It is divided on the territory of two communes by the Gland, which here forms the Glandieu waterfall.
The northern part of Glandieu is annexed to the commune of Groslée-Saint-Benoît.
Besides the waterfall, Glandieu is also known for its cave and lake.
Unlike the other "ieu" toponyms of the region (Izieu, Peyrieu, etc.
), Glandieu derives its name from the Gallic and from the roots "glano" (pure) and "eu" (water).