Geological formations, powerful springs and local history give Pellafol a range of ways to explore. During your stay, you can weigh up nature, walking routes and culture according to your interests. The details of a circular hike and the exhibits at the Maison du Patrimoine are especially concrete; they can help you organise your travel interests.
Forest, springs and the historic use of water
The Forêt domaniale R.T.M. Pellafol is located in the centre of the Massif de L’Obiou et des Gorges de la Souloise Natura 2000 site. Its biodiversity and good state of conservation have been recognised. The combination of protected status, diversity and conservation gives the forest landscape a distinct nature-focused appeal.
An old canal can also be seen in this forest. It was dug by hand into the rocky slope and once carried water from the Souloise to irrigate the plain. It brings together a practical construction technique and the historic use of water: the canal is evidence of how water was once used for irrigation.
The Sources des Gillardes offer a different natural highlight. By volume of discharge, they are the second-largest springs in France after the Fontaine de Vaucluse. Several very easy-to-access walks start at the springs. So, if you would like to include a walk in your plans as well as a visit to the springs, you will find several options here that are described as very easy to access.
Choose geological walks to suit your interests
The themed footpath to the geological ruins of Vieux Pellafol focuses on the erosion that shapes the mountain and creates so-called fairy chimneys. The circular hike is 5 km long, has 248 m of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. In favourable weather conditions, the route is freely accessible every day throughout the year. The distance and duration give you a concrete framework for planning this outing; its geological theme also draws attention to the landforms and how they were created by erosion.
The Circuit pédestre de la Souloise: la petite boucle is an easy walking route with information panels about river life, the Gillardes springs, rocks and forests. The routes therefore differ considerably in focus: the footpath near Vieux Pellafol centres on erosion and fairy chimneys, while the small loop takes in several nature topics. When choosing, you can therefore consider both the theme you are interested in and the specific details of the circular hike.
Rural life and local heritage
The Maison du Patrimoine de Pellafol has two rooms devoted to rural life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The exhibits include traditional clothing, games, objects and small agricultural machines. The historic collection was assembled by residents of this rural and mountainous region. This means the focus is not only on individual exhibits, but also on the earlier way of life they illustrate.
The Maison is housed in a former home that once contained an inn and a forge. It also explores important episodes in local history. Those interested in culture will find two ways to engage here: objects from rural everyday life and stories about the local past. Together with the geological and nature-focused themes, this gives you a clear choice for planning your trip according to your interests, without having to combine the routes or sights into a set itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Voiron, Thodure, Vizille, Vaulnaveys-Le-Bas, Château-Bernard, Domarin, Lavars, Miribel-Les-Échelles.
For the wider travel overview: Isere.
