12 places where to make speleology in Ardèche

Come and make speleology in Ardèche! You will discover this department from a very unique angle!

You know his throats, you probably heard of his rivers and Pont d’Arc? Get out of the beaten paths and consider the Ardèche in a different day, taking back to the heart of history and geology. Explored from the Prehistory, the subsoils of the department are rich in incredible underground cavities that will make you discover the Ardèche from the inside. If speleology is a way to learn more about the ardéchois basement, it is also a sport. It is therefore an activity that requires a good physical and mental condition. Passionate about speleology or you simply want to try a new original sports activity? You will find the spot adapted to your expectations among the 12 places where to make speleology in Ardèche. Don’t forget your helmet!

1. The Aven Cave of the Coasts

Located near Aubenas, the Aven de Côtes cave is a beautiful example of an ardéchoise limestone structure. You'll try the reminder from the first meters of your getaway! After six meters of descent, you will reach an underground river and several rooms that will allow you to admire beautiful concretions. You will then turn around and start a portion of ramping, then de-escalation. You will continue by flying in the mud, then you will go up by a speleo scale.

If this outing of speleology in Ardèche requires very little or no knowledge of speleology, it is nevertheless important to possess a good physical condition to succeed in completing the course in its entirety. Only children over 10 years and adults are accepted.

2. The cave of the Two Avens

If you have already passed under the Pont d’Arc in canoë-kayak , try the experience of a discovery of the places from an underground angle. Admire the traces of more than two million history by plunging vertically into the entrails of the Earth!

No need to be an expert in splendology to try this course. On the other hand, it is a great opportunity to try the reminder and the ramping. Count thirty minutes of approach walk. Children must be old 8 years minimum .

3. Saint-Marcel Cave – The Giant Boiler

With more than 2 km of galleries, an underground lake, a recall descent, a rise on a speleo scale, you will spend an unforgettable day of speleology in Ardèche! You will discover the joys of this nature activity, while accessing the geological treasures of Ardèche.

4. The cave of Chasserou

Have you ever seen crystals dating from several millennia or traces of cave bears? A special outing in Ardèche in the cave of Chasserou, not far from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc You'll guide it.

This is the opportunity to dive into our prehistoric past. This course is authorized for children over 12 years . Count about thirty minutes of approach walk.

5. La Fontaine de Champclos

Located not far from the Vans, La Fontaine du Champclos is the ideal site to observe beautiful concretions and enter the gigantic room of the "Mont-Blanc" which measures more than 80 m high.

This whole day of underground trekking is an opportunity to cut off your time by discovering the hidden treasures of the Ardèche. Only adults and children over 12 years are accepted for this special session in Ardèche. Count about 30 minutes of approach walking.

6. The cave of the White Cross

Your children dream of speleology in Ardèche? Located about ten kilometers south of Aubenas, in Vinezac, the cave of the White Cross is perfect for making its first weapons in speleology. Access to galleries is particularly simple and the terrain is ideal for discovering the joys of underground life with young children.

The most difficult but very affordable part is the first portion. You will indeed have to crawl on sand before you discover a river and reach beautiful rooms and their concretions. Once you get to the syphon, you'll have to turn around. This route is accessible to children of over 5 years .

7. The Youth Cave

You're starting in speleology? This site is ideal for you. As its name suggests, the youth cave is particularly recommended for an elderly audience. After a short four-legged passage, you will follow along an underground river to admire the stalactites and stalagmites of the youth cave.

The second part of the cave is also indicated to discover the ardéchois geological world. Simply count five minutes to access the site. Although this spot is interesting for the youngest, it is nevertheless inaccessible to children under 5 years .

8. The Superior Event of Foussoubie

Have you ever climbed or speleology and have a good physical shape? So this special release in Ardèche, not far from Salavas, is made for you!

With well descents, block passages, mulling passages, reminders, an underground river and great concretions, you will not regret your day! This crossing is reserved for more participants 12 years .

9. The Cave of Côtepatière

Ideal for a family outing and for beginners, the Cave of the Côpatière allows you to discover the speleology in Ardèche without fear and without risk.

You will see great concretions and enjoy the strange sensation of listening to underground noises, light off. Children must have more than 7 years . Count about 5 minutes of approach walking.

10. The Cave of the Cordier

This speleological outing in Ardèche is indicated for people with a good physical condition, but having little or never discovered the earth seen from below. Between descent as a reminder, narrow passages, ramping, galleries and huge halls, you will appreciate the beauty of the ardéchoise mineral richness.

Children must have more than 14 years . Count thirty minutes of approach to access the site.

11. La Fontaine de Vedel

Located near Vans, this cavity is the opportunity to work your technique and spend you. Between sporting passages and recall sessions, you can admire beautiful concretions.

It will not be a matter of fear of moisture, because you will borrow a partially flooded gallery sheltered by a molding vault! Count thirty minutes of approach walk. Children must be old 8 years minimum .

12. The cave of Peyroche

This cave located near Ruoms is a great opportunity to discover the Ardéchois underground world and, on the same occasion, a new sporting activity. You can indeed make a reminder, crawl and go in search of concretions.

Go alone, with friends or with family. Count 5 minutes to approach. Children under 8 years are not accepted.

Are you ready to discover one of the 12 places where to make speleology in Ardèche?