Village Layout and Cultural Highlights

Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze is a place with a dispersed settlement pattern and clearly defined cultural attractions. The village and around twenty hamlets are spread across beautiful alluvial terraces at an average altitude of 760 metres. The Romanesque Chapelle Saint-Christophe de Pâquier is two kilometres from the village centre, in a green setting. Other attractions include the Atelier Gilioli and two specifically described “Rando Châteaux” routes. The presence of both a village and hamlets explains the layout of the area; the chapel’s distance provides a specific reference point for finding your way around.

Chapels, Cemetery and Building History

The Chapelle de Pâquier is listed as a historic monument; the Romanesque Chapelle Saint-Christophe de Pâquier was built around the 13th century. A small cemetery surrounds the chapel; among the graves is that of sculptor Émile Gilioli. At Château de Pâquier, two tall, narrow windows on the north façade offer a specific clue to the building’s history: they date from the late 12th century and attest to the building’s medieval origins. The chapel’s approximate construction date and the dating of the château windows refer to different buildings.

Atelier Gilioli and a Walk

At the Atelier-musée Émile Gilioli, the sculptor’s workshop has been preserved since his death in 1977. A permanent exhibition traces his internationally renowned work and displays some of his sculptures; the sculpture “Paquier” can also be seen at the Atelier Gilioli museum. A visit to the Atelier-musée can be complemented by an approximately 30-minute walk to the Chapelle de Pâquier and its picturesque cemetery. Walking conditions may vary depending on the season. You can allow for the walk as a separate part of your day’s itinerary.

Two Routes to Château de Pâquier

The two hiking descriptions differ in the waypoints they name. “Rando Châteaux – Boucle des trois Châteaux” goes to the Chapelle de Paquier and continues to Château de Paquier before returning to Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze. “Rando Châteaux – Boucle du Château de Paquier” goes as far as the château gates and then returns to the village. If the chapel is an important waypoint for you, the first description names it explicitly; the second focuses on the château and its gates. Both routes are described as returning to Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze. Check local conditions before setting out.

Getting There by Car and Bus

Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze is easily accessible via exit 13 on the A51 motorway. The Transisère T95 bus route also serves the village. If travelling by car, it is worth checking current traffic conditions, as traffic and road conditions can vary. If planning to travel by bus, check the current timetable, as routes and times may change.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Christophe-Sur-Guiers, Saint-Egrève, Saint-Clair-Du-Rhône, La Côte-Saint-André, Châtelus, Veurey-Voroize, Dolomieu, Bouvesse-Quirieu.

View the wider travel guide: Isere.