The Médalon flows through a 35-hectare nature reserve in the partly wooded Parc du Clos des Chartreux. Tullins also offers historical sites to discover: a circular route leads through the old town, and the Église Saint Laurent des Près was first mentioned in 1091. When planning your stay, you can choose to focus on nature and views, activities in the park, or local history.
Trails and Views in Tullins
The walk to the Belvédère du Clos des Chartreux is suitable for beginners and takes about 30 minutes. It is 1.6 kilometres long and includes 50 metres of elevation gain. At the viewpoint, you’ll find an orientation table, a covered picnic table and a bench with views of the Vercors and the Chartreuse. The approximate duration is a useful guide for planning your day; check the route details again before setting off.
The Boucle de Parménie starts at Tullins train station, making it accessible without a car. It also leads to the Clos des Chartreux viewpoint. From there, the view extends across the landscape from Savoie to the Drôme. Check transport details before travelling if you plan to use public transport.
Activities in Parc du Clos des Chartreux
The park has a free botanical trail and four orienteering courses named “bleu”, “rouge”, “vert” and “handi”. There is also a children’s playground and a zip line. Each offers a different focus: the botanical trail is about plants, the orienteering courses focus on navigating the terrain, and the playground and zip line add to the range of activities in the park. This gives you a choice of things to do during your visit, rather than planning to visit the park solely for the viewpoint.
Historic Traces in the Old Town
The Circuit historique de Tullins passes through the old town, by medieval houses and Renaissance remains. Bronze nails decorated with keys serve as symbols of the town of Tullins. They provide a distinctive motif along the route, while its stops showcase different traces of the town’s history.
The Église Saint Laurent des Près is listed as a historic monument. It is open daily, except during preparations for the Passion Play, from the end of January until Easter. Guided tours can be arranged for groups of four or more, subject to availability. Check opening times before travelling, and ask about suitable dates for a group tour. The Couvent des Minimes dates from the 17th century and was founded by the Bishop of Grenoble; this historical connection also adds to the story of Tullins.
Walnut Products Sold Directly from the Farm
GAEC des Murailles in Tullins sells walnut oil, as well as caramelised or chocolate-coated walnut kernels, directly from the farm. If you’d like to include these products in your travel plans, contact the farm in advance to confirm availability.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Lattier, Herbeys, Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas, Porcieu-Amblagnieu, Ponsonnas, Domarin, Château-Bernard, Vienne.
For the broader travel overview: Isere.
