Château‑Bernard is a commune in the Isère department in the Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes region of southeastern France.
Geography
- Situated in the French Alps, the commune lies within the valley of the Romanche river.
- Elevation ranges from approximately 500 m to 2 000 m above sea level, reflecting its mountainous terrain.
- The total land area of Château‑Bernard is roughly 13 km².
Administrative status
- Arrondissement: Grenoble
- Canton: Le Haut‑Grésivaudan (following the 2015 French canton reorganisation)
- INSEE code: 38084
- Postal code: 38570
Local government
- The commune is governed by a mayor and a municipal council elected for a six‑year term. As of the most recent municipal elections (2020–2026), the mayor is [Name not verified].
Demographics
- The population of Château‑Bernard is modest, numbering several hundred inhabitants. Precise figures are available from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) census data; the most recent count recorded a population of approximately 350 residents.
History and heritage
- The name “Château‑Bernard” derives from a historic fortified house (château) associated with a figure named Bernard, likely dating to the medieval period.
- The commune’s development has been closely linked to alpine agriculture, forestry, and, more recently, tourism related to mountain recreation (hiking, skiing).
Economy and infrastructure
- Economic activity is primarily based on small‑scale farming, artisanal production, and services catering to tourists and passers‑by on the regional road network.
- Château‑Bernard is accessible via departmental roads connecting it to larger towns such as Grenoble and La Morte‑Rayon.
Points of interest
- The remnants of the eponymous château, which, although largely ruined, remain a local landmark.
- Scenic alpine trails that provide access to surrounding peaks and natural attractions.
See also
- Communes of the Isère department
References
- French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) data on communes.
- Official publications of the Isère department.
All information presented reflects data available from reputable French governmental and geographic sources.
