. It is behind a gate and is not accessible. So do not plan to visit the interior. The church of Saint-Ferréol has also been preserved in Merlas: it is one of the three churches from the former parishes of Saint-Sixte, Merlas and La Chapelle.

The ruins of the Château de Saint-Sixte served as a summer residence for Lyon industrialist André Descours at the end of the 19th century. Later, during the Second World War, the château was occupied by Maquisards. Its present ruinous state is the result of a fire set by German troops in retaliation during the war. Its history thus spans from its use as a summer residence at the end of the 19th century to the events of the war.

A Walk in the Former Schwarzwald

The former Schwarzwald near the Chapelle de Merlas consists of deciduous and coniferous trees and offers a family-friendly walk. You can therefore choose between a route with specific time and elevation figures and a walk described as explicitly family-friendly.

Discover more destinations: Crémieu, La Forteresse, Septème, Nantes-en-Ratier, Bourgoin, Marnans, Saint-Julien-De-Raz, Les Abrets

For the broader travel overview: Isere.