Discover Villemoirieu through its landscapes, historic buildings and village traditions. The plains and hills are ideal for walks and hikes; the village is also home to several fortified houses, churches and a private mineral museum. When planning a stay, you can focus on nature, architectural history or local events.
Landscapes and Wetlands
The Marais de la Besseye has been designated an Espace Naturel Sensible (Sensitive Natural Area) by the Isère Department. Covering 35 hectares, it includes reed beds, Cladium marshes, alder woods, wetlands and dry meadows. Amphibians and endangered wetland plants also find a habitat there. The habitats described range from wet areas to dry meadows. Villemoirieu’s wider landscape of plains and hills is also ideal for walks and hikes. Nature enthusiasts can make these landscapes a focus of their visit alongside the village’s historic buildings.
Fortified Houses and Architectural History
The Maison forte de Mallin was built by the Fayer family towards the end of the 15th century. Its distinctive architectural features include a square, four-storey keep with a tented roof. An open gallery, also four storeys high, connects it to the main building; the gallery is covered by a lean-to roof. The connection between the keep and the open gallery is a particular feature of this building.
The Maison forte de Bienassis dates back to an earlier period: it was built by the de Vallin family towards the end of the 14th century or at the beginning of the 15th century. Its present appearance dates from work carried out in 1897. At the time, Casimir Gournet wanted to give the former feudal residence the appearance of a medieval fortress. Its history therefore distinguishes between the original construction period and its later redesign. Alphonse de Lamartine stayed at the Maison forte de Bienassis several times between 1804 and 1808.
The Maison forte de Beptenoud also has a long history: it has been documented since 1332, and its construction appears to date to the 14th century. For travellers interested in historic buildings, it offers several points of interest, from its stated construction period and architectural details to later alterations.
Churches and Minerals
The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste has been documented since 1172. The present church was rebuilt in 1837, with a coffered ceiling over the nave; it was rebuilt again in 1890, preserving the foundations of the old bell tower. The Church of Saint-Maurice has the form characteristic of Romanesque churches in the canton: a single-nave layout, a small choir with a bell-cote in the form of a bell gable, and a portal with a lintel resting on moulded corbels. In Beptenoud, the former parish church of Saint-Maurice is now a chapel. The Chapelle de Moirieu, a former parish chapel beside the road to Moras, was restored inside in 2020.
Mineralogica – Le musée des minéraux is a private museum in Villemoirieu. It is located in the Château de Montiracle, a former Templar commandery. The displays include more than 2,500 mineral specimens and 200 related objects. The collection is spread across about 30 display cases in four rooms. As visiting arrangements may change, check current visitor information before your visit.
Village Ovens and Events
You can discover several communal bread ovens on walks through the village: Le Marais, Beptenoud, Mallin, Les Granges and Moirieu. Today, they are fired up for events organised by local associations. The Fête des Fours is an annual festival held at the beginning of summer; the exact dates vary. If you are travelling for the festival, check the date in advance. Villemoirieu’s annual events also include the sale of Foyesses and bread at “Courir à Villemoirieu.” Dates and offerings may vary. Alongside the landscapes and buildings, these local traditions offer a distinct focus for planning a visit around events.
Discover more destinations: Morêtel-de-Mailles, Mizoën, Chantelouve, Saint-Martin-Dʼhères, Pont-En-Royans, Le Touvet, Meylan, Allevard
For the main travel overview: Isere.
