Izieu is a small village located in the Ain department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. It gained international r…
Best for you if…
Izieu is a strong pick for historical tour of maison d'izieu & exploring the surrounding nature — plan about 3-5 days days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: July and August.
Solid guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 58/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈5 km span)
High season: July and August
Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · October
10-20°C
10-20°C
20-30°C
0-10°C
Izieu is a small commune located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Despite its size, it holds historical significance as the site of the tragic Izieu massacre during World War II. If you are planning a visit to Izieu, here are some ways to reach this historic destination:
The nearest major airport to Izieu is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, which is approximately 80 kilometers away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach Izieu. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from Lyon to a nearby town and then continue your journey to Izieu via local transportation.
Izieu is not directly accessible by train, but you can take a train to the nearby city of Lyon and then continue your journey by bus or car. Lyon has excellent rail connections with major cities in France and Europe, making it a convenient starting point for visiting Izieu.
If you prefer driving, Izieu can be reached by car via the A43 motorway. From Lyon, take the A43 towards Chambéry/Grenoble and exit at Junction 10. Then, follow the signs to Izieu. The journey takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic conditions.
There are limited bus services available to Izieu. You can take a bus from Lyon to a nearby town such as Belley or Montalieu-Vercieu and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach Izieu. It is advisable to check the bus schedules in advance as they may vary depending on the season.
If you are an avid cyclist, you can explore the scenic countryside of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region by biking to Izieu. There are several cycling routes that pass through the area, offering a unique and eco-friendly way to reach your destination.
Once you arrive in Izieu, you will be captivated by its serene surroundings and the poignant history that unfolded here. Take the time to visit the Memorial Museum of the Children of Izieu and pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. It is a place that reminds us of the importance of remembrance and the need to learn from the past.
Izieu is a small village located in the Ain department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. It gained international recognition due to a tragic event that occurred during World War II. On April 6, 1944, the village's Jewish orphanage was raided by the Gestapo, resulting in the arrest of 44 children and 7 adults who were residing there.
The orphanage, known as Maison d'Izieu, was established in 1943 by Sabine Zlatin and her husband Miron. It provided a safe haven for Jewish children who had been separated from their families due to the persecution and deportation carried out by the Nazis. The children came from various backgrounds and countries, seeking refuge from the horrors of the Holocaust.
The raid on the Maison d'Izieu was part of a larger operation by the Gestapo to arrest Jewish children and send them to concentration camps. The children and adults who were taken from Izieu were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where they were tragically killed. Only one of the children, Léa Feldblum, survived the Holocaust.
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
2 places mapped for this destination
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
~5.5 km path
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
Most travelers spend about 3-5 days days in Izieu, France.
High season is typically July and August.
Travelers often find better value in March, April, October.
Izieu suits Historical tour of Maison d'Izieu, Exploring the surrounding nature, Visiting nearby vineyards.
Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.
Book Maison d'Izieu tickets in advance
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