Vaujany combines a history of hydroelectric power and village traditions with a range of ways to enjoy the outdoors. When planning your trip, you can make a clear choice: should your stay focus mainly on learning about the development of hydroelectric power and life in the village in earlier times, or should cycling and mountain activities take centre stage? Both are part of what the town has to offer; the places and routes below provide different starting points for exploring them.
Hydroelectric Power and Village History
The Musée EDF Hydrélec opened in 1988, after construction work on the Grand’Maison hydroelectric power station. It explains how the facility works and displays equipment and machinery used before various power stations were modernised. Spread over three floors and nearly 1,000 m², the museum traces the history of hydropower, from its early use to the construction of large dams. Since 1988, it has held the “Musée de France” designation awarded by the French Ministry of Culture; its collection comprises nearly 450 objects.
The Espace Musée de Vaujany offers a different perspective on the town. This immersive visitor space explores local nature, historical heritage and major changes in the area. Its themes include stories of village life in earlier times and former local occupations. The space also features a professional flight simulator, where visitors can learn to fly a plane and take a virtual flight over Vaujany and its surroundings.
The Chapelle Saint-Antoine in La Villette was first mentioned in 1488. The Four banal de La Villette points to another aspect of local history: it dates back to the feudal system. Traditional bread is still baked there today. Thus, a documented reference to local history stands alongside a baking tradition that continues to this day.
Outdoor Activities
The Espace Nature et Loisirs du Collet offers water games and large slides. The leisure area also includes the Pumptrack de Vaujany. Its features create several courses of varying difficulty, which can be used with scooters, skateboards and bicycles. The different courses and vehicles give you specific options when choosing a pump track route.
Family-friendly and more challenging cycling routes start in Vaujany and explore the Massif des Grandes Rousses. This caters to different cycling preferences: you can choose a route based on whether it is suitable for families or geared towards a more sporting challenge.
The Via Ferrata de la Cascade de La Fare consists of several sections that can be completed separately. It is suitable for beginners aged 14 and over, as well as experienced climbers. The approach from the car park in La Villette takes 40 minutes and involves an elevation gain of 118 metres. Check the conditions for this activity before setting off.
The trails also offer different highlights. “Le chant de la cascade de la Fare” is a themed hiking trail that begins in Vaujany. The route via Plan des Cavalles crosses a high-altitude viewpoint below Pic de l’Étendard. The landscape features mentioned there include streams and lakes, among them La Jasse, Balme Rousse and Fare.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Mottier, Herbeys, Merlas, Lalley, Chavanoz, Autrans, Jarcieu, Valbonnais.
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