Voiron is a gateway to the magnificent Chartreuse Mountains, where you can discover limestone peaks, ancient forests and picturesque valleys. Relax in the history-soaked city centre and visit the local monastery to learn more about chartreuse, a famous herbal liqueur distilled in the region since the 1600s.
Things to do in Voiron
Satisfy your appetite for adventure in Parc Naturel Régional de Chartreuse. More than 1300 kilometres of marked trails wind through the 75,000-hectare park and immerse you in the dramatic landscapes. Climb rugged limestone outcrops, walk through thick forests and visit adorable rural villages.
Local monks have been distilling bottle-green liqueur at Caves de la Chartreuse for hundreds of years. Get up to speed on centuries of history and tour the cellars, then head to the tasting room to sample chartreuse. More than 130 herbs are used to distil the elixir and give it the unique botanical flavour. The on-site bar shakes up excellent Chartreuse cocktails.
Admire beautiful watercolour landscapes and still life paintings at Mainssieux Museum. The museum occupies a handsome house in the Saint Bruno district and showcases works by famous French artist, Lucien Mainssieux. You’ll also see fine artworks collected by Mainssieux over his career.
Spend the day at Lake Paladru, a glacier-carved lake surrounded by forested hills. Relax on the sandy beaches, swim in the turquoise water and try water sports like kayaking and sailing. Pack supplies and enjoy lunch at one of the scenic picnic sites. Fill your basket with local delicacies from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, such as St. Nectaire washed-rind cheese and Jambon de l'Ardéche dry-cured ham. A pair of underwater villages were discovered at the bottom of the lake several years ago. You can see artefacts at the Museum of Lake Paladru in the nearby village of Charavines.
Getting around Voiron
Voiron is compact and easy to get around on foot. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Voiron and explore the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region at your own pace. The city is a 30-minute drive from Grenoble and one hour from Lyon.