Crêts en Belledonne is a municipality of Isère, in the region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 35 km northeast of Grenoble. It was created in January 2016 following the merger of Saint-Pierre-d'Allevard (nearly 2900 inhabitants) and Morteel-de-mesh (450 inhabitants), thus counting nearly 3500 inhabitants.
Its 33 km² territory ranges from 250 to 1766 m altitude and is located in the Grésivaudan Valley, dug in the southern part of the Alpine Sillon, between Grenoble and Pontchara north.
As indicated by its appellation, the locality is part of the villages formed on the edges or terraces of the Belledonne massif. Consisting of a main village, Saint-Pierre, and many hamlets, the agricultural and artisanal vocation of Crêts en Belledonne has been complemented by the operation of ferrous deposits and the production of steel. This industry was stopped in the 1920s.
Long border with Savoy, the two old localities have kept an industrial and historic heritage of interest but it is now their environment conducive to sports and leisure "nature" and green tourism that is put forward. This, in summer as in winter, with the possibility of hiking in Nordic skiing or snowshoeing.
The discovery of local heritage can begin with its old industrial sites, now melted in the landscape when nature has resumed its rights.
When he was not shipped to the Creusot in Burgundy, the ore was operated on the spot: testifying the Four of Combe Bachat, which was acquired by the municipality, and that neighboring a gallery entrance and the ruins of a cabin. Minors.
To see also, the old Sappey field oven, which has been restored, or some portions of the railway route that carried ore and steels, which pieces of bridges: part of the route has been reconverted in the pedestrian path.
On another plane, the border situation with Savoy until 1860 explains the presence in the territory of many remains of strong houses.
One of the most notable sites is the Aquinas Tower, with its thick 2 meter walls, its four levels and holes of Boulin remained in the state since its construction in the 14th century (they supported the scaffolding). The building had an essentially military vocation.
Finally, one can linger in the village of Saint-Pierre at the level of the eponymous church, a vestige of a Benedictine priory dependent on the cluny abbey. The church has a monumental steeple whose base rises to the top of the nave. The upper level houses the bells. We notice the geminate bays and on one side, a column that is estimated of Gallo-Roman origin and which was reused in the state.
Then place the rich and varied offer of leisure accessible to visitors and tourists.
The discovered trail dedicated to the various ecosystems present on the territory will first be mentioned first. His departure is located above the basins of Singing Louise. It includes an arboretum where there are more than 60 species of typical trees and shrubs from the Alpine region (Vinne, fir, chestnut) but also representing other parts of the world (Japan cake tree, Cyprus cedar, Hamamelis de China). Information at +33 4 76 45 11 10.
Close to this trail, a toned park where activities such as archery or paragliding are also available on weekends and holidays in May, June, September and October and every day in July and August. Contact on +33 6 16 19 17 44.
Report again, the leisure area of Lake Mormetel, in a green setting, with playgrounds and picnic areas (attention, bathing prohibited).
Just as pleasant, the park My vast exile of one hectare that depended on a residential property of the nineteenth century and the Chantelouise park dotted with water jets allow to combine relaxation and pure air in a bucolic environment.
Sport side, Crêts en Belledonne has on the site of the Barioz several tracks dedicated to the alpine ski integrated in the field of the large plane (a red, two blue, a green). An ideal setting for family learning. Information at +33 4 76 71 09 75.
However, it is especially its domain ideally conducive to Nordic skiing that makes Crêts en Belledonne reputation. There is also racket hike. The space is animated by an association that offers the rental of adequate equipment. Information to +33 6 21 51 07 04 or +33 4 76 71 06 47.
For hikers or mountain bikers, several marked loops are plotted on the heights of the locality. They include the most important heritage and natural sites without counting unparalleled views of the valley and the vertices that overlook it. Some routes include the culmination of the municipality, the chicken country. In summer, walkers can cross herds in Estive, and in winter, the site is suitable for snowshoeing. Cards and information at +33 4 76 45 10 11 or +33 4 76 97 68 08.
It should be noted that for a portion of tennis, it is necessary to reserve a short by contacting the local club at +33 4 76 45 06 11.
Finally, Culture side, the communal media library regularly program (readings, meetings, exhibitions). Information at +33 4 76 45 18 50.
