Brangues: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

The Château de Brangues has been listed as a Monument historique since 1964. Brangues lies at the heart of the Haut-Rhône français National Nature Reserve, which also includes the protected ENS natural area of the Méandres du Saugey.

For a stay in Brangues, you can search specifically for a holiday apartment.

Culture and History

The Château de Brangues was first mentioned in 1351. Paul Claudel acquired the Château de Brangues in 1927.

The Claudel-Stendhal exhibition room presents the life and work of Paul Claudel and Stendhal to the public. Temporary exhibitions are held there every year.

Paul Claudel was buried in 1955 at the far end of the park of the Château de Brangues. His grave is located at the end of a small woodland path in the rear part of the park and is accessible to the public year-round. The Château de Brangues itself can only be visited on certain occasions; the rest of the park is private.

The church of Brangues was rebuilt in 1847 and is distinguished by its rounded Swabian roof. A heritage interpretation tour in Brangues brings the history of the village to life through its historic buildings.

In the 19th century, the Catholic St Leonard Foundation built a prison in the Saugey meander. It was intended to support the reintegration of prisoners at the end of their sentences through faith and manual work.

Nature and Trails

The Sentier pédestre de l'ancien méandre du Saugey is easy, suitable for families and passes through several natural environments in the Haut-Rhône National Nature Reserve. The Saugey trail follows a meander abandoned by the Rhône River more than 300 years ago, passes through an alluvial forest and runs along a canal lined with wooden footbridges. Rare and protected plant species find refuge along the trail.

Things to Do

The circular hike Histoire(s) du Rhône autour de Brangues is easy, 8.2 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 40 metres. It is open daily year-round with free access, provided weather conditions are favourable. The circular hike runs from Brangues to the Haut-Rhône National Nature Reserve and focuses on islands, Iônes, river dynamics, local history and the associated heritage.

The Brangues–Saint-Victor-de-Morestel circular hike is 26.9 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 110 metres and starts at the car park by the church or at Brangues town hall. It is fully marked with the yellow PR® sign, passes the Château Paul Claudel and then joins the ViaRhôna towards Saint-Victor-de-Morestel.

The Claudel-Stendhal exhibition room can be reached from the ViaRhôna; it carries the Accueil Vélo label and offers a bicycle repair kit, bicycle racks, lockers and sanitary facilities.

Events and Market

The Le Solstice de Brangues festival brings theatre, readings and poetry to a broad audience. Since its launch in 1972, Le Solstice de Brangues has continued every summer. Most performances take place at the Château Paul Claudel in Brangues.

On 19 September 2026, a guided tour focusing on architecture, Paul Claudel, and the history and traces of the lords of Brangues will take place at the Domaine Paul Claudel in Brangues.

The “à la rencontre des saveurs” producers’ market takes place on the first Thursday of every month. Products on offer include poultry, goat’s and cow’s cheese, craft-brewed beers and saucissons.

Other destinations: Izeron, Montcarra, La Buisse, Mizoën, Huez, Thodure, Gières, L'isle-D'abeau

To the overarching travel overview: Isere.