In Seyssins, historic and cultural trails meet distinctive buildings and diverse natural landscapes. Colline de Comboire offers views across the Grenoble valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. There are also hiking routes, each with its own character: from the trail to Fort de Comboire, to a challenging route along the remains of a former tram line, and a marked historic and cultural loop.
Landscape and nature at Comboire
Colline de Comboire extends across Claix and Seyssins and has been designated a Sensitive Natural Area (Espace Naturel Sensible) since 2017. It provides refuge for tawny owls, peregrine falcons, European beavers and green toads. The landscape also features views of the Grenoble valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.
The Franges vertes de Seyssins also reveal a distinctive side of nature: their dry grasslands support biodiversity, including orchids, butterflies and rabbits. Together, these offer a range of natural highlights—from the sweeping panorama of the hill to the habitats of the dry grasslands.
Trails with different highlights
The hike to Fort de Comboire can start at the Pré-Nouvel eco-district; yellow trail markers indicate the way. As signs may change, follow the current directions on site. The fort was built between 1882 and 1885 and was the last fort constructed in the Grenoble area. Here, a specific hiking destination is paired with a building whose history dates precisely to the late 19th century.
The Via du Tram offers a different focus. It follows the remains of the former tram line that once connected Grenoble with the Vercors plateau, and is designed as a challenging historic and cultural trail for hiking or cycling. The route is 38 kilometres long, with a total of 1,240 metres of ascent and descent. It can be completed on foot, by mountain bike or by electric mountain bike. Its length, elevation changes and challenging character make it a different option from the hike to the fort.
Histoire de la Plaine is a marked historic and cultural loop open to everyone. You can choose between a trail leading to a specific building, a challenging route with a connection to the area’s past, and a loop focused on history and culture.
There is also an intermunicipal cycle path for cyclists: it connects the two banks of the Drac via the Passerelle du Rondeau.
Architectural history and cultural programme
The Church of Saint-Martin retains a basilical architectural style of Roman origin. Its capitals have been listed as historic monuments since 1908. The present-day Château Le Harivel du Rocher was built in 1613. Tour Saint-Ange is one of several fortified houses in Seyssins. These buildings represent different architectural forms and historical reference points, rather than a single, uniform architectural history.
Another cultural highlight is Les Vagabondes: since 2017, Seyssins and Seyssinet-Pariset have collaborated on this joint cultural programme. The annual season takes place at several venues, including the Church of Saint-Martin, one of five event locations. Saint-Martin is therefore part of the cultural offering both for its architecture and as a venue. If you would like to plan your stay around a performance, check the dates for the relevant season.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Andéol, Villard-Reculas, Miribel-Les-Échelles, Mont-De-Lans, Domène, Saint-Étienne-De-Crossey, Treffort, Bellegarde-Poussieu.
For the broader travel overview: Isere.
