Crolles is a city of 39; Isere, in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, 20 km northeast of Grenoble.
The town developed on the right bank of the Isere, in the Grésivaudan valley, on the hillsides of the Chartreuse and facing the Belledonne range.
From the Middle Ages, seat of a prosperous lordship thanks to agriculture, Crolles benefits from its strategic position on the communication route linking Bas-Dauphiné and Provence to the northern Alps and to Léman.
Victim of the rural exodus until the second war although the lands of the valley were drained, Crolles then found a certain dynamism, driven by the establishment of industries (electronics, telecommunications, agribusiness).
The city now has over 8,500 inhabitants. Included in the perimeter of the Regional Natural Park of Chartreuse, its environment, its living environment, its leisure facilities and its heritage make it a stage of interest.
Three heritage discovery tours have been devised for visitors wishing to grasp the history and remarkable points of the city.
They include, for example, the former 18th century coaching inn, which was an inn until 1973 and was later rehabilitated to house a media library.
In the same vein, rue du Berger, there is a mural depicting Bacchus, recently restored, which once adorned the Café de l'Avenir.
The former banal oven reinstalled rue de l'Éperon, now run by an association, part of the many fountains, pools and laundries that lined the old neighborhoods are also included in these circuits.
See also, the former convent of the Sisters of Providence (1820) then transformed into a training center and now housing, and the mill of Ayes, remained in office until the 1990s.
A stop is also required at the Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul church. Elements of the original building of the twelfth century remain, as the base of the bell tower, but the essential was rebuilt between 1648 and 1687. Note at the side façades the semicircular windows and oculus alternating with buttresses. Inside, the nave is lined with two aisles surmounted by stands. On either side of the choir, two chapels are adorned with paintings dating from the late seventeenth century. In the choir always, we notice that the altar inlaid in front of a triptych painted by Nicolai Greschny (Russian artist of the twentieth century). As for the altarpiece, trompe l'oeil, it houses in its center an eighteenth century work, representing St. Peter and St. Paul.
To see, still, near, the cure of the XVIIe century which rises on three levels.
On the civil level, the castle of Montfort was part of the 13th century fortresses built in the valley of Grésivaudan to defend the Dauphiné against Savoy. Very degraded, the castle was however inhabited until the twentieth century (at the level of the guard room). It is now the subject of restoration projects conducted by an association.
A former strong house erected in 1340, the castle of Crolles, for its part, was remodeled for residential purposes in the seventeenth century, and was owned by the Speaker of the Parliament of Dauphine. The main building has a gallery with paintings and a French ceiling. The castle was also enriched by a park dotted with orchards, ponds and an orangery.
Finally, in terms of architecture, to see, the remains of the ancient abbey of Ayes, founded in the twelfth century, and was very powerful under the old regime despite the sackings suffered during the wars of Religion. His remains are one of the testimonies of the Cîteaux order. All that remains now is the abbey dwelling decorated with ceilings painted in the seventeenth century and which houses ancient capitals of the primitive cloister and the former home of the abbess. Documentation and information on the three paths of discovery of the heritage at +33 4 76 08 04 54.
The city is also crossed by 15 km of lanes reserved for pedestrians and cyclists only.
Hikes can thus be initiated on the municipal territory. Other tours may include the surroundings of Crolles and the Chartreuse Massif, for example. Documentation and information on +33 4 76 00 33 82. These hikes can include the natural areas of the municipality, of which 96 hectares are protected for their biodiversity.
This is the case of Marshes de Montfort, one of the last peat swamps in the Isère Valley, famous for its exceptional fauna and flora (orchids, amphibians), which can be discovered thanks to the butterfly (species of protected butterflies are preserved) and the Coteaux trail (also open to mountain bikers). Information on +33 4 76 00 33 82 and on +33 4 76 97 68 08.
In the heart of the city of Crolles, it is also possible to enjoy the park Paturel and its 10 hectares. It includes wooded areas, sports equipment, picnic areas.
For athletes, the nautical center (contact at +33 4 76 92 10 56), tennis courts (reservations at +33 4 38 92 05 75), a karting (information at +33 4 76 68 19 98), the equestrian center of Montfort (information +33 4 76 08 84 02) and a huge skate park near the gym Guy Bolès are all potential.
Finally, the fishermen have access to the pond of Montfort (to inquire in advance at +33 4 76 08 13 87).
On the cultural level, the Espace Paul Jargot offers year-round shows and quality exhibitions. Information on +33 4 76 04 09 95.
At the end of May-beginning of June, "Crolles is doing its Circus" program of animations and shows related to the circus arts.
The last weekend of June, the park party offers fun activities and concerts at Paturel Park.
At the beginning of July, Crolles is part of the localities of Grésivaudan hosting the festival Grésiblues (jazz and blues concerts).
In October, the festival Parent Folies offers workshops and activities to live with family.
As every year since 2008 at Crolles is held the gastronomic and wine fair the last weekend of October.
Finally, every Sunday morning, the market is the opportunity to discover the riches of the terroir of Dauphiné.
