Arbin is a commune in the Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 17 km southeast of Chambéry.
Its overall modest territory of 1.7 km² ranges from 271 to 499 m above sea level, bordered to the south-east by the course of the Isère. At the foot of the southern slope of the Bauges massif, and more precisely of the Thuile mountain, this part of the Isère valley is known under the name "combe de Savoie".
On the other side of the Isère, the snowy peaks of the Maurienne Alps and the Belledonne range are visible.
Covered mainly by cultivated land and agricultural areas (50% of its surface area), the locality has preserved evidence of a very ancient occupation (Gallo-Roman villas). In the Middle Ages, a priory was established there and several fortified houses were erected, seats of lordships (those of Crest and Mérande, in particular).
Today, Arbin, which has nearly 800 inhabitants, maintains a wine-growing vocation that has appeared since Antiquity. Renowned red wines of the “Mondeuse d’Arbin” appellation are produced there. The milling activity, on the other hand, has disappeared.
Its heritage and bucolic landscapes which lend themselves to hiking and wine tourism, as well as its proximity to Montmélian, justify a stop at Arbin...
Although there is no longer any evidence of the Saint-Nicolas priory established in the 11th century, a discovery of the town's heritage can begin with the church, also dedicated to Saint Nicolas. Succeeding previous buildings, it was rebuilt in a neo-Romanesque style in 1721 then enlarged in 1865. Further restored in the last third of the 20th century, it houses a 16th century Pietà.
On a religious level, also worth seeing is a statue of the Virgin of the Vines which is located on Chemin des Vignes, to the north-east of the town, on the hillsides, and another, more recent, of Christ the King, to the north of the village, also at the foot of the vineyard plots. It is signed by the contemporary sculptor Livio Benedetti (1946-2013), 9 m high, in an unusual material: stainless steel. The monumental work was installed in 2017 on private land and created a sensation and controversy during its installation... Some refer to it as the local Corcovado in reference to the Christ which overlooks Rio de Janeiro.
In a completely different genre, if a manor house succeeded the Crest fortified house, there remain some elements of that of Mérande, long owned by the eponymous family. It then passed to the Carthusians and then other owners followed one another. The current castle has preserved elements from the 14th century. We thus observe the semi-circular entrance door surmounted by the remains of a bretèche, and several mullioned windows. However, changes have been made over the centuries and today, it is the headquarters of an important wine estate which also houses lodges. Information on +33 4 79 65 24 32.
At the edge of the hillsides planted with vines, finally to see, the remains of an aqueduct built in the 12th century which supplied the mills dedicated to wine until the middle of the last century. milling activity.
In terms of leisure activities, note that shows and community events are regularly hosted at the municipal village hall (contact the town hall on +33 4 79 84 09 25 or +33 4 79 84 45 20).
Nearby, a playground is available to families with young children.
For hiking enthusiasts, several famous trails are accessible from the territory of combe de Savoie, the Grésivaudan valley and the Belledonne massif.
Also available is the Calloudes walk, dedicated to the vineyards of Arbin and Montmélian (5 km) or the aptly named Chemin des Vignes which includes four specific loops.
Other longer routes can lead to the heights of the Bauges massif or even Lake Bourget.
Maps and information on +33 4 79 25 53 12.
Tasting breaks are obviously possible: in addition to the Château de Mérande estate (contact on +33 4 79 65 24 32), let us mention the Charles Trosset cellar (contact +33 4 79 84 07 40) and Domaine Magnin (call +33 4 79 84 12 12).
It may be useful to find out about activities (hikes, exhibitions, workshops, etc.) offered throughout the year by the Bauges Regional Natural Park of which the locality is a member: contact +33 4 79 54 86 40.
