Hières-sur-Amby: Heritage, Nature and Climbing

Hières-sur-Amby brings together archaeological heritage, designated natural areas, a circular hiking route, cycling and climbing as different travel interests. When looking for a hotel, it may help to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: would you mainly like to discover the history of Larina, spend time outdoors or explore the climbing routes?

Heritage in Hières-sur-Amby

The Maison du Patrimoine has been officially recognised as a Musée de France since 17 September 2003. Established in 1985 using archaeological excavation collections from the hilltop settlement of Larina in Hières-sur-Amby, it is housed in a former 18th-century rectory, right next to the village church. The museum presents the history of the region’s population from prehistoric times through to the Early Middle Ages. It offers a way to explore history through its collection and exhibits, while Larina itself preserves evidence of human settlement from the same period as an archaeological site.

The site of Larina has been classified as a Monument historique since 1983. A hiking trail leads there from the Maison du Patrimoine; Larina can be visited year-round without access restrictions. Another historical highlight is the parish church of Saint-Pierre, which preserves two side chapels dating from the 15th century.

Hiking, cycling and climbing

A circular hiking route leads from the Maison du Patrimoine to the ENS of the Larina plateaus. Its measurements offer concrete guidance for planning the walk: the route is 5.8 km long and involves 200 m of ascent. This lets you take both distance and elevation gain into account when planning.

The ViaRhôna is also an option for cycling. It runs alongside Hières-sur-Amby and provides access to local heritage and the landscapes along the banks of the Rhône. Cyclists can therefore explore both cultural attractions and riverside scenery.

The Hières-sur-Amby climbing wall has 56 routes graded from 3 to 7b. At the Pilier de la Vierge, the routes range in height from 22 to 80 m. Access is via the La Ruine and Mont Mort sectors, on the outskirts of the village in the direction of Torjonas. The grades and heights describe different aspects of the climbing area.

Protected landscapes and nature

The ENS of the Larina plateaus comprises a mosaic of heathland, dry grasslands and oak forests. Its cliffs provide nesting sites for peregrine falcons. Since 2019, a prefectural order protecting habitats has strengthened protection for the Tourbière de Hières. The ENS of the peat bog and lake is home to remarkable biodiversity and provides an important habitat for birds and other wildlife. The area’s natural environment thus encompasses both the plateau habitats and the wetland and lake.

The Cascade de Verbois, a natural waterfall, is also located near the climbing area.

Discover more destinations: Lans-En-Vercors, Clavans-en-Haut-Oisans, Colombe, Dolomieu, Chuzelles, Jarcieu, Uriage-Les-Bains, Moissieu-Sur-Dolon.

For the wider travel overview: Isere.