Explore Panossas from two perspectives: through tangible traces of its local history and along nature trails with different focuses. Saint-Martin Parish Church, the rural heritage of Marsa and the trails around Étang de Marsa offer different ways to shape your stay. To help you choose, consider whether you would rather focus on architectural and craft history, or on the landscape and outdoor activities.

Church and rural heritage

Saint-Martin Parish Church in Panossas is recorded in the inventory of the Abbey of Saint-Chef in 1247. Its old flooring preserves three tombstones: one in the nave and two in the Chapel of the Virgin Mary. They are partly obscured by the rebuilding of the walls. A sundial is also painted on the front façade.

The rural heritage is also reflected in the historic Pressoir de Marsa, also known as Moulin de Marsa. The oil mill is located near Étang de Marsa in the commune of Panossas and was once used to produce oil. During the Walnut Festival, the waterwheel is set in motion again for visitors every May; the demonstration showcases historic hydraulic engineering. If you would like to include this event in your travel plans, check the exact festival date in advance.

Another part of the area’s history is the Maison forte d’Antouillet, a historic fortified house in Panossas. Circular towers are still visible on the building; they point to its former defensive role. Another landmark lies along the Panossas hiking trail: the lime tree of Serre. It is dated to 1650 and has a circumference of more than 4.20 metres.

The traces of the past range from the church recorded in 1247 to the lime tree dated to 1650; the historic hydraulic craft is demonstrated every May during the Walnut Festival.

Nature highlights: Marsa and Charamel

Étang de Marsa and the dry grasslands of Marsa are designated as an Espace Naturel Sensible. Marsa’s Espace Naturel Sensible is home to more than 450 animal and plant species. A 1 km trail with picnic tables makes it possible to explore the Espace Naturel Sensible at Étang de Marsa. If you are planning a break, you can make use of the picnic tables along the trail.

The Charamel marsh interpretation trail has ten educational stops featuring dry grasslands, flowering meadows, damp woodland, ponds and marshes. Conditions for visitors may vary depending on the season. This sets it apart from exploring Étang de Marsa: at Charamel, the stops and variety of habitats are the focus, while at Étang de Marsa, the 1 km trail and picnic tables provide clear points of reference.

Choose trails by length and character

The trail around Étang de Marsa is 1 km long; the red-stone Panossas hiking trail is a marked 10 km circular route of moderate difficulty, with a stated duration of three hours. For choosing by distance, you can compare a shorter route for exploring the area with a longer hike for which the difficulty and time required are specified.

Discover more destinations: Gières, Les Abrets, Méaudre, Merlas, Bernin, Lavars, Clavans-en-Haut-Oisans, Sassenage

For the main travel overview: Isere.