Presles, Isère

Presles, Isère
Name	Presles
Arrondissement	Grenoble
Canton	Le Sud Grésivaudan
Insee	38323
Postal code	38680
Elevation min m	200
Elevation max m	1861
Area km2	25.68
Population	93
Population date	2021

Presles, Isère. Nestled within the Dauphiné region, this small commune is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes administrative region and lies in the arrondissement of Grenoble. Situated in the foothills of the Vercors Massif, its territory is characterized by rugged limestone landscapes and deep gorges, notably those of the Bourne river. The village offers a strategic vantage point over the Isère valley and the broader Grenoble basin.

Geography

The commune is located on the western edge of the Vercors Regional Natural Park, with its terrain rising sharply from the valley floor to the high plateaus. The Bourne river has carved the dramatic Gorges de la Bourne, a significant geographical feature that defines its southern boundary. This karstic landscape is part of the Préalpes and features numerous caves and resurgences, such as those found in the Grotte de la Luire system further east. The area is bordered by other communes like Rencurel and Choranche, with its highest point approaching the Grand Veymont sector of the Vercors Massif.

History

Human presence dates to prehistory, with evidence of occupation in the many caves of the Vercors. During the Middle Ages, the land was under the control of the Bishop of Grenoble and later the Dauphin of Viennois. It was integrated into the Kingdom of France following the Treaty of Paris in 1355. The area saw significant activity during the French Wars of Religion, with the nearby Château de Sassenage playing a role. In the 19th century, the construction of the Route des Gorges de la Bourne improved access. During World War II, the Vercors became a major stronghold for the French Resistance, with the Maquis du Vercors using the isolated plateaus around Presles for operations.

Population

The population has remained small and stable, typical of many rural communes in the Alps. The 2021 census recorded 93 inhabitants, a figure consistent with decades of demographic data. This low density reflects the challenging mountainous terrain and a historical trend of rural exodus towards urban centers like Grenoble and Valence. The settlement pattern is dispersed, with the main village and several hamlets, such as Les Roberts and Les Michals.

Administration

Presles is part of the Le Sud Grésivaudan canton within the Grenoble arrondissement. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Cour d'appel de Grenoble and the Académie de Grenoble for educational matters. The commune is a member of the Communauté de communes du Massif du Vercors, an inter-municipal cooperation structure focused on development within the natural park. Local governance involves a municipal council elected every six years, responsible for managing services in this remote area.

Economy

The local economy has historically been based on agro-pastoralism, particularly sheep farming, which has shaped the landscape of open alpine pastures. Forestry remains a small-scale activity. In recent decades, the economy has shifted towards green tourism and outdoor recreation, leveraging its location within the Vercors Regional Natural Park. Activities such as hiking, caving, and climbing attract visitors, with some residents offering gîte accommodations. There is minimal industry, with most commercial and employment needs met in larger towns like Pont-en-Royans or Villard-de-Lans.

Culture and heritage

The cultural identity is deeply tied to the Vercors and its history of resistance. The Église Saint-Pierre dates from the 19th century and features a distinctive bell tower. The surrounding natural heritage is paramount, including the classified site of the Gorges de la Bourne and proximity to the Cirque de Combe Laval. Local traditions are celebrated through community events, often linked to pastoral life. The area is also known for its proximity to significant natural sites like the Grottes de Choranche and the Musée de la Résistance de Vassieux-en-Vercors, which commemorates the region's role in World War II.

Category:Communes of Isère