Happy TravellerVoiron, located in the southeastern part of France, is a quaint commune in the ninth district of the Isère department and is known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. This charming city is the capital of the canton of Voiron and has been part of the Grenoble-Alpes Métropole since 2010. With a population of roughly 20,000 inhabitants, Voiron is a gateway city of the Chartreuse Mountains in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
History:
Voiron’s history dates back to the Middle Ages when it was a part of the County of Savoy. In the Treaty of Paris (1355), the count exchanged Voiron and the rest of the region between the rivers Rhône and Isère for Faucigny and Gex from France. Since the beginning of the 17th century, production had been organized around the Voironnaise factory, and canvases were marked to certify their origin. The city acquired a great reputation thanks to its paintings resulting from a secular know-how. Voiron came to be known for its fine silks, sought after by European royalties.
Sights:
One of the most famous landmarks in Voiron is the church of St. Bruno, which was built between 1864 and 1873 at the expense of the monks of the Grande Chartreuse. If you’re a fan of liquors, be sure to visit the Chartreuse Cellars, one of the world’s longest liqueur cellars, and the Bonnat Chocolatier, which has been operating since 1884.
Economy:
Voiron is a manufacturing town, and it contains numerous factories, including Rossignol (skis), Radiall Connections, Antésite (a liquorice-flavored drink), Chartreuse liquor cellars, Bonnat Chocolatier, and Allaman (manufacturing and transporting of petrol tanks).
Education:
Voiron has several high schools, including Lycée Édouard Herriot, Lycée Ferdinand Buisson, and Lycée agricole La Martelière.
Notable people:
Voiron is the birthplace of notable individuals like Dantès Dailiang, a singer-songwriter, Christophe Bouchut, a race driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Mélina Robert-Michon, a discus thrower, and Fabien Centonze, a footballer.
Twin towns – sister cities:
Voiron is twinned with Bassano del Grappa (Italy), Droitwich Spa (England, United Kingdom), Herford (Germany), and Šibenik (Croatia).
Voiron is a significant economic and administrative center of the department of Isère and has sought to maintain its independence from the Grenoble conurbation. Voiron remains a hidden gem and is an excellent destination for those who love to explore small towns with rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Plan your trip to Voiron today!
