Running in Villefontaine: at the gateway to Isère

Just 30 kilometres from Lyon, Villefontaine is a green oasis in the heart of Isère. Known in the region for its outlet village, ‘The Village’, this Isère commune has much more to offer than just shops. With its rich architectural heritage and, above all, its natural beauty, the town will charm you with its many attractions. JOOKS takes you on a journey of discovery through Villefontaine with audio-guided tours offered by the town, whether you are on foot, by bicycle or in a wheelchair!

The Vaugelas Pond

A small village with just over 450 inhabitants in the 1960s, Villefontaine became part of the new town of L'Isle-d'Abeau project in 1968, following a decision by the State. It is now part of a new urban area that extends across the municipalities of L'Isle-d'Abeau, Saint-Quentin-Fallavier, Vaulx-Milieu and Four.

Villefontaine then saw its population grow and its infrastructure expand. Today, the municipality is one of the most dynamic in northern Isère, while remaining deeply rooted in 2,000 years of history.

Heritage

Although its development only began in the mid-1970s, Villefontaine's history spans several centuries, as evidenced by the historic sites and monuments visible throughout the town.

Traces of human activity dating back to Antiquity and the Middle Ages have been found in the Villefontaine area, but most of the town's historical heritage dates from later periods. The current church, for example, dates back to the 18th century and replaces an older building. However, one vestige of the medieval era has survived to this day in the form of a sundial, which has been incorporated into the new building. For the more curious among you, don't hesitate to take a tour of the church to admire the tympanum of the portal and its mosaics.

In the heart of Vellein Park, Villefontaine's green lung, your steps will lead you to the castle of the same name. It was built in the 18th century on the remains of an older building and, although now in ruins following a fire, it remains an important testament to the town's historical past. It is the only one of three stately buildings to have survived the French Revolution, unlike the châteaux of Vaugelas and Layet.

The Four Winds Pavilion

An iconic monument of the city, the Four Winds pavilion is also its most enigmatic. Indeed, there is nothing to indicate the age of the building or determine its function. Adding to the mystery, a necklace made of human teeth was found at the foot of the monument. According to historians, this necklace dates back to the 19th century and belonged to a tooth puller who used it as proof of his expertise. Labelled ‘Patrimoine en Isère’ (Heritage of Isère), the Pavillon des Quatre-Vents is definitely worth a visit!

Nature

Although the municipality has undergone significant urbanisation since the 1970s, nature remains omnipresent in Villefontaine. Urbanisation has been spread out in order to preserve green spaces and natural areas. Numerous facilities have been developed so that everyone can enjoy this important natural heritage. Your walk will take you along footpaths and discovery trails, where you will encounter a rich biodiversity. You will also discover the Fallavier, Vaugelas and Saint-Bonnet ponds, true gems of unspoilt nature, where the flora and fauna offer a spectacle that changes with the seasons.

The community garden ‘Jardinons ensemble’ (Let's garden together)

The Vaugelas estate was also chosen as the location for the ‘Jardinons ensemble’ community garden. This friendly meeting place has been managed by the Villefontaine CCAS since 1998 and boasts over 200 varieties of vegetables and flowers. Every year, more than 4 tonnes of vegetables are grown and shared among the participants. It's a real little corner of paradise that you can see during your walk.

Created in 1985, Domaine de la Terre is an architectural complex that is unique in Europe. It is a social housing estate built using rammed earth, or raw earth, with the aim of reviving a regional tradition – earth construction – while also experimenting with sustainable urban planning and architectural techniques. Listed since 2008 among the 45 treasures of sustainable development in the Rhône-Alpes region, this initiative fits perfectly into the natural setting of the municipality and the ecological transition process imposed by climate change.

Street art

Artwork by artist Sore

Beyond its historical heritage and natural surroundings, Villefontaine is a resolutely modern town with a focus on art. Since 2016, the municipality has hosted a festival dedicated to street art, Les Roches en couleur, and has an urban art exhibition space, Le Bloc [155].

The street art trail created by the local council allows you to discover several works of art as you wander through the streets, including some by renowned graffiti artists such as Besss, Le Môme and Kalouf. Some murals were created in collaboration with local residents, such as the one in the Carpentier tunnel. It's a great opportunity to discover this town in Isère in a different light.

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