Larina Plateau and Hières Peat Bog Sensitive Natural Area

Image illustrative — © Conseil Départemental de l'Isère

38118 Hières-sur-Amby

The Plateau de Larina and Tourbière de Hières Sensitive Natural Area boasts a mosaic of remarkable natural habitats. Cliffs, dry grasslands and wetlands are home to exceptional biodiversity.

Situated between the Rhône plain and the limestone plateau, the Plateau de Larina and Tourbière de Hières Sensitive Natural Area covers 236 hectares. This vast natural area is characterised by the diversity of its landscapes and the richness of its biodiversity, with over 1,200 animal and plant species recorded.

The site boasts a remarkable variety of natural habitats. On the plateau, cliffs, scree slopes, rocky outcrops and dry grasslands create environments particularly favourable to flora and fauna adapted to dry, sunny conditions.
Further down, the peat bog offers a completely different landscape, characterised by cladium grasslands, reed beds, springs and damp woodland. This complementarity between dry habitats and wetlands is one of the ENS’s great ecological assets.

Two nature trails, marked with signs depicting the peregrine falcon, allow visitors to explore this environment throughout the seasons. The site is home to 113 species of birds, including the Eurasian eagle-owl, the white-bellied swift and the red-backed shrike. And if you look closely, you can admire some of the 609 plant species found in the ENS, such as the red pasque flower, the sand sainfoin and the fragrant orchid.

The ENS is also of major heritage significance thanks to the Larina archaeological site. Occupied for nearly 3,000 years, this ancient site bears witness to the successive human settlements and activities that have taken place on this promontory overlooking the village of Hières-sur-Amby and its alluvial plain.