The history-laden Château de Vizille, built in the 17th century by Lesdiguières, then supreme commander of the French armed forces, was the cradle of the French Revolution in the 18th century. It was here that the Assembly of Vizille (or Assembly of the Three Orders of the Dauphiné) gathered on 21 July 1788 to demand a meeting of the Estates General (a form of national parliament). The estate is also noteworthy for having served as the French Presidents' summer residence from 1925 to 1960. Today the property of Isère Departmental Council and open to the public, the château houses the Museum of the French Revolution dedicated to this turbulent period in France's history including a wonderful collection of works of art and objects.
The vast 100-hectare park standing in front of the château is a lovely place for a walk or family outing, and boasts formal gardens, a rose garden, a lake and canals and an animal park with deer, grey herons, swans and geese.
