Gîte, B&B, seminar reception area, rental in Isère, in the vicinity of the Côte Saint-André and Voiron

The Tour-sans-Venin

Listed as one of the 7 wonders of the Dauphiné region, the Tour-sans-Venin overlooks the city, from the lower rises of the Pariset hamlet. The wall section which still stands today is said to be a vestige of the dungeon of the former Pariset fortress. This authentic military fortress has existed since the eleventh century. Knight Guillaume is said to have been the first owner of the castle. For other historians, the castle was founded by Rolland, Charlemagne's nephew, who had come to lay siege to Grenoble. In 1339, the fortress belonged to François de Parizet.

Catch a glimpse of the Mont-Blanc

From the promontory of the site, a vast panorama opens up onto the Drac and Isère river valleys and the city of Grenoble. On a clear day, the view even stretches as far as the Mont-Blanc. At the foot of the former tower, the hiker can discover a small Romanesque chapel which dates back to the thirteenth century. Its roof-tops are covered with Roman tiles and it radiates almost Mediterranean charm.

Myths and legends

Isis
In 1656, a stone, bearing the roman inscription "Isidi matri Sex Claudius Valerianus Aram cum ornamentis Ut voverat" was unearthed within the vicinity of the chapel. Translation: "Sextius Claudius Valerianus has dedicated this ornamental altar to mother Isis ... "

Les grottes des Sarassins (The Saracen grotto)

Situated at the foot of the Tour-sans-Venin, the Saracen grotto comprises an immense porch which could shelter an entire village. Ceramic shards, human bones and crockery were discovered during excavation and sounding operations carried out in 1889 and again in 1965. The site has revealed continuous occupation from the Neolithic era up the medieval period.