Tour à pied du plateau de Larina par Hières-sur-Amby et Vernas

Plan a picnic break in the small village of Chatelans. A shelter with toilets is available.

This route is recommended at daybreak or early in the morning to enjoy beautiful morning light from the Larina plateau, which you will reach in around twenty minutes. You will arrive at a clear view above the Val d'Amby, a limestone fault which offers a mosaic of landscapes.

The Cingle Fortified House in Vernas Built in the 14th century, its name comes from the Latin word "cingulum" meaning "surrounded by water", which is hardly surprising when you see the omnipresence of water in Vernas with its many fountains! Legend has it that the castle was built by a giant with seven daughters whose suitors were devoured by the beast Pharamine who changed the girls into fountain fairies...

1 – Go down the main street. At the wash house, turn right into the street which becomes a dirt road.

2 – At the “Sous la Madone” post (218 m), take a stony path on the left which climbs the cliff.

3 – On the plateau, turn left. Leave the wide path leading to the necropolis, take the path going down to the left.

4 – At the “Fontaine de la Vie” signpost (375 m), continue straight ahead. After the first chicane, take a wide path to the left (former rampart). At the second chicane, cross the road and after 100 m turn left onto a good path that leads to the edge of the cliff. Bear left and follow the cliff to the “Mollard de Bourcieu” signpost (405 m).

5 – Continue left towards Chatelans. Cross the plateau. The path eventually comes out onto the road that leads to the archaeological site (signpost “Chemin du Charbonnier”).

6 – Turn right to the picturesque village of Chatelans. Go back up the road (montée des Biesses then chemin de la Serra).

7 – At the “Mollard Subin” post (404 m), continue towards Vernas. At the “Chemin de la Serra” post (300 m), take a path on the left which goes up briefly before going down and coming out onto the road near the Vernas town hall (stairs).

8 – Take the road on the right; pass several fountains and wells (bell-shaped) to reach the Saint Joseph chapel (post). Continue on the road, take a dirt road on the left at the entrance to Bourcieu. At the “Bourcieu” post, turn right then left at the fountain, take the Chemin du Lac which leads back to the “Sous la Madone” post (218 m).

2- Return to the car park via the 2nd path.