A clearly defined natural area in Charette is the Espace Naturel Sensible des Mares de Craquenot. Rare and protected amphibians, including the great crested newt and the European green toad, can be found in its ponds and flood zones. The area covers more than seven hectares and comprises a mosaic of natural habitats. It lies in the municipality of Charette’s agriculturally dominated plain. This connects the view of individual species with a specific landscape.
Natural Areas and Trails
Marked trails lead through the forests around Charette. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out. Another hiking option is the “Petit tour en famille aux mares de Craquenot” loop: a shaded, family-friendly out-and-back walk through former gravel pits. The route information was updated on 25 July 2026. The loop offers a different way to get to know the area than viewing the protected area and its habitats.
The RD 52c is also a geographical reference point. Charette is located at its junction; the road is an old transport link between Crémieu, Quirieu and the road to Lyon. This connection situates the village within a historic transport area without specifying a current travel time or a particular route for getting there.
Architectural History in Specific Places
Several historic buildings give Charette a tangible sense of time. The Maison forte d’Ecottier dates from 1413, while the Chapelle de La Craz was already in existence in 1613. The Eglise de Charette has stained-glass windows made of synthetic resin. The dates 1413 and 1613 point to different periods of construction and offer a distinct way to explore the village’s history.
The Château de Vernay is another historic landmark: it was built under Napoleon III. Count Hilaire de Chardonnet conducted experiments there. By contrast, an architectural feature takes centre stage at the Maison forte de Chassignon: the building is privately owned and distinguished by its mullioned windows.
The buildings can therefore be understood in different ways: dates help place Ecottier and the chapel in context, the château is associated with a historical figure, and Chassignon is distinguished by its window design. Together, these details offer several distinct perspectives on Charette’s heritage rather than telling a single, uniform architectural story.
Fountains, Bread Ovens and a Washhouse
The village’s history also includes structures associated with communal use. The five Fours de Charette share the same design: each oven is protected by a traditional roof frame. The two Fontaines de Charette are still in use. One is in the village centre near the Croix, and the other is in the hamlet of Chapieu. Their locations mark two specific points within the municipality.
The Lavoir de Charette is a covered washhouse below the small stone bridge over the Furon. It bears witness to the washerwomen’s former communal washing practices. Since the connection to the water supply in 1962–1963, this practice has become a thing of the past. The washhouse thus links a visible structure to a former everyday use, while the fountains remain in use. The natural area, architectural history, and past and present uses offer different ways to explore Charette.
Discover more destinations: Chirens, La Motte-Saint-Martin, Mens, Saint-Christophe-En-Oisans, Seyssins, Nantes-en-Ratier, Mayres-Savel, Morette
For the broader travel guide: Isere.
