The town of Abrets in Dauphiné is located in the department of Isère, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 20 km north of Voiron.
It was created in 2016 following the merger of the localities of Abrets (3600 inhabitants), Fitilieu (in the north-west, 1844 inhabitants) and La Bâtie-Division (in the south, 890 inhabitants).
The 27 km² territory is located on the borders of Dauphiné, Savoie and the Rhône department. To the west, it is bordered by the course of the Bourbre, a tributary of the Rhône, and to the east, by the Bièvre river.
Les Abrets en Dauphiné which have a green and discreetly hilly environment perpetuate an industrial tradition, the know-how of yesteryear in the production of silk having however given way to new units. There is thus a factory in the new commune for the manufacture of stainless steel catering utensils and a leather goods factory of the Hermès group.
However, in addition to its offer of cultural and "nature" leisure activities, it is for its zoological park that visitors and tourists stop off in the locality, as well as for its hiking trails (one of them follows a pilgrimage route to Saint-Jacques on the section linking Geneva to Le Puy).
Now with some 6,400 inhabitants, Les Abrets en Dauphiné is worth a detour during a stay in the region...
In terms of heritage, several sites of interest are worth mentioning. Thus, in the village of La Bâtie-Division, the old fortified house built on the motte of Châteauvieux deserves attention: however, only vestiges dating from the 14th century remain near the hamlet of Monins. We thus observe the remains of ditches and a mound (mound) 30 m in diameter. Still in La Bâtie-Division, the parish church of Saint-Pierre has just benefited from a remarkable restoration. The building, which had been rebuilt in the 19th century, has beautifully crafted wooden furniture, stained glass windows made by the Bessac workshop (Grenoble) but it is above all its architecture that stands out: it combines a neo-Romanesque choir with a neo-Byzantine nave, covered with cupolas on pendentives, some of which are decorated with biblical scenes. In this, the church remains an example of the fashion in force in the 19th century, which brought together various influences and styles... Guided tours are offered in season: inquire on +33 4 76 32 04 80.
More classic, to mention finally the church of the village of Abrets (19th century).
On the cultural side, activities are regularly scheduled at the Abrets media library (information on +33 4 76 35 17 10) and shows and association events are hosted in particular at the Vercors festival hall in Fitilieu (contact on +33 4 76 32 04 80).
For sports enthusiasts… and walkers, the vast 6-hectare Bisso park has trails and wooded areas (with picnic areas) as well as a fitness trail. A skate park, a mini-golf course, a playground for children, and three tennis courts (to be reserved with the club on +33 6 76 70 92 42) are also located. Close to this veritable "green lung", the swimming pool has two pools and can be partly uncovered in summer. Thus, it is possible to combine swimming and the pleasures of idleness on grassy beaches. Price: from 2.90 to 3.40 euros. Information on +33 4 76 32 05 42.
Note also that a bowling alley with indoor or outdoor tracks is accessible (information on +33 4 76 32 18 35) and that a city-stadium with multi-sports ground has been set up on the village of La Bâtie-Division (route du Monin).
Then head to the village of Fitilieu where the Domaine des Fauves zoo was created in 1968. Its primary vocation has always been to "promote, understand and preserve animal species that are often threatened and come from all over the world". There are mainly wild animals, the majority of which are felines: lions, tigers, jaguars, black panthers... Other species are also visible: wolves, hyenas, meerkats or capuchin monkeys. In addition, the site includes predatory birds that evolve in vast aviaries (eagles, vultures, owls, etc.). Finally, a farm with domestic animals completes the set. Note that educational activities are offered (discovery of wolves, observation of free flights of buzzards or vultures and owls, feeding and caring for animals). Playgrounds and picnic areas are located. Open from mid-February to mid-November. Price: 10 and 13 euros. Information on +33 4 46 55 28 88.
For hikers, marked paths in the new town and its immediate surroundings are dedicated to the discovery of its past (Chemin de la Soie), its natural environment (wet or wooded areas, banks of the tributaries of the Rhône) not to mention the route taken by the pilgrims of Saint-Jacques coming from Geneva and heading towards Le Puy. For lovers of two-wheelers, the mountain bike circuit of the balconies of La Bâtie-Division (36.3 km, 843 m drop) is accessible. Maps and information on +33 4 74 97 14 87.
