La Rivière: Trails, Nature and Cultural Heritage

La Rivière combines nature and cultural experiences with different ways to explore the surrounding area. Routes range from an easy 8 km Nordic out-and-back trail to a difficult 23.1 km traverse that takes six hours. There is also a themed forest trail, a 17 km trail in the ENS des Écouges and historic landmarks in the village. Distance, route type and theme are useful points of comparison when planning your trip.

Hiking: Distance, Route Type and Theme

The Les Ecouges route is an easy, 8 km Nordic out-and-back trail. Its themes include wildlife, history and cultural heritage, viewpoints, and the history of the Resistance. The route therefore combines nature and historical themes. It leads to the former Rivet farm, whose viewpoint looks out over the Isère Valley. In winter, check the conditions before setting out.

The “Immersion nature ENS Vercors Isèrois – Variante 2” route is a difficult 23.1 km traverse with a stated duration of six hours. Its classification and measurements may be revised; check these details before your trip. Compared with Les Ecouges, both the route type and the difficulty are different: the easy out-and-back trail is followed by a difficult traverse. The stated distance is also considerably longer. This makes it possible to distinguish between the two routes using specific planning details.

The Sentier des essences forestières has a different thematic focus. This themed trail offers a chance to discover the great diversity of tree species in the Vercors forests. The starting point is at the Pied frais car park above the village of La Rivière. Those especially interested in forests and trees will find a focus on species diversity here; Les Ecouges, by contrast, also covers history and the Resistance.

Forests, Rocks and Water

The Domaine des Écouges covers 918 hectares and is designated as a sensitive natural area. Its landscape includes diverse forests, pastures, rocks, cliffs, meadows and several water sources. Beyond the variety of trees featured on the themed trail, it also showcases a wide range of landscapes. The ENS des Écouges also has a marked 17 km trail with viewpoints over the Isère Plain, as well as streams and waterfalls. The viewpoints look out over the plain, while waterways and cascades are other defining features of the route.

History and Cultural Heritage

The Carrière de meules is a former millstone quarry discovered in 2001. Quarrying may have continued until the 14th century; this dating is uncertain. The site therefore brings together a specific date of discovery and a much earlier, only possible period of use.

The Château de La Rivière was restored in the late 19th century on the foundations of a fortified house documented since the 17th century. The sequence of its former owners can also be traced over time: the château was first owned by the Pourret de Brunière family, briefly passed to the Herculais family, and was taken over by the Ferrier de Montal family from 1845.

The Church of Saint-Joseph in La Rivière was built in the 17th century and has exceptional stained-glass windows. Both its construction date and its windows give the building historical and artistic significance.

A Place to Stop in the Village

Au Petit Creux is a bar, restaurant and grocery store in La Rivière. It welcomes locals as well as visitors passing through. Check the opening hours before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Chantesse, Vernas, Chatte, Villemoirieu, La Morte, Laval, Velanne, Villard-Reculas

For the wider travel overview: Isere.