Moidieu-Détourbe brings together medieval art and village history with traditional rammed-earth buildings. Activities offer a variety of options too: alongside the “Le vieux chemin” route, there is the local event “La Moiditourboise & La Christian Blain”. You can get to know the area through its architectural and religious history, or focus on hiking and other types of routes.
Priory, church and village crosses
The priory of Moidieu-Détourbe was built at the beginning of the 11th century. The “Eglise et ancien prieuré” complex preserves a medieval choir with 14th-century wall paintings. The paintings depict the twelve apostles; the complex is protected as a “Monuments historiques”. The building and the paintings therefore belong to different historical periods: the priory was built in the early Middle Ages, while the surviving images were created several centuries later.
The former priory also bears the “Patrimoine en Isère” label. It recognises the quality of a building of more than local significance in the département. The five village crosses offer another glimpse into local history and are considered symbols of local faith. Together, the priory, choir and crosses offer different points of interest if you are interested in religious symbols, architecture or medieval art.
Rammed earth and details in the village centre
Among the notable traditional buildings in Moidieu-Détourbe are structures made of rammed earth, known in French as “pisé”. The term refers to the building method of compacting earth. In the village centre, rammed-earth walls are decorated with rounded pebbles found in the ground. This design combines the building material with a visible feature of the façades, adding a different perspective on local architecture to the religious buildings.
You can also encounter a tangible piece of local heritage along the Sentier du patrimoine: a restored old wine press is on display there. It adds an object to the architectural details, while the village crosses and the priory reveal other aspects of local history.
Distinguishing the route from the event
The “Le vieux chemin” route is 20.50 kilometres long and is suitable for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. Its landscape includes green valleys and wooded sections, as well as several viewpoints. Its length and range of activities give you useful details for planning. Check route conditions before setting off.
The local event “La Moiditourboise & La Christian Blain” is a separate option. The 2026 edition includes routes for hiking, mountain biking and road cycling in Moidieu-Détourbe. Hiking and mountain biking are available with both options; horse riding is part of “Le vieux chemin”, while the event also includes road cycling routes. So your choice depends first on the activity you are looking for. Check the event dates before planning your visit.
For a culture-focused stay, the route leads in your mind from the priory and its paintings to the village crosses, rammed-earth façades and wine press. If you would also like to include a sporting activity, you can weigh up the different route options without treating the route and the event as the same thing.
Discover more destinations: Chanas, Bouvesse-Quirieu, Uriage-Les-Bains, La Salle-En-Beaumont, Nivolas-Vermelle, La Frette, Saint-Marcellin, La Motte-D'aveillans.
For the regional travel overview: Isere.
