Montferrat can be explored through two very different themes: the history of aviation surrounding Adolphe Pégoud and a stay at Montferrat-Plage. In addition, trails pass through varied landscapes to other beaches and a natural area with discovery stations.

Musée Pégoud: aviation history and biography

The Musée Pégoud is dedicated to aviator Adolphe Pégoud. In 1913, he performed the first parachute jump and the first loop-the-loop; both are part of aviation history, which takes centre stage at the museum. The exhibition covers Pégoud’s childhood, military life and years of fame. Videos and written documents complement photographs, clothing and numerous aviation-related objects. Biographical themes are thus presented alongside different forms of interpretation and a collection of aviation-related items.

The Musée Pégoud offers guided tours in French for groups of 20 people. The average duration is 60 minutes. The language, group size and time frame give you a clear guide if you would like to include a tour in your plans.

The church of Saint-Didier in Montferrat offers another historical perspective: it was completely rebuilt from 1868 onwards. The church and the Musée Pégoud provide different ways to explore history—with a look at the town’s architectural history in one case, and Pégoud’s life and aviation in the other.

Swimming and a stay at Montferrat-Plage

The extensive Montferrat-Plage consists of small pebbles and grass. Its gentle slope and shallow water make it suitable for swimming. A visit to the beach can be described not only in terms of the water but also the shoreline: pebbles and grass alternate, while the shore slopes gently into the water.

The beach has a beach volleyball court, a pétanque area and children’s games. A landscaped, shaded picnic area provides an additional place to take a break. Water sports equipment and sun loungers are also available to rent on site. Montferrat-Plage therefore offers a range of options for swimming, playing and taking a break outdoors, without implying any particular itinerary for a beach visit.

Trails and nature stations

The Voie verte du lac de Paladru is 14 kilometres long, passes through varied landscapes and reaches three beaches, including Montferrat-Plage. It is suitable for beginners; parking and public toilets are available nearby. The route thus links several beach destinations along a trail whose landscapes change along the way.

In the Paladru/Montferrat sector, the Marais trail on the Voie verte leads to four discovery stations. They share information about the wildlife and plant life of the Marais de la Vérronnière, which is designated a sensitive natural area. This section offers a different focus from the beach: the emphasis is on the wetland’s natural environment and the stations along the trail.

Le Chemin des Vaches is an 11.2-kilometre half-day hike that takes about three hours and involves 120 metres of elevation gain. There is a car park for this hike near the church in Montferrat. The approximate duration and elevation gain help you assess the scale of this tour, while the Voie verte is defined by its 14 kilometres and the three beaches it reaches. This allows you to weigh up a hike with a stated duration against a longer route with several beach destinations when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Chamrousse, Ambel, Villefontaine, La Salle-En-Beaumont, Grenoble, Beauvoir-de-Marc, Sablons, La Morte.

For the broader travel overview: Isere.