In Morestel’s old town, the Maison Ravier is a museum dedicated to the pre-Impressionist painter François Auguste Ravier. The Parcours patrimonial leads from the Church of Saint Symphorien to the Tour Médiévale. Art and historic urban spaces are the main highlights; the market and ViaRhôna offer another perspective on Morestel, with local goods and a cycling route.

Maison Ravier: Paintings and mountain views

The Maison Ravier bears the “Maison des Illustres” designation and houses a collection dedicated to Ravier and his fellow painters. This offers a perspective that extends beyond the individual artist to include his circle of painter friends. The terrace, planted with lime trees, and the garden offer views of the Bugey and Chartreuse mountains, as well as the Belledonne and Vercors ranges. The collection and the views of the landscape are two distinct aspects of the site.

Vieille Ville and the church’s history

Morestel’s Parcours patrimonial follows Rue Ravier from the Church of Saint Symphorien to the Tour Médiévale. It passes through the upper historic district, known as the Vieille Ville. The route can thus be understood as a link between two named historic buildings, rather than just a single attraction.

The church’s history also gives the walk a specific historical context: in 1425, Saint Symphorien was a chapel belonging to the Augustinian monastery; in 1791, it became the parish church. The church is also listed in the inventory of Monuments historiques. These two dates mark a change in its function, while the district’s present-day name, Vieille Ville, describes the historic setting of the route.

Tour Médiévale: Castle remains, exhibitions and panoramic views

The Tour Médiévale is a surviving remnant of a former castle that was dismantled. Its two levels house exhibitions of contemporary painting and sculpture. As the exhibition program may change, it is worth checking the latest information in advance if you are planning to see a particular exhibition.

The viewing point at the Tour features an orientation table and offers a panorama of the city rooftops, the Bugey and the Alps. The views complement the tower’s historic and artistic character with a broader perspective on the city and landscape.

Market and ViaRhôna

Morestel’s Sunday market was established in 1953 and takes place on Grande Rue and Place du 8 Mai 1945. The Marché de Morestel also uses Place des Halles, Grande Rue and Place du 8 Mai 1945 as market locations. Stalls offer fruit and vegetables, fish, cheese, textiles, flowers and local products. The selection therefore includes goods beyond food.

The ViaRhôna cycling route connects Lake Geneva with the Mediterranean and passes through Morestel. If you are planning to follow the route, you can include Morestel as a stop along the way. Check route conditions before setting out, as they may change.

Discover more destinations: Domène, Barraux, Fontanil-Cornillon, Meyrieu-Les-Étangs, Corps, Beauvoir-de-Marc, Charavines, Montagnieu

For the broader travel overview: Isere.