FORESTIERE AVEN CAVE
A self-guided tour equipped with professional headlamps
FORESTIERE AVEN CAVE
A self-guided tour equipped with professional headlamps
Reading time for the Ardèche cave text: 2 years, three months, 7 days, 14 hours and 28 minutes.
Speed reading with zero brain cells engaged: 17 seconds (read this on the toilet to avoid messing up the house).
So when exactly do you open?
Here we are, the doors to happiness's lair are wide open… Check opening days and times on the "Hours and Rates" page.
Seeing one cave doesn't mean you've seen them all! No two are truly alike. A real feast for the mind, with all these incredibly varied crystalline formations.
Fair warning: the quality of your visit is in your hands. While the forest cave does boast the second-longest developed pathway in Ardèche, if you just walk through without stopping, you could breeze through your visit in no time. A cave isn't meant to be rushed through—it's meant to be savored. Most visitors spend between 50 minutes and an hour exploring, though some spend an hour and a half or more soaking in the cave's relaxing atmosphere. By reading the new information panels that replace the old guides and following the various tips provided at the entrance before your visit, you'll greatly enhance your experience. So your satisfaction really does rest in your hands—the cave has far more to offer than we're sometimes capable of taking in.
More than just a natural cave to visit, it's a destination for families, couples in love or just getting by, with wooden skill games, mini-golf, go-karts, big sandboxes, quirky little huts… and more. All included with cave admission for adults and children.
So what's new this year?
This year we're offering children ages 6 to 14 (for a cave visit) a "Mystery Expedition" that involves answering various questions and making observations. Why this name? Well, because life is a real mystery and because a long time ago, going underground was a true expedition. If the questions are answered correctly (to find the secret phrase), we give the children a stone (this doesn't come from the cave). BWell, we'll give it to them even if they don't earn it... But shh, don't tell them that, or they'll stop trying altogether.
Why is the entrance fee lower than other attractions?
Why is the entrance fee for the cave visit lower than other caves in the region? Well, why indeed? Oh yes, that's right, why? Because we live on love and fresh water (well, filtered love water and filtered water, not to mention rainbow unicorns)…
The entrance fee is lower because we understand that our visitors are families like ours, struggling with the cost of living (not to mention other expenses) who pay way too much for gas and have to tighten their belts even on vacation. For these reasons, we haven't raised our prices and instead we're giving gifts to children this year. Since we don't have the same staff costs as other caves (no tour guides), we only pay for our surface staff and the person monitoring the cave and visitors' safety. That doesn't stop the tax office, social security, and landlords from taking their cut like any good French business. But it lets us pass some savings on to you (we're not rolling in it), so here's our pricing: Adults €12 from age 15, Children €8 from age 6. Free for ages 0-5.
La Forestière is therefore the most affordable cave in the region, across all galaxies in the universe and beyond (according to Buzz Lightyear after his visit in 2108).
We also include cave access and all the games for children ages 0-5. "No, Robert, you're not 5 years old, you're 67 and a half; we're talking about your actual age, not your mental age!" Robert, finish your beer and get back to your room!
That said, if you'd like to support our family and the upkeep of the many activities included with admission, there are donation boxes on site: "please, for the baby..."
So what's actually worth seeing in Forester's Cave?
It's not just about seeing and admiring—it's about experiencing and feeling. It's a place to truly live in, and the Forestiere Aven Cave with just sixty or so steps, is easy to explore—no crawling, no climbing needed—it's not technical caving.
This isn't a recreation like Lascaux or Chauvet 2, impressive as those reconstructions are.
The cauliflower-like crystalline formations (resembling coral) are amazing. This is the only cave in the region with formations like these. The tree roots are unique in Europe, both in variety and quantity.
The cave also features most known crystalline formations, giving the impression of being inside a jewel box, a human-sized geode.
Plus, the cave protects us from the intense heat with its natural air conditioning at 12.3°C (bring a sweater or jacket—it's chilly due to high humidity levels—we can help out a few scatterbrained visitors), and it also shields us from rain and storms, functioning like a massive reassuring umbrella.
No reservation neededit can be visited in an original way by reading comic strip panels, while lighting your way with powerful headlamps provided to everyone from age three onwards (a single lamp's power is equivalent to a car's headlight). Being able to explore without a guide, without time limits, and with caving lamps offers a very different experience from what you'd typically get on a standard cave tour.
It makes you aware of what's happening within you, keeps you truly present to the natural setting, and nature's gift is offering you genuine peace of mind thanks to your brain shifting into both alertness and relaxation waves (even claustrophobes manage to visit). This causes a significant decrease in mental load (thanks to this, a woman can finally experience a man's brain. See the book: "Nothingness for Dummies") making room for a delightful peace of mind.
However, like all things, timing is key to the process. The tour isn't a hike but an exploration, a journey where you must stop to discover with your lamp the many nooks and crannies.
For those who dream of spending real time in a cave without the lights cutting out before you've admired all the crystalline formations, and who want to snap photos or even scratch behind their ears between naps—well, these folks are going to be absolutely thrilled.
Finally, a place where you can truly disconnect. Your cell phone will feel pointless, except for taking pictures. In remote Ardèche, 5G stands for: Gégé, Germaine, Gaston, Gabrielle, and Gaëtan. Underground, there's no signal, no notifications, no calls. That's partly why serenity reigns here. We're protected, like in a cocoon. But don't worry—outside, if you stand on one leg with your arm in the air, you can Instagram or InstaKilogram (depending on your screen time diet).
For visits or activities, no reservations needed. I repeat: NO reservations. So you don't need to reserve, make a reservation, or book anything because we don't do reservations.
These Gauls are absolutely crazy!
If the visit really isn't your cup of tea because you can't slow down and won't stay to relax, we can work something out—either a partial refund or full refund if you bail after five minutes. We want you leaving happy, not just lighter in the wallet. But we're not so naive as to be fooled by people who finish their dishes at a restaurant and then, after free digestifs, complain the meal was bad... just to avoid paying the bill.
So who's the old gentleman and this magnificent cave creature?
Who are they? Nicolas holds a state certificate and a state diploma in speleology, and Virginie is a lithotherapy consultant and bracelet maker.
They welcome you warmly at the forest sinkhole cave site in Ardèche, several hundred kilometers from Poitou-Charentes. Nicolas, in 1978, visits an undeveloped cave with a summer camp from Lillebonne (Normandy) at just 5 years old, still blond and not yet gray—it's a true revelation. Standing before a gallery plunged into darkness and learning the cave continues for about ten kilometers awakens in him a powerful desire to explore. After several years of practice in federally-recognized clubs, he enters professional training and graduates with a state diploma in 2003. He works for 22 years in the region connecting with people from all walks of life.
Virginie has always been a gem, so making bracelets becomes a natural calling. But that's not all... She has her fingers in everything, a creator at heart with talent and ideas when it comes to sharing. Also passionate about speleology, it's during underground adventures that crystals fascinate her—like an inner calling—and this calling will guide and shape her.
She innovates every year with new magnificent jewelry creations.
When was this cave discovered anyway?
Its crystalline landscape earned it a first name: "the crystal cave." So richly crystallized, it fascinates with its resemblance to coral sea beds.
But its greatest uniqueness remains linked to the presence of tree roots hanging from the ceilings. Seeing the forest from below is truly special.
The cave is a genuine laboratory for studying minerals and plants. Panels throughout the cave explain many things about the discovery and the underground world, with the latest updates on scientific findings.
To get an idea of the site, check out the video below on this page.
Looks like our old friend and his partner haven't stopped running around for ten years...
Buckle up, things are about to move... slowly. We'll be cruising at a minimum speed of 0.2 km/h.
Welcome to Ardèche, just minutes from the stunning Ardèche Gorges. We're incredibly proud to be the world's first naturally-developed cave—yes, I said the world—daring to embrace degrowth. To prove it, we removed all electrical wiring (except emergency lighting, the hair dryer outlet, and the bubble bath).
"When we arrived in 2017, we spent four months hauling out around 600 kilos of garbage of every description. Back in the 70s and 80s, there was an underground zoo here, and when it closed down, all the equipment was just left to rot in place. In caves, damage isn't always visible—hidden by the natural darkness."
Last winter, we finally got the town council to see reason, and after removing nearly 2 tons of cables, the cave feels much more serene and peaceful now. It's like when the power goes out in a house—everything becomes very quiet (once Robert stops yelling because the TV cut out during the big football match! Or his wife loses her voice from screaming).
Could you repeat the question?!
This page offers all the information you need for comfort. There are repetitions throughout the site because my wife is hard of hearing, and after 38 years, three months, two days, three minutes, and 32 seconds together, repetition has become our habit. Plus, I have a 32-megabyte memory, which doesn't help. And being half-Swedish, I'm naturally blonde—well, gray-white now—but I suspect my wife dyes my hair at night, jealous of my natural beauty with L'Oréal, because I'm worth it. She's trying to sabotage me.
Dad, did you remember to make a reservation?
So, without needing reservations or advance bookings for the cave or outdoor activities, plan for a good half-day or more (especially with kids), since the site really lends itself to lounging around and having fun. Bring a picnic—we encourage it with a dozen shaded tables plus plenty of snack bar tables you can use.
Great, we can have a picnic! And have fun...
In the woods in the shade, escaping the intense heat. The dream: being able to play while enjoying a special vacation sandwich.
Don't forget that in Ardèche you need to manage your waste, as there are no garbage containers at tourist sites. Everything is centralized in towns and villages. Mother-in-law, if you want to get rid of your son-in-law's body, don't try squeezing him into a recycling bin—instead consider dropping him in the Ardèche Gorges where the Bearded Vultures hang out. It's eco-responsible recycling and magnificent to watch. Plus, it saves you 20 years in prison for just doing some useful and vital housekeeping.
I'm so excited to visit with Snowy!
Dogs allowed in the cave, but leashed and only after being drained, wrung out, and dried (we remind you that clothes dryers aren't suitable for our four-legged friends, and save the microwave for your kids in emergencies).
For dogs, visiting a cave isn't ideal, and out of respect, you must watch constantly that they don't mark territory. They might get scared and drag you out as fast as possible (and it works!). If your furry friend can stay at the campground, that's better for them and you. But if that's not possible, they'll be happily welcomed.
Who's this visit for?
For romantic couples, families, young children and babies, happy retirees, and tired pre-retirees.
The visit is suited for people who love contemplation, relaxation, magnificent nature, and who enjoy taking their time to live, knowing it might be their last day on earth (or underground, which could turn this beautiful day into a sort of funeral rehearsal). You smell that? No? That's strange, it smells like pine! Oh wait, sorry, that's the smell of the tree roots coming down from the ceiling.
To have a good visit, you've understood by now, you need to know how to take your time—peace of mind is a process, sometimes it can be immediate, but often, like everything else, it's time that helps us succeed.
If you take a walk in a city park without stopping to smell the flowers, admire the trees, and watch birds fly, how long will the stroll last? If in a museum you don't admire the artworks, how long do you think the visit will last?!
Here, at Aven Forestière cave, the average visit lasts about an hour. You know, if a cave guide does a continuous walk without stopping, twenty minutes is enough to finish the path.
So even if this duration is longer than what most men are generally capable of with their wives (in terms of attentive listening), it's very short and frustrating when you can stay as long as you want.
Who's this NOT really for?
For restless types (though maybe the underground world naturally calms restless spirits), people who can't sit still, who need constant stimulation to feel engaged—for these folks, there's no dopamine rush here. It's more subtle. So there's no point coming. Caverns with sound and light shows would suit them better (or wine cellars or dungeons). We don't have go-go dancers or swimsuit-wearing majorettes.
We dream of attracting only nature-conscious people living with openness, altruistic kindness, and respect. Simple, sensitive folks who've understood that being is far more important than seeming. A bit like our venerable president of the republic, post-adolescent crisis and designer sunglasses.
Dad, when do we get there? Is it still far?
How to get to the cave for getting here by road (the helipad is still under construction and the canal isn't finished being dug). Careful, if you're coming from Barjac, your GPS might lead you astray.
Don't take a DFCI forest road (dirt path, unless you have a 4x4). Follow the D317 to the village of Orgnac-l'Aven, then at the village intersection, turn left on D217 toward Labastide-de-Virac and Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. About 4-5 km further, turn left at the Forestière pass, just after a colorfully painted building.
Anyway, getting back to business (if you have teenagers), Grotte Forestière in Ardèche, despite the scorching heat—because the sun is pretty intense—a furry swimsuit is recommended. With only 12°C and 70-90% humidity, the chill will definitely be noticed.
Last cave entry one hour before closing: 4:30 PM if closing at 5:30 PM, or 5:30 PM (like in July and August) if closing at 6:30 PM.
Dad, is it like the Aven d'Orgnac?
No, the Aven Forestière cave, should not be confused with "Avens of Orgnac"! These are two completely different caves in terms of underground landscape, even though they're in the same municipality of Orgnac-l'Aven, the municipality of Orgnac-l'Aven, but 5 km apart from each other. However, both of them are sites listed as heritage.
Aven d'Orgnac is wow, it even wakes up the pimply crowd. Grotte Aven Forestière wakes up teens too, but gently, so they're not grumpy at breakfast. It touches something inside us, awakening something we'd forgotten... And that's precisely what we've forgotten that creates crises for some of our teens...
The Forestière is often called (compared to Avens of Orgnac): the little cave, except it's true in terms of height, but totally false in terms of length. We have a longer one. Some people think it's the same cave?! But is Robert the same person as Fernande? Well no, and that's exactly why their names are different.
The GAven Forestière Cave is a cavity original and interesting for its unique features like the tree roots that you don't find anywhere else in Europe and its delicate crystallizations shaped like coral.
Easily accessible because few steps, it welcomes visitors of all ages, even those with certain mobility issues, who can visit at their own pace. That said, you still need to be aware there are about sixty steps to go up and down without an elevator.
Who unfortunately can't go down into the cave?
WARNING: Wheelchair access is not possible. Unlike Grotte Chauvet 2 in Ardèche which welcomes people with reduced mobility, our buildings were constructed in the sixties without any accessibility features since the cave itself doesn't allow for it. The town hall decided back then that accessible bathrooms weren't necessary. We've been asking the town hall to create them for ten years. Since nothing's changed, you'd better not have an urgent need!!! We're just renters and we're truly and sincerely sorry.
We have a child with a disability card, so we're well aware of the challenges in this society, but despite that we try to keep smiling as a family. And don't even get me started on disability aid from MDPH…
So the cave is therefore not accessible by wheelchair or scooter. Last week, someone wanted to visit the cave by helicopter... Result: 220,000 euros in damages and, since then, we mourn the death of Flap Flap the giraffe. A march will be held next week in her honor. A fundraiser is open to pay for the 9-meter-long coffin.
Fortunately the 7 dwarfs are safe and sound, but just barely! By the way, Dopey, the tallest of the seven, got a new haircut!
Oh, I didn't know that!
Did you know? Caves have been used for thousands of years for meditation, relaxation, shamanism and various healing rituals.
What these people are looking for is the very special atmosphere you don't find anywhere else—the peace and quiet and reassuring darkness of the underground world.
Nothing like a bedroom where imaginary monsters can hide under the bed. Besides, even children feel this incredible peace and enjoy it, or some just want to run away at full speed, abandoning siblings and parents! But it's still very rare, because surprised by such an atmosphere, children often want to repeat the experience of turning off the lights along the path.
It's magnificent to stay in the darkness and contemplate the cave lit up by other visitors' flashlights (see the video link below).
Dad, mom, I already knew that!
Did you know: 
Attention parents—don't be complicit with your children when you can't say no to them. What is forbidden is forbidden, or let's play a little game together teaching them to cross the highway blindfolded.
Otherwise, we've dusted off the old tar and feathers technique...
Dad, grandma's talking too loud!
Another important thing to us—we ask insistently that people whisper to preserve the silence of the place as much as possible.
We also add that if certain people are loud, don't hesitate to remind them to be quiet or simply explain to them that jumping into the well is a very fun game, or else they can do base jumping without a parachute or change a lightbulb in the bathroom while singing "I am the unloved one."
They're so demanding we can't even break stuff!
We also ask everyone to respect the place, the cave, and outdoor games, because we have too much damage to go-karts and other activities.
In 2025, six-year-old twins on LSD smashed the portholes of the wooden cabins while mom was apparently busy counting tree leaves while smoking the dog's fur.
Look mom, even if grandma is very, very old, she can still visit.
Another stubborn misconception is thinking that Forestière is a cave only for
children… Of course not, even if children love the concept of a visit that doesn't force them to listen to a guide without moving, like at school with the teacher, I think the cave is first and foremost for adults, like Robert with his teacher.
Beware, on rainy stormy days (that's water falling from the sky that helps potatoes grow), the relay system can sometimes cause internet and payment system malfunctions—whether by phone, card, or smartwatch. (Plus 4G is very weak here). Sometimes this problem extends to all sites in the municipalities of Orgnac and Labastide-de-Virac. All because of infrastructure dating back 208 years before Macron (a great scholar who lived in the 21st century). Check ahead or plan accordingly—there's no bank within 40 minutes round trip. Plan for at least two payment methods: vacation checks (ANCV paper) and cash.
Welcome then to the Aven Forestière cave and its mysteries...
Feel the serenity in the Aven Forestière Cave
Photos are allowed without risk to the cave. Flash doesn't damage crystals, that's a misconception, otherwise caves would never be lit.
No guide, no reservation and no time limit, freedom feels good where it hurts. All this thanks to Saint Thole.
Dad, mom that old man's going crazy!!!
Infants, children, dogs, and three-eared rabbits are all welcome, as are adults, seniors, and the very elderly. However, triceratops must be kept on a leash with a cable, and please bring a 1200-liter trash bag if nature calls! Don't bother bringing a pet whale—the sea is too far away to cool it off.
If your mother-in-law is classified as such, please don't forget the muzzle to prevent any biting accidents (especially at the price of dentures these days). Besides, it would be a shame to have to have her put down during vacation. Abandonment is impossible because the shelters are fully booked… For fathers-in-law we offer a malt barley transfusion service at the ideal temperature: 8.6°. For the most serious cases please call 911.
Come as you are—we welcome the short, the tall, the thin, the blonde, the Peters, the eccentric, the shy, the outgoing, the LGBT community, the mustachioed, the bald, the exiled, the quirky, the tortoises, and even people with toenail fungus and many others besides. We're not about discrimination; we're about respecting people and their physical and moral integrity.
We've learned in life that you can't judge a person by their appearance or behavior alone, because no one knows what they've been through in their past or even since waking up this morning. There's no such thing as truly evil people. Okay, I'll admit that jerks aren't really our cup of tea. But they're welcome to come hang out outside or in the car trunk parked in the blazing sun.
I love being here, I feel so good.
In any case, the Forest Cave site is above all a place of conviviality, well-being, rest and quiet joy. It is important to respect everyone's peace and quiet.
One thing is certain: we promise to do our best to serve you with kindness (despite sometimes being short-staffed, like all red inns after dinner…). The employee we were supposed to hire this summer must have gotten stuck looking for work around the old port or got hit by a car crossing the street after chatting with the mayor.
As an add-on, only the fossil, mineral, geode, bracelet, and crystal hunting workshops are paid, but at the fairest and most honest rates possible, and the kids leave with their finds. Really, they're buying something pretty while playing and having fun.
If you have children, we recommend coming as early as possible to avoid the risk of your ears bleeding or grandpa's hearing aid exploding from their screams when they hear the site is closing.
Open even in case of a thunderstorm, and we're an emergency shelter if it's the end of the world!
To recognize the warning signs of the end of the world, please look out your window. If you see giant flames, asteroids, a tsunami, the neighbor running in kangaroo-print underwear, or even just hear him yelling at his wife: "Germaine dammit, move your fat ass and get the car in the garage quick there's hailstones the size of melons falling from the sky!" That's when you really need to take shelter in the cave!
A warm and welcoming place
In the heart of nature, on a protected site, this space offers peaceful and joyful rejuvenation and the many activities delight both young and old alike.
Aven Forest Cave is an attraction for all ages and activities are available every day without any reservation needed.
Can you get there by plane?
We are only 15 km from the famous Chauvet Cave 2, and just 5 km from Aven d'Orgnac.
To get there, be careful not to confuse us with Aven d'Orgnac which is, as we already mentioned above, a different cave 5 km away—it's a completely different site. The word "Aven" is a local Ardèche term that designates a vertical entrance, a shaft, and in ancient Greek… well, actually I have no idea if it means anything, but it sounds smart to write it!
Google's trying to get us lost!
Our GPS address on Waze is: Aven Forest Cave 07150. We're in the same town as "Orgnac l'aven" with the same postal code. If you see a sign for Bouzolles, it means you've driven too far or maybe you had a little too much wine at yesterday's aperitif. Well, never mind, instead of visiting the cave, you can always go see the Miss Bouzolles 2026 pageant.
And more seriously, there are some errors on Google Maps coming from Barjac. If you see a dirt road ahead or on your left, don't go that way—it's a GPS bug. Keep going despite it getting angry: "Turn around, turn around!!!" It'll recalculate the route itself, and if it won't cooperate, unplug it and it won't be so smart anymore!
Mom, did you take Dad's playlist?
Safe travels and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination, and we're never late in life because we're always exactly where we're supposed to be when we're there. Well, actually I've lost my train of thought… Besides, the only appointment we'll never be late for is the one with the Grim Reaper… But what time is it anyway? Oh shoot, already! Well then I'm late, I'll leave you here, thanks.
From this point you have 3 days, 12 hours, 48 minutes and 22 seconds of reading left to get to the end of this page. Good luck and don't forget to take breaks every two hours to stretch your mind and let the kids take a bathroom break. Alright, let's get back to it, there's still more road ahead…
The more time you spend in the cave, the more your mind relaxes, the more available you are to contemplate, the more you find peace.
It's a virtuous circle, a gift from Mother Nature to reconnect with your living soul and your childlike heart.
I breathe, inhale/exhale, I feel my whole body tingling, relaxing, intoxicating itself, it feels good to be alive…
I'm repeating for the ninth time: Who is this visit for?
For couples happy to be alive, for grandparents, but also for families with very young or older children.
When we see that children can stay for more than an hour and exclaim that they loved it, we're reassured about the future of our society.
What a joy to see families smiling happily, filled with the beauty of the world and their spirits calmed by nature's positive vibration.
The easy path delights people who have slight mobility issues and those who fear endless dangerous staircases—rest assured, we only have about sixty steps (round trip) that you take at your own pace, which makes access much easier.
The cave unfolds mainly horizontally with three inclined planes but covered with anti-slip concrete.
Always stay true to yourself…
These logos mean that here, we take care of you with kindness…
To get to know each other better!
WHAT ACTIVITIES AT AVEN FOREST CAVE IN ARDÈCHE?
Discover and explore the cave
Aven Forest Cave is a real cavity secured by barriers and flooring that prevents slipping.
Original crystallizations give the feeling of being underwater while the tree roots remind us that we are at the center of the earth.
It's moreover the only cave in Europe equipped with such roots, and the visit concept remains unique to this day, which is greatly appreciated by visitors who feel like discoverers (called inventors).
The cave can be visited safely without a guide and without reservation, equipped with powerful flashlights provided to each visitor, while reading the many informational panels. The information follows the latest scientific discoveries.
Photography and dogs are allowed in the cave.
Discover and explore the shop
Sumithra Virginie offers you beautiful bracelets made from natural stone and minerals in the shop, which she creates with full mindfulness while reciting mantras.
All her handmade creations are unique pieces.
Carefully sorted fossils at really reasonable prices.
Prehistoric shark teeth from Mosasaurus, magnificent quartz geodes, raw stones, trilobites, ammonites, polished stones, Amethyst geodes from Uruguay, Pink Amethysts, large polished Agates… etc.
The minerals come from legally exploited quarries.
We buy directly from the source without intermediaries so we can pass the savings on to you without overcharging. Also because we don't dream of becoming millionaires except in terms of sharing.
Space with multiple free games
Outdoor in the shade: climbing structure for kids, slackline, balance bikes, scooters, petanque court (we provide the balls), and for relaxation, comfortable seating or hammocks. The quirky little village of wonky wooden houses is also a hit—kids love reading and playing house there.
Large sandboxes with mechanical diggers and sand toys that captivate both dads and kids. What site manager hasn't dreamed of operating heavy equipment?!
Free activities outnumber paid ones, and we add new activities every year because our goal is to see people happy.
This year, for ages 6-14, the mystery expedition is a gem of joy, and the stone gift delights the children. For under-6s who want to buy the expedition booklet and stone, we offer them for five euros.
Mini-golf for the whole family
After (or before) visiting the cave, we offer you a round of mini-golf with 12 holes, nine of which are in the shade.
For those who don't want to visit but just want to play golf, we offer a very affordable price: €3 per person from age 4.
Crafted from natural stone, the mini-golf course is beautifully integrated into a shaded wooded area. No cement used to assemble the courses. Next-generation obstacles offer entertaining challenges.
Play for fun, without any competition so that, as is usually the case, there's not a happy winner and an unhappy loser.
Workshops Fossils-Minerals-Geodes-Jewelry-Bracelets
At any time of day without reservation, it's possible to do fossil, jewelry, mineral and bracelet workshops, with help from a family member if needed.
The river for crystal hunters and fossil hunters has proven to be an undeniable success.
For all ages, the natural stone bracelet-making workshop (with numerous benefits): confidence, positive thoughts, joy... lets you create exactly the bracelet you want. We also have unique bracelets handcrafted by Virginie.
We only stock high-quality beads sourced from around the world.
The workshops aren't led by staff—children (from age 4) follow the initial instructions with a parent's help if needed.
Discoveries become the child's own. Rather than buy something just for the fleeting pleasure of shopping, we created these workshops so kids can focus and have fun.
Snack bar for a successful afternoon treat
Don't forget to pack a picnic—we've set up plenty of tables under shady trees, next to quirky little huts, in the woods, or in the sun for those who need a vitamin D boost.
If you're craving something sweet, we have authentic Breton waffles with real butter or organic artisanal ice cream from Ardèche (Terre à délice). We also have fruit juices and local beers from Ardèche... Plus chips if you want to have a festive meal with friends.
Sip a nice cold drink while the kids play without calling you a single time—except to ask you to come sit with them too. We guarantee you absolute peace and quiet.
A short video showing you part of the outdoor site and the cave.
This isn't caving but rather a visit to a developed cave. There's no rappelling or climbing.
It's a fun and contemplative visit, a paradise for lovers of beauty and photography.
In the heart of the Ardèche Forest, the entire site is listed as heritage by the Ministry of Environment,
which sets it apart from many other places and caves in France.
On rainy days or in extreme heat, it's pleasant to be able to take shelter underground where the temperature becomes ideal.
In thirty years of visiting managed cave systems, I've never learned as much as I did on this family exploration. The kids loved the visit, and the headlamps—which, by the way, are nothing like what I have at home—add a whole other dimension. You can see everything, but you can also turn it all off and experience the silence.
Our three kids, ages 4, 9, and 12, had fun playing tour guides. What's also nice is being able to do the tour in both directions, unlike regular caves where the group behind you rushes you toward the exit.
The big plus is the many outdoor activities offered. We bought the crystal hunters and the kids were thrilled because the owners are very generous with the amount of stones.
Trip Advisor, Sylvain, his wife, their three children (4, 9, and 12 years old) and Milou their dog.
New Explanatory Panels 2026 in Comic Strip Format.
Installed along the barriers. In French and English. Translations in appendix: German, Dutch.
For photography lovers, it's an image paradise and the lamps are specifically designed to fully capture your shots without resorting to flash (even though it doesn't damage the crystallizations at all) which tends to flatten photos. Barefoot walking is allowed (with or without shoes) as are professional cameras or latest generation video cameras.
