Vernas combines a varied architectural heritage with a hike to the Plateau de Larina and a climbing site. Its historic landmarks range from two châteaux and the Chapelle Saint-Joseph to the privately owned Église Saint-Martin; washhouses, fountains and a megalithic monument complete the picture of the area.
Buildings with Different Stories
The Château du Cingle was probably built by the Pèlerin family in the second half of the 14th century. Three sections of the building enclose a rectangular courtyard; on the west side, a tall wall with a round-arched portal closes off the courtyard. The façades and roofs, as well as the fireplace in the corner room on the first floor, are partly protected as historic monuments. The courtyard complex and the explicitly protected features offer different ways to explore the architecture of the Château du Cingle.
The Château de Verna includes a square keep dating from the 14th century. Its façades and roofs, the grand staircase and stairwell, and the landscaped section of the gardens are protected. At the Château du Cingle, the courtyard and portal provide a distinctive indication of the layout; at the Château de Verna, the keep, staircase and garden area are among its defining features.
The Chapelle Saint-Joseph takes you back to a different era: Raymond Dauphin de Verna and Bonne Pourroy founded it between 1623 and 1650. The chapel was blessed in 1651 and restored in 1978. Its founding, blessing and restoration mark three distinct stages in its history.
The privately owned Église Saint-Martin in Vernas was built between 1840 and 1844 and has been disused since 1946. Since 2021, the Anrev association has been pursuing a restoration project. The church’s construction, disuse and subsequent project form a distinct historical sequence.
Rural Heritage
Vernas’s rural heritage includes numerous washhouses and fountains. A megalithic monument in the area is known as the “tombe du général” or “tombe du char.” Together with the châteaux and religious buildings, this heritage broadens the focus beyond individual large buildings: communal structures and a named monument are also part of the area’s cultural heritage.
Hiking, Climbing and Relaxation
Vernas is on the freely accessible “Tour du plateau de Larina par Hières-sur-Amby et Vernas” hiking route. The route leads to the Plateau de Larina, with its cliffs and archaeological site. Alongside the buildings in the area, this clearly named hike offers a way to combine physical activity with a visit to a landscape of archaeological significance.
The Site d'escalade de Vernas climbing site can be reached by taking the road towards Hières-sur-Amby. Parking is available near the Chapelle Saint-Joseph; from there, a 150-metre path leads to the site on the right. Check the route information before your visit.
In the centre of Vernas, there is a landscaped park with a children’s playground, a green space for relaxation, football and boules courts, and a tennis court. As the condition of visitor facilities can change, it is advisable to check before your visit.
Choose a Holiday Rental Based on Your Interests
If you are looking for a holiday rental in Vernas, your preferred focus for the stay can help guide your choice: architectural history, the hike to the Plateau de Larina or the climbing site appeal to different interests.
Discover more destinations: Eybens, Corbelin, Heyrieux, Valjouffrey, Chichilianne, Hières-sur-Amby, Saint-Appolinard, Séchilienne
For the broader travel overview: Isere.
