Maison du patrimoine de Hières-sur-Amby

About the museum

The Maison du patrimoine is the archaeological museum of Hières-sur-Amby, in the north of the Isère department. It occupies the former 18th-century presbytery, roofed with lauzes (stone slabs), next to the village church. The building was fully renovated and extended in May 2010. The museum has held the “Musée de France” label since 2002; it preserves, studies and promotes the archaeological heritage of the area.

The trail follows a simple, illustrated chronology from prehistory to the early Middle Ages. It presents the people who lived in the Isle Crémieu, their dwellings, activities, daily life, conflicts and burial rites, through archaeological objects from sites in the area. Highlights include the caves of La Balme, the Larina site, the tomb of a Celtic prince and a Gallo-Roman villa, with maps, models and reconstructions. A room also hosts temporary exhibitions.

The archaeological site of Larina overlooks the village from a rocky spur. A Gallic oppidum, it later housed a large fortified rural estate, occupied continuously for three centuries, at the end of Antiquity and the beginning of the Middle Ages. The site can be visited freely all year round. The museum also offers educational activities, workshops and events, such as evening storytelling and concerts.

Highlights

• Archaeological trail from prehistory to the early Middle Ages
• Caves of La Balme, tomb of a Celtic prince and a Gallo-Roman villa
• Larina site: first a Gallic oppidum, then a fortified ancient estate
• 18th-century presbytery with stone-slab roof, renovated in 2010
• Audio guide included with admission

Permanent exhibitions

• Parcours archéologique de l’Isle Crémieu – The peoples of the Isle Crémieu from prehistory to the early Middle Ages, with objects from sites in the area, maps, models and reconstructions.
• Site archéologique de Larina – Gallic oppidum, later a fortified rural estate of late Antiquity, on a rocky spur overlooking the village; free access all year.

Operated by

Commune de Hières-sur-Amby

Admission & discounts

Rates from January 1 to October 31, 2026: €3.50 full price, €2 reduced. From November 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027: €5 full price and €2 reduced. The audio guide is included. Payment by check, cash or bank transfer. The Larina site is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A lift serves all levels, and the museum is accessible to wheelchair users without assistance. Staff are trained to welcome visitors with disabilities, and workshops and visits adapted to people with intellectual disabilities are offered on request. The village has steps, which may hinder some visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Educational activities for young and old, guided tours for children and archaeology workshops; groups of children receive an educational trail and a discovery booklet. Evening storytelling open to all audiences.

Getting there & parking

By car: A43, Crémieu exit, or A42, Lagnieu exit, then the D65 between Crémieu and Lagnieu. The ViaRhôna runs through the commune.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Restrooms in the museum, shaded picnic area.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit