Discovering the treasures of the Dauphiné and the region around Saint-Clair-de-la-Tour
Set between Lyon, Grenoble, Chambéry and Annecy, Le 10 – Reflets dans l’Eau enjoys an ideal position for exploring a region that is often overlooked, yet full of riches.
Northern Dauphiné is often seen as little more than a corridor between Lyon, Savoy and the Alps. Yet it holds plenty of surprises for those who take the time to explore it.
Turquoise lakes, family castles, medieval towns, characterful villages and major cities all within reach by car: there is more than enough to fill a stay. Or you might choose to do nothing at all.
Some of our guests spend several days without ever leaving the garden, moving between the terrace, the pond and the pool. And they are often right to.
On your arrival, we will be happy to share our recommendations based on what you feel like doing.
Water is woven into the story of Le 10. So it feels only natural to point you toward some of our favourite waterside landscapes.
Lake Paladru sits amid rolling hills. Cycle around the lake, swim in supervised areas… and for the curious, an archaeological museum displays the remains of two submerged villages found beneath the lake: one Neolithic, the other medieval. Unexpected, to say the least.
Quite possibly one of the most beautiful lakes in France, and one of the warmest, with water reaching up to 28°C in summer. Its emerald waters, the absence of motorboats and its unspoiled setting give it a unique atmosphere.
Half a day of total unwinding. This is our number-one recommendation.
Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, offers magnificent scenery where water meets mountain. Take the chance to explore Aix-les-Bains, with its lively terraces, beaches and elegance, then continue to the far shore to reach the Abbaye de Hautecombe, burial place of the princes of the House of Savoy and the kings of Italy.
The village of Chanaz is crossed by the Canal de Savières.
A charming stop, with its old houses, waterside terraces and unhurried pace.
Behind the village’s unassuming appearance lies one of the Dauphiné’s finest treasures — one that many pass by without ever noticing.
In the Chapelle des Anges, the 11th-century Romanesque frescoes rank among the best preserved in France.
An hour’s visit is enough, and you leave with the feeling of having discovered something precious.
The best-preserved medieval town in the region.
With its ramparts, medieval market halls and cobbled lanes, Crémieu is one of the most beautiful historic towns nearby.
A simple, pleasant walk, best done on foot in the morning, before the visitors arrive.
450 years in the same family.
Moats, a drawbridge, richly decorated rooms, and guided tours led by the count himself.
A story not unlike that of Le 10 — all modesty aside.
Built around the year 1000, this castle is one of the emblems of the Dauphiné.
Its architecture, gardens and history make it a particularly rewarding visit.
For those ready to lace up their hiking boots: panoramic views of the Alps, deep forests and mountain trails.
Or, more simply, a walk up to the Grande Chartreuse monastery.
And on the way, why not stop at the Musée de la Grande Chartreuse in Voiron?
Our tip: try Chartreuse-flavoured ice cream, surprisingly hard to find outside the region. All the better for us!
About 40 minutes away, Pérouges is a fortified medieval village listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
Cobblestone lanes, 15th-century craftsmen’s houses and, of course, the “galette de Pérouges” — a specialty you genuinely won’t find anywhere else.
Just a few minutes from Le 10, La Tour-du-Pin is a lively small town with its old market halls.
Every Tuesday and Saturday morning, farmers, market gardeners, cheesemongers and craftspeople bring the town centre to life.
A great opportunity to put together a meal of local produce, to be enjoyed afterwards on the terrace at Le 10.
About 40 minutes away, Lyon is well worth the trip.
Vieux Lyon, its gastronomy and bouchons, museums, traboules and UNESCO-listed heritage make the capital of the Gauls an unmissable destination.
Our tip: take the train from La Tour-du-Pin and enjoy your day without worrying about parking.
The former capital of the Dukes of Savoy, Chambéry charms visitors with its heritage and its way of life.
The Château des Ducs de Savoie, the Fontaine des Éléphants — affectionately nicknamed the “Quatre-Sans-Cul” by locals — the old covered passageways and the Saturday morning market all make it a lovely destination for a day out.
50 minutes from Le 10, the “Venice of the Alps” shares that same fascination with water and invites you to simply wander. From its historic canals to the great lawn of the Pâquier right by the lake, Annecy offers an exceptional setting where water and heritage meet beautifully.
Literally a stone’s throw from Le 10, Walibi Rhône-Alpes is the region’s theme park.
36 rides, three themed areas and activities open to children from 90 cm tall: plan for the full day.
About 15 minutes away, a local, artisanal, indulgent address.
Small, warm, and perfect for a gentle break with the children.
The trails of the Vals du Dauphiné, the Chartreuse massif or the foothills of the Avant-Pays Savoyard offer plenty of options for walks, from easy family strolls to more demanding routes.
We are always happy to suggest a few routes depending on the season, your mood and your fitness level.
What if the best plan were simply to stay right here?
After a few outings, many of our guests find themselves coming back to the essentials: a coffee on the terrace, the reflection of the trees in the pond, a heron passing quietly by, or a summer evening by the water.
After all, that is also why Le 10 is called “Reflets dans l’Eau.”