In Nantes-en-Ratier, you can make a clear choice between hiking and cycling: “Les Marais de Nantes en Rattier” starts in the village and leads from the marshland up to a ridge. The “La boucle des lacs” cycling route is 51 kilometres long and includes 1,554 metres of positive elevation gain. Another hiking route passes through hedgerows and remote valley hollows to the ruins of Château de Rattier.
Hiking: Changing Landscapes and a Castle Ruin
The “Les Marais de Nantes en Rattier” hiking route starts in the village of Nantes-en-Ratier. It first passes through marshland and then crosses a ridge. It also goes through the hamlet of Freynet. Three specific features help you find your way here: the start in the village, the change in landscape and a named hamlet along the route.
“La Plaine de Nantes en Rattier” passes through marshland, hedgerows and remote valley hollows with hamlets. The route also leads to the ruins of Château de Rattier. The two route descriptions therefore highlight different features: “Les Marais” is defined by its start in the village and the ridge, while “La Plaine” also includes hedgerows, valley hollows and the castle ruins.
To choose between the two, consider whether you prefer starting in the village and crossing the ridge, or the combination of hedgerows, valley hollows and the ruins as your destination.
Cycling: Distance, Elevation Gain and Route Choices
The “La boucle des lacs” cycling route is 51 km long and has 1,554 m of positive elevation gain. Consider both figures together: the kilometres indicate the distance, while the positive elevation gain adds the amount of climbing. This can help you decide how much of your stay to devote to the cycling route, rather than planning based on distance alone.
The route description also gives a specific choice of direction. After Nantes-en-Ratier and Ser Bouvet, you come to a junction: you can turn right towards Route Napoléon or continue towards Saint-Honoré at the first roundabout. The “Les Marais” hiking route starts in the village; for the cycling route, the described navigation decision comes after Nantes-en-Ratier and Ser Bouvet. These are different navigation points for the two activities.
Visits and Seasonal Sales
At Graines de Thônes, farm visits are available on request. Arrange a visit with the farm in advance. This lets you plan the visit specifically, rather than assuming it is an activity available spontaneously.
La Cagette Bio Matheysine operates one of its three outlets in Nantes-en-Ratier from June to October. Check the current opening schedule if you are planning a visit for a specific day. The advance planning differs accordingly: visits require a request, while the outlet depends on its seasonal opening period and current schedule.
Practical Information
The drive from La Mure towards Valbonnais to Bergerie de la Roizonne takes about four minutes; after the quarries, the farm is on the right. Check current road conditions before setting out. The approximate driving time, direction and prominent landmark help you make sense of the directions.
Discover more destinations: Corps, Frontonas, Merlas, Treffort, Lavars, Saint-Andéol, Séchilienne, La Ferrière.
For the broader travel overview: Isere.
