Villeneuve-de-Marc reveals itself through distinct facets: Abbaye de Bonnevaux represents a notable historical thread, while forests, streams and ponds shape the themes of the trails described here. When planning a stay, you can therefore first decide whether local history or a landscape-focused route should take centre stage. Both perspectives have a distinct, concrete connection to the area.

The History of Abbaye de Bonnevaux

Abbaye de Bonnevaux was established in the Gère Valley in 1117. In 1790, it was ransacked, dissolved and turned into a quarry. These two dates mark a striking change in the abbey’s history.

The church in Villeneuve-de-Marc dates from the early 19th century and was built with materials from the former Abbaye de Bonnevaux. The building materials connect the later church with the former abbey without conflating their periods of construction. A very old bell is also housed in the church.

Forests, Ponds and Two Routes

The Bonnevaux forest covers the southern hills; its woodland areas account for almost a third of the municipality of Villeneuve-de-Marc. This proportion makes the forest an important geographical feature of the municipality and gives the landscape a broader dimension than individual stretches of trail.

The “Plateau de Bonnevaux” circular trail is 7.2 kilometres long. It passes through the forest and by streams and rammed-earth barns. This sequence combines natural features with a specific architectural detail. Rammed earth is earth compacted by ramming to create a building material; the barns thus add a type of construction to the landscape. For your own planning, the distance provides a clear point of reference, while the trail’s features indicate its main focus.

The “Promenade entre forêts et étangs” starts in Villeneuve-de-Marc and returns there via the D41f. The area covered by the walk is characterised by numerous ponds, which originated from the work of the monks of Bonnevaux, who made their living from fishing. The connection with fishing links the landscape to the monks’ former livelihood. The route’s start and return via the D41f also provide a specific point of reference when choosing this trail.

When choosing between the trails, you can weigh up different priorities: the “Plateau de Bonnevaux” circular trail combines a stated distance with forest, streams and rammed-earth barns. The “Promenade entre forêts et étangs” focuses on an area characterised by ponds, its historical connection to the monks’ work, and the return via the D41f. This lets you make your choice based on trail length, landscape features and historical context.

The Fontaine on Place de la Paix offers a practical landmark in the village. It provides a place to refresh yourself and runs continuously throughout the year. This year-round water feature complements the historical and landscape-related points of interest for a stay in Villeneuve-de-Marc.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Le Pont-De-Claix, Allemond, Vignieu, Ornon, Paladru, Noyarey, Laffrey, Pont-de-Chéruy.

For the broader travel guide: Isere.