Seven 13th-century towers and trails that explain viticulture: Chignin brings history and wine-growing culture together through tangible discoveries. The offerings vary considerably in focus. You can explore architectural history, learn more about vineyard work, or choose between hiking trails and a Segway experience.
Seven Towers and Architectural History
The Towers of Chignin comprise seven towers built in the 13th century during the division of the Lordship of Chignin. The towers and associated archaeological site were listed as historic monuments by a decree dated 18 February 1991. This makes the site particularly interesting if you want to explore medieval architectural history not just through a single building, but as part of a historic complex.
Another perspective on architectural history is offered by the Chapelle Saint-Anthelme. The Carthusians built it in 1877 on the ruins of a medieval castle where Saint Anthelme was born. The chapel is currently closed to the public pending restoration. By contrast, the chapel and the Tour de la Place among the Towers of Chignin are clearly visible in the landscape and have been restored.
Terroir and Viticulture
Chignin’s south-southwesterly position, sheltered from the wind, and its calcareous scree soil shape the terroir. It makes Chignin-Bergeron possible, a wine produced exclusively from the Roussanne grape variety and bearing both French AOC and European AOP status. Those interested in viticulture will find both a landscape whose characteristics can be explained and a specifically named wine made from its own grape variety.
Trails with Different Focuses
The Chemin des Vignes runs for around 30 kilometres through vineyards and villages, passing through Chignin. You can walk it in sections. A shorter option with a specified duration is La Grappe d’Or: this family treasure hunt in the vineyards reveals the secrets of viticulture and the history of the area through a series of activities. As a themed walking trail, it is 3.5 kilometres long; the stated duration is about two hours and 30 minutes. These route details were checked in August 2026 and may change. Check the information before your trip if the distance and duration are important to your plans.
Another way to explore the subject is Une année de vigneron, an accessible themed trail in Chignin. Seven explanatory panels describe the seasonal work involved in viticulture. The trails therefore differ not only in length, but also in what they focus on: La Grappe d’Or uses activities to explore viticulture and local history, while Une année de vigneron explains the work throughout the year. The Chemin des Vignes, around 30 kilometres long, offers a route through vineyards and villages that can be walked in sections.
Wine Experiences and Production
The Segway experience in the vineyards combines a one-hour ride through the Savoie wine-growing region with a tasting of biodynamically produced wines at the Claude Quenard et Fils winery. Confirm availability before booking. This makes it easy to distinguish the experience from trails where panels, activities or the walk itself are the main focus.
At Domaine Berthollier, the vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically. The vines are tended by hand, the wines are made without sulphur, and some cuvées are aged in amphorae. This information describes the production methods; it does not indicate that tastings or tours are available at the winery. Production practices may change.
The different formats can help you choose between the offerings: architectural history is the focus at the towers and the Chapelle Saint-Anthelme; seasonal viticulture is explored at Une année de vigneron; and La Grappe d’Or offers activities about wine-growing and local history. For a longer walk, consider the Chemin des Vignes, which can be walked in sections rather than necessarily as a complete route. The Segway experience adds a ride and tasting to these options; you should confirm its availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Les Avanchers Valmorel, Saint-Colomban-Des-Villards, Saint-André, Grésy-Sur-Isère, Villarodin-Bourget, Albiez Montrond, La Lechere, La Thuile.
For the regional travel overview: Savoie.
