Choose between two walking options at the Cascade de la Pisserotte: an easy trail to the foot of the waterfall or a more challenging route above the drop. Saint-Joseph-de-Rivière also offers a peat bog, heritage sites and trails for walking and cycling.

Nature and waterfall

The peat bog is designated as a remarkable natural area. You can walk there and observe the fauna and flora of wetland habitats. An educational trail explains the diversity of the fauna and flora in this wetland, the largest in the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park.

The Cascade de la Pisserotte is 64 metres high and easy to reach on foot in 15 minutes. Two routes offer views of the waterfall: an easy family trail leads to its foot, while the more challenging route runs above the 80-metre drop. The path can be slippery in wet weather; access also depends on weather conditions.

Heritage in the village

The Saint-Joseph-de-Rivière heritage trail takes three hours and leads to the municipality’s main heritage sites. Check the route’s condition and signage locally before planning your walk.

The Grotte de Saint-Joseph-de-Rivière is a replica of the Lourdes Grotto, built in 1880. The parish church was built in 1858. Its Gothic vault is supported by piers with buttresses. The Tuilerie is also part of the village: it is an emblematic heritage site.

Walking and cycling trails

The Herretang trail follows the canal of the same name. It runs from the Saint-Joseph-de-Rivière football pitch to Villette and can be used on foot or by bicycle. Trail conditions and signage may change.

The Via Chartreuse is a 17-kilometre greenway consisting mainly of unpaved tracks, connecting Saint-Joseph-de-Rivière with Saint-Christophe-la-Grotte. Check route conditions before setting off.

Fishing and a farm visit

The body of water in Saint-Joseph-de-Rivière was created for fishing. If you plan to fish, check the current arrangements in advance, as conditions may change.

The Ferme de Plantimay offers free visits and direct sales from the farm. Its products include goat’s, cow’s and mixed-milk cheeses, including Saint-Marcellin IGP and Tomme de Chartreuse. Visiting and sales arrangements may change; check them before your visit.

Plan your stay around your itinerary

When looking for a hotel in Saint-Joseph-de-Rivière, your planned schedule can help: it takes 15 minutes to walk to the Cascade, and the heritage trail takes three hours. This lets you tailor your search to a stay with a short individual walk or a longer cultural route.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Christophe-En-Oisans, Merlas, Auberives-Sur-Varèze, Dionay, La Motte-Saint-Martin, Villard-Reculas, Montferrat, Porcieu-Amblagnieu.

Go to the broader travel guide: Isere.