Saturday morning: conquering Saint-Chef
Option 1: orienteering course
After booking a lovely room at the guesthouse Entre Zénitude et Gourmandise, kick off your adventure with a free orienteering course in the heart of the old town, perfect for discovering the hidden treasures of Saint-Chef. Head to the Tourist Information Office to pick up your guide brochure. Then set off to explore the majestic abbey, stroll through the castle district, and make your way to the woods leading to the chapel area. The view of the village and the abbey from the heights is breathtaking. Perfect for a photo break!
© Gérald Villena
Option 2 : Hiking in the Footsteps of Frédéric Dard
For hiking enthusiasts, follow in the footsteps of the writer Frédéric Dard through woodlands, meadows, and hills. The walk will offer breathtaking views of the Alps and allow you to discover the charming adobe houses and the Crucilleux Marsh.
© Emmanuelle Bebi - Office du Tourisme des Balcons du Dauphiné
Saturday noon: delicious break at La Taverne Rustique
After the effort, comes comfort! Take a break at La Taverne Rustique to savor authentic Dauphiné cuisine. On the menu: rustic salad with bacon, frogs' legs, and gratin dauphinois. The bucolic setting, surrounded by pisé houses, adds a charming touch to this friendly meal.
Saturday afternoon: a dive into History
Wine Tasting at Domaine de la Courna
Next, head to the Domaine de la Courna for a wine tasting. Aurélia Aucourt will take the time to explain her work with passion.animal traction in the vineyards (the Comtois horse Ulysse and the pigs) for an immersive visit to keep you busy for a good part of the afternoon. Saint-Chef is a wine-producing municipality with an IGP appellation Les Balmes Dauphinoises. Take this opportunity to discover local flavors and enrich your taste palette.
© Cave de la Courna
Saturday Night: Irish Pub Vibes at Cask House
End the day on a high note at the Cask House, an authentic Irish pub in the center of the village. Enjoy craft beers brewed by the owners, savor a selection of Irish whiskies, and take advantage of weekly concerts and events on the terrace overlooking the abbey.
© Cask House
Sunday morning: self-guided exploration of the town
Wake up gently with a stroll through Saint-Chef, labeled as a Petite Cité de Caractère®. Follow the 25 explanatory plaques to discover the town's heritage, explore the sublime medieval garden located in the heart of the historic center facing the abbey, the wonderful Château Teyssier de Savy (open Monday to Friday), a Dauphinois castle listed on the Supplementary Inventory of Historical Monuments and surrounded by a 7-hectare park; and pay tribute to Frédéric Dard, buried in the cemetery of Saint-Chef. An arboretum and a fitness trail also await you in Frédéric Dard Place.
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© Emmanuelle Bebi - Office du Tourisme des Balcons du Dauphiné
Sunday afternoon: cultural and artistic immersion
Guided tour of the abbey and frescoes of Saint-Chef
To end your weekend, treat yourself to a guided tour of the abbey and Roman-Byzantine frescoes from the 12th century in the Chapel of the Angels. These frescoes, unique in Isère, are a true artistic treasure. Reservation required through the Tourist Office, on Sundays in summer or all year round for groups.
© Didier Jungers
Discover the Museum of Saint-Chef
Finish with a visit to the Museum of Saint-Chef (free) where you will find a unique collection on Frédéric Dard and Louis Seigner. The museum tells 10 centuries of the city's history with unique pieces and offers workshops for children and exhibitions throughout the year. It is worth noting that the Museum of Saint-Chef is currently hosting an exhibition on the paintings of Frédéric Dard and drawings by Philippe Geluck (Le Chat) until June 30.
© Benoit Gillardeau/Commune de Saint-Chef
The Tourist Office of the Balcons du Dauphiné has a seasonal Tourist Information Office in the same building as the museum, open from April to the end of October, from Wednesday to Sunday. Add to that the Françoise Seigner performance hall which offers a very rich year-round program, as well as the Sang pour Sang Polar Festival every other weekend in June!
Saint-Chef, with its historical charm and bucolic landscapes, is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway with friends. Whether you are history enthusiasts, hiking lovers, or gourmet foodies in search of new flavors, this little corner of the Dauphiné has everything to charm you. So, are you ready for the adventure?
Information and booking of visits: Tourist Office of the Balcons du Dauphiné
Tourist Offices...Tourist Information in Crémieu, Morestel, Saint-Chef, and Les Avenières Veyrins-Thuellin
Phone: 04 74 27 73 83 (Saint-Chef) / 04 74 90 45 13 (Crémieu)
Email: tourisme@balconsdudauphine.fr
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