Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
Castles
France
Auvergne Rhône Alpes
La Tour-Du-Pin

Vernas

Top 6 Castles around Vernas

Castles around Vernas are situated in a charming commune in the Isère department of France, nestled at the foot of a cliff within the Isle Crémieu plateau. The area is characterized by its historical significance, featuring elements like dry stone walls, fountains, a communal oven, and bell-shaped wells. This region offers both cultural points of interest and natural beauty, including classified sensitive natural areas.

Best castles around Vernas

  • The most popular castles is Crémieu, medieval town, a historical site…

Last updated: May 13, 2026

Château de Bienassis

Highlight • Castle

The Château de Bienassis in Villemoirieu, near Crémieu, was frequented by Alphonse de Lamartine.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

Cingle Castle

Highlight • Castle

Listed as historical monuments: pop.culture.gouv.fr/notice/merimee/PA00117311

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Crémieu, medieval town

Highlight • Historical Site

This small city of character, located 40 kilometers from Lyon has a sumptuous architectural heritage. Walking through its narrow streets, you will discover the Delphinal castle, its majestic 16th century …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Château Delphinal of Crémieu

Highlight • Castle

The Delphinal Castle (12th century), from the top of its strategic promontory, bears witness to the development of the city: construction of imposing fortified gates (14th century), a majestic market …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Château de Brotel

Highlight • Castle

Private property (cannot be visited)

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Vernas

Hiking around Vernas

Cycling around Vernas

MTB Trails around Vernas

Road Cycling Routes around Vernas

Gravel biking around Vernas

Running Trails around Vernas

Tips from the Community

Nano G
August 2, 2025, Crémieu, cité médiévale

Beautiful little town, quite touristy, but worth the detour

Translated by Google

0

0

Although first mentioned in 1540, the Cingle fortified house was undoubtedly built in the second half of the 14th century by the Pèlerin family. Originally composed of a main tower and a wing back to the west, it perhaps originally included a curtain wall. During the 15th century, the south wing was extended towards the west, a main building comprising a lower room and an upper room was attached to the north of the main tower, while a turret occupied on the first floor by an oratory and on the second by a dovecote is built to the east, projecting. A wing including the kitchen on the ground floor is also built at right angles to the north of the courtyard. The farm itself retains some architectural elements dating from the 16th century. Source: Ministry of Culture

Translated by Google

1

0

The Bienassis fortified house, built by the Vallin family at the end of the 14th century, was organized around an enclosed courtyard and included a pavilion surrounded by watchtower turrets. The current building was completed in 1897 for Casimir Gournet, who wanted to give the old feudal residence the appearance of a medieval castle. Alphonse de Lamartine made several stays in Bienassis with his friend Nicolas Prosper Guichard, between 1804 and 1808. The castle, built of limestone rubble, consists of an L-shaped building covered with a long-pitched roof covered with mechanical tiles extended to the south by a high quadrangular tower with a porch in the work. The north wing has four levels of elevation: three cellars on the basement floor, a square floor and an attic floor. The tower rises on three levels: a ground floor with ribbed vaults and two square floors, the buildings are crowned with false machicolation. The corner turrets are covered with conical slate roofs. The stained glass windows of the ground floor living room are decorated with two bust-length women and two bust-length men in rondels. The coat of arms of the Joubert de Montlevon family can be found on one of the windows of the first living room on the ground floor. In the library, two shields with scrolling scroll motifs, a shield decorated with three female heads, a shield decorated with a passing griffin, and a shield decorated with two hammers with the initials C G for Casimir Gournet adorn the windows. Source: Châteaux de France

Translated by Google

0

0

The Delphinal Castle (12th century), from the top of its strategic promontory, bears witness to the development of the city: construction of imposing fortified gates (14th century), a majestic market hall (15th century), a convent of Augustins leaning against the ramparts (14th-19th century) then its cloister (16th century)... So many vestiges which are the visible traces of a past where Crémieu had military, economic and religious importance. The medieval city of Crémieu is classified as a ZPPAUP (Urban and Landscape Architectural Heritage Protection Zone). Source: Isère Tourism

Translated by Google

1

0

This small city of character, located 40 kilometers from Lyon has a sumptuous architectural heritage. Walking through its narrow streets, you will discover the Delphinal castle, its majestic 16th century hall, its cloister or its Augustinian convent. The medieval town of Crémieu is classified as a Protected Area for Urban and Landscape Architectural Heritage (ZPPAUP).

Translated by Google

0

0

A very beautiful town! There is a good restaurant in the center right next to the village.

Translated by Google

0

0

David W
September 25, 2022, Château de Bienassis

The Château de Bienassis in Villemoirieu, near Crémieu, was frequented by Alphonse de Lamartine.

Translated by Google

1

0

Crémieu, or a pretty little town whose historic center is worth a detour! The old houses, the halls, the cloister, etc. create a very pleasant atmosphere.

Translated by Google

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of historical structures can I explore around Vernas?

The Vernas region is rich in history, featuring a variety of structures from the 14th century onwards. You can explore well-preserved castles, fortified houses, and entire medieval towns. Notable examples include the medieval town of Crémieu with its Delphinal castle and 16th-century hall, and the historic Cingle Castle.

Are there any castles near Vernas that are open to the public?

While some historical castles in the immediate Vernas commune, such as Château de Verna and Château du Cingle, are privately owned and not generally accessible, the nearby medieval town of Crémieu offers a publicly accessible historical experience. Here you can explore its architectural heritage, including the Château Delphinal of Crémieu, a majestic market hall, and an Augustinian convent.

What is the historical significance of the castles in the Vernas area?

The castles and fortified houses around Vernas, such as the 14th-century Château de Verna and Cingle Castle, are significant historical monuments. They reflect centuries of regional history, with architectural features like square keeps, fortified walls, and additions by various occupying families. The Château Delphinal of Crémieu, dating back to the 12th century, showcases the strategic importance and development of the city over time.

Are there family-friendly activities or castles to visit near Vernas?

Yes, the medieval town of Crémieu is considered family-friendly. Its charming narrow streets, historical buildings, and the overall atmosphere make it an engaging place for all ages to explore. While not a castle in the traditional sense, the entire town offers a rich historical experience.

What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Vernas?

The region around Vernas offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and running. For example, there are moderate to difficult MTB trails like the 'Cingle Castle – Cave and pond loop from Hières-sur-Amby', and gravel biking routes such as the 'Crémieu–Morestel Greenway'. For runners, there are running trails including a 'Lac d'Hières loop from Vernas'.

What natural features can I see in the Vernas area, alongside the castles?

Vernas is situated at the foot of a cliff within the Isle Crémieu plateau, offering beautiful natural landscapes. The area includes classified sensitive natural areas and protected species. Beyond the castles, you can appreciate the commune's rich history through its dry stone walls, seven fountains, a communal oven, a wash house, and bell-shaped wells.

Is there a castle near Vernas with a connection to famous historical figures?

Yes, the Château de Bienassis in Villemoirieu, near Crémieu, has a notable connection to the French poet Alphonse de Lamartine. He frequented the fortified house between 1804 and 1808, staying with his friend Nicolas Prosper Guichard.

Can I visit the Château de Verna?

The Château de Verna is a 14th-century historical monument, but it is a private property and not generally open to the public. Its facades, roofs, grand staircase, and a portion of its gardens are protected under a historical monument decree, highlighting its importance to French heritage.

What makes Crémieu a significant historical site near Vernas?

Crémieu, medieval town, is a small city of character known for its sumptuous architectural heritage. It features the Château Delphinal, a majestic 16th-century hall, and an Augustinian convent. The town's historic center, with its old houses and cloister, creates a very pleasant atmosphere and is classified as a Protected Area for Urban and Landscape Architectural Heritage.

Are there any hidden gem castles or lesser-known historical sites around Vernas?

While many castles are well-known, the region also holds sites like Château de Brotel. This castle, though private and not open for visits, can be appreciated from a distance, particularly from the Val d'Amby or by climbing towards Saint-Baudille-de-la-Tour, offering a glimpse into the area's less-publicized historical architecture.

What is the best time of year to visit the castles and historical sites around Vernas?

The region's natural beauty and historical sites can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the medieval towns and engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or biking. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Winter visits might be possible for some sites, but it's always best to check specific opening hours for any publicly accessible attractions.

Most popular routes around Vernas

Hiking around Vernas

Most popular attractions around Vernas

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Vernas:

Saint-Baudille-De-La-TourHières-Sur-AmbyTreptCourtenaySoleymieuTignieu-JameyzieuChamagnieuChozeauVeyssilieuSaint-ChefSalagnonBouvesse-QuirieuParmilieuLa Balme-Les-GrottesVillemoirieuSiccieu-Saint-Julien-Et-CarisieuCrémieuSaint-Romain-De-JalionasDizimieuLeyrieuOptevozMorasAnnoisin-ChatelansSatolas-Et-BoncePanossasSaint-Marcel-Bel-AccueilFrontonasSaint-Hilaire-De-Brens

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Leyrieu

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy