A former silk-twisting mill preserves its machinery, while trains bring miniature worlds to life in a landscaped garden: Chatte offers different ways to enjoy culture and leisure. There is also a rural circular walk, an educational farm, and seasonal summer activities. When planning your trip, you can focus on history, the landscape, or a particular activity.

The history of silk-making at La Galicière

La Galicière is a former silk-twisting mill near the village of Chatte. It is representative of the many mills for preparing silk yarn that were established on the Plateau de Chambaran from the early 18th century onward. The machinery at La Galicière has been preserved, even though the mill finally ceased operations in the 1930s. Some of the machines used to twist silk yarn are more than 200 years old. Twisting means twisting strands together to make yarn; the machines therefore represent a specific stage in silk processing. The contrast between the preserved technology and the closed mill brings the site's history to life: the production equipment remains, but the work itself ended in the 1930s.

Rural circular walk and Ferme Ferlin

Le Tour des Chapelles offers a rural walk through hills and valleys. The circular trail passes the Chapelle Sainte Philomène, where there is an orientation sign. Unlike an excursion focused on a single destination, this walk is experienced along the route itself: hills and valleys shape the walk, while the chapel and its sign provide a specific stopping point.

Ferme Ferlin in Chatte focuses on animals and educational exploration. The farm is home to Ouessant sheep, small goats, ferrets, miniature pigs, guinea pigs, rabbits, and poultry. The tour goes around the farm and combines puzzles with information boards about the animals. While Le Tour des Chapelles foregrounds the landscape and the route, at Ferme Ferlin, activities and clues structure the exploration. Private visitors can visit Ferme Ferlin on certain afternoons for a self-guided tour; the visiting schedule is the definitive source. Check the current schedule before your trip, as visiting days vary and availability may change.

Miniature worlds at Jardin Ferroviaire & Musical

Jardin Ferroviaire & Musical is a landscaped garden in Chatte, where miniature worlds and film scenes are brought to life by moving trains. Technology plays a role here too, but in a different way than at La Galicière: there, the machinery is a reminder of earlier production; here, trains set carefully created scenes in motion. Preserved industrial machinery and moving miniature displays thus represent two clearly distinct themes.

L’Olympide as a summer option

L’Olympide is an option to consider when planning a summer trip. In summer, the facilities include swimming and aquafitness, a fitness room and classes, as well as relaxation and leisure activities. The summer season therefore offers both exercise and relaxation. If you travel outside the summer season, do not assume these activities are available year-round.

Discover more destinations: Moirans, Saint-Ismier, Chasse-Sur-Rhône, Cras, Pierre-Châtel, Veyssilieu, Auris, La Côte-Saint-André

For the broader travel overview: Isere.