Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Jean-D'Avelanne include historical landmarks, natural features, and extensive hiking and cycling routes. This commune in the Isère department of France offers access to significant natural attractions like Lac d'Aiguebelette and Mont Granier. The area is characterized by its blend of cultural sites, such as the Château du Mollard-Rond and Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, alongside numerous trails that provide views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Its quiet character and proximity to diverse points of interest…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Saint-Jean-D'Avelanne.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Here, you enter a sensitive natural area for a 1-kilometer trail marked with four stations to discover the area's remarkable flora and fauna. A pleasant way to connect the two shores of Lake Paladru, between Paladru and Montferrat.
1
0
The small rest area created here, with its very unusual design, invites passersby not to roll by carelessly: Behind the backrest of the bench rises a remarkable piece of craftsmanship: on one side, a flower stem bearing an unfolded blossom; and from the other, a bee flies towards it. An original idea, and rightly documented here several times with photos.
2
0
Here we encounter three stone cubes stacked on top of each other, each smaller than the one below it. The gray cubes each have a white field in the center of their sides, with a cross carved into it, painted blue and standing out against the gray/white background. This construction forms the basis for the present small sacred monument: above it rises a radiant gold figure of the Madonna. From this prominent position, the Virgin Mary – venerated in France almost always under the title "Notre-Dame" ("Our Lady") – gazes far into the country, and has done so for more than 120 years. @Rainer N. has already explained the date and reason for its construction in his short post.
2
0
The abbey basilica was rebuilt starting around 1490 and completed in 1510 by Bernardino Zaccagni. The famous artist Correggio left his mark on this church. He created five frescoes there, including the lunette with Saint John and the Eagle (1520), which is considered the first to be created. The frescoes, the dome depicting the Ascension of Christ, the decoration of the drum and pendants, and the frieze of images that extends around the entire interior perimeter are all artistic treasures worth discovering. The Way of St. James is very well documented in several places in the church.
9
0
The first name John has been widespread since biblical times, and so it should not surprise us to find a whole series of blessed and saints with this name over the two millennia of Christianity. At the threshold from the Old to the New Testament we encounter John the Baptist (also John Baptist), to whom most of the John churches are dedicated. But one of the four men who wrote the New Testament gospels also bears this name. This church in ___ is dedicated to him, JOHN EVANGELIST. A long church tradition has regarded the evangelist as identical with the apostle John mentioned in the Bible, but this is doubted in biblical scholarship. "The Gospel of John exerts a peculiar fascination. It is difficult to escape its solemn, sometimes mystical language. It addresses deep human needs and longings: hunger and thirst, the search for fulfilling eternal life, the longing for personal communion with God.” (Franz-Josef Ortkemper)
2
0
Very pleasant pass to climb, not too steep a slope, well marked all the way.
2
1
More of a gravel path than a swampy one
4
0
The region offers diverse natural attractions. You can visit Col des Mille Martyrs, a mountain pass known for its forest and bucolic viewpoints during the ascent. The Chemin des marais is a hard gravel path crossing the Paladru Nature Zone, offering an alternative route and picnic spots. Further afield, Lac d'Aiguebelette, about 11 km away, provides natural scenery and recreational activities, including beaches. Mont Granier, approximately 20 km from the commune, is a prominent landmark in the Chartreuse mountain range, popular for hiking.
Yes, Saint-Jean-D'Avelanne and its surroundings feature several historical and cultural sites. The Our Lady of the Vines is a religious building and viewpoint with a statue erected in 1903, offering great views and a picnic area. The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste is the local parish church. While the Château du Mollard-Rond is a significant 14th-century fortified house and a listed historical monument, it is private property and not open to visitors, though its silhouette can be appreciated from the village. You can also find the Saint John the Evangelist Church of Valencogne, which is part of the Via Gebennensis, a Camino de Santiago route.
There are numerous hiking opportunities. The "Les Trois Saints" circuit, starting from Saint-Jean-D'Avelanne, is a 15.2 km route offering panoramic views of the "Vallons du Guiers" and the Chartreuse region, including the Sacré Coeur Monument. For more options, you can explore various trails listed in the Hiking around Saint-Jean-D'Avelanne guide, which includes routes like the 'Monument Sacré Coeur — loop from La Roche' (moderate, 6.8 km) and 'Theater in the woods loop from Pressins' (moderate, 9.3 km).
Several attractions are suitable for families. The Our Lady of the Vines offers great views and a picnic table, making it an ideal spot for a family break. The Chemin des marais is a hard gravel path that crosses the Paladru Nature Zone, providing multiple spots for a picnic and an easy walk. The Saint John the Evangelist Church of Valencogne is also considered family-friendly.
For scenic views, head to the Our Lady of the Vines, which offers expansive vistas and a picnic table. The Sacré Coeur Monument also provides pleasant views and is part of a hiking and cycling circuit. Additionally, Col des Mille Martyrs and Col du Banchet are mountain passes that offer rewarding views after a climb.
Yes, the region caters to various cycling preferences. The "Les Trois Saints" circuit is a 15.2 km route suitable for mountain biking. For more dedicated cycling, you can explore the MTB Trails around Saint-Jean-D'Avelanne guide, which includes routes like 'Le Pont-de-Beauvoisin – Col du Banchet loop' (moderate, 33.1 km). Road cyclists can find options in the Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Jean-D'Avelanne guide, such as 'The Savoyard Antilles – View of Lake Aiguebelette loop' (moderate, 43.7 km).
Absolutely. The Our Lady of the Vines is highlighted as an ideal place to pause, offering great views and a picnic table. The Chemin des marais also provides multiple spots along its gravel path where you can stop for a picnic. Additionally, the Col des Mille Martyrs is noted as a good spot for a shaded snack after a pleasant climb.
Saint-Jean-D'Avelanne is characterized by its numerous old farms and barns, many built with traditional 'pisé' (rammed earth) construction, which contribute to the village's unique character. While not open to visitors, these structures offer a glimpse into the region's architectural heritage. The commune's quiet nature and blend of historical charm with access to significant natural attractions also make it a distinctive base for exploration.
Visitors appreciate the fresh and easy climbs to mountain passes like Col des Mille Martyrs, often noting the beautiful forests and bucolic viewpoints. The great views and picnic opportunities at spots like Our Lady of the Vines are also highly enjoyed. The hard gravel path of Chemin des marais is valued for providing an alternative to main roads and offering pleasant picnic spots.
Yes, the "Les Trois Saints" circuit is a 15.2 km hiking and cycling route that starts and ends in Saint-Jean-D'Avelanne, making it a circular option. This trail leads to elevated points with views of the Valdaine valley, Guiers gorges, and the Chartreuse mountains. You can find more circular routes in the Hiking around Saint-Jean-D'Avelanne guide, such as the 'Monument Sacré Coeur — loop from La Roche' (6.8 km) or 'Ancien Lavoir loop from Pressins' (10.6 km).
Yes, Lac d'Aiguebelette, located approximately 11 km from Saint-Jean-D'Avelanne, is a significant natural attraction known for its natural scenery and various recreational activities. There are several developed beaches around the lake, making it an excellent spot for swimming and other water-based fun.
The region offers a variety of mountain biking trails. The "Les Trois Saints" circuit, a 15.2 km route, is suitable for mountain biking and provides panoramic views. For more extensive options, consult the MTB Trails around Saint-Jean-D'Avelanne guide. This guide features routes like the 'Le Pont-de-Beauvoisin – Col du Banchet loop' (moderate, 33.1 km) and the more challenging 'Lake Saint-Sixte – Col des Mille Martyrs loop from Velanne' (difficult, 43 km).


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: