The Route Napoléon
The Route Napoléon
On leaving Grenoble, follow signs to Vif and then St. Georges de Commiers, starting point for the railway called the Chemin de fer de La Mure.
This was France's first electrified train and it runs on a 30 km line giving magnificent views over the Obiou, the Mont Aiguille and Monteynard lake. At La Motte d'Aveillans visit the Mine Image museum recounting the history of mining in the region.
Then take the Drac corniche road via Marcieu and Mayres Savel, looking down on to the Monteynard reservoir.
Next you will come to La Mure.
The town has a rich history, its high point being in the 19th century, when it was the largest mining town in the Alps. The Musée Matheysin recounts the history and economic life of the region and is housed in the Maison Caral, near the 14th-century market hall. Near La Mure is Ponsonnas bridge, a popular place for bungee-jumping (D526, south of La Mure).
Continue in the direction of Corps, a traditional picturesque stopping place on the route Napoléon between the departments of Isère and Hautes-Alpes.
Worth seeing is the sanctuary of Notre Dame de la Salette, France's second most popular place of pilgrimage after Lourdes, following an appearance of the Virgin in 1846.
Further on you will come to le Sautet lake which, in addition to a wide variety of water sports, offers a breathtaking view of the Obiou. You will then enter the Valbonnais, at the gateway to the Ecrins National Park on the western side of the Oisans massif.
Cross the Col d'Ornon via Entraigues, Le Périer, Chantelouve and Ornon. Le Périer is the starting point for a footpath leading to the Confolens waterfall, 75m high (3 km from Le Périer) and hamlet restored in its original style.
Descend towards La Paute (Bourg d'Oisans) and then join the road to Vizille. This town is famous for its 17th-century chateau and park. The chateau's indoor tennis court was used for the meeting of the three orders of Dauphiné during the Estates General in 1788.
It now houses a museum of the Revolution.
Return to Grenoble via Brié-et-Angonnes. This is where the seventh regiment rallied round the Emperor Napoleon before his triumphant entry into Grenoble
Worth seeing:
The "Route Napoléon": Napoleon's route through the Alps on returning from Elba to reconquer France
La Pierre Perçée or "Pierced Stone"
Valbonnais man-made lake. Bathing, fishing, canoeing and camp site
Worth tasting:
Murçon, a sausage with a strong aniseed flavour
Tourtes, pasties containing meat and aromatic herbs
