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Grotte Aven Forestière: A Subterranean Adventure

Discover a unique subterranean world in Ardèche: Explore stunning crystals and tree roots at your own pace in Grotte Aven Forestière.

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Explore the Grotte Aven Forestière, a unique cave in Ardèche, France, offering a self-guided tour through stunning crystalline landscapes and featuring rare tree roots that penetrate the cave ceiling. Discover a world where mineral formations meet the natural world, providing an unforgettable experience for families and adventurers alike.

A brief summary to Grotte Aven Forestière : Grotte en Ardèche

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces within the cave.
  • Bring a light sweater or jacket, as the cave maintains a constant cool temperature.
  • Allow ample time to explore the cave and enjoy the outdoor activities, such as mini-golf and the botanical trail.
  • Dogs are welcome in the cave, but they must be kept on a leash.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, drive approximately 20 minutes to Orgnac-l'Aven. Follow the D217 towards Col de la Forestière. The Grotte Aven Forestière is located on the D217. Free parking is available for cars and camper vans.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus to Orgnac-l'Aven. From the village center, walk approximately 1.5 kilometers east on Avenue des Combattants, then turn left onto D217. The Grotte Aven Forestière will be on your right. Bus schedules may be infrequent, so check in advance. Bus fare from Barjac to Alès is unconfirmed.

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Discover more about Grotte Aven Forestière : Grotte en Ardèche

The Grotte Aven Forestière, located near Orgnac-l'Aven in the Ardèche region of France, presents a distinctive and immersive caving experience. Unlike many traditional caves, Grotte Aven Forestière offers a self-guided tour, allowing visitors to explore its depths at their own pace. Upon arrival, each visitor receives a professional headlamp, which allows them to discover the geological wonders that adorn the cave walls. The cave is renowned for its impressive crystallizations, which resemble coral formations frozen in time. One of the cave's unique features is the presence of tree roots that descend from the ceiling, creating a surreal, inverted forest landscape. These roots highlight the connection between the surface and the subterranean world. The Grotte Aven Forestière was discovered by Joseph Sonzogni, a woodcutter, and first explored in February 1966 by his nephew, Antoine Sonzogni. The cave was opened to the public in 1969 and has since offered a family-friendly caving experience. The cave is easily accessible, with only about sixty steps to the entrance, and the interior path is secured with barriers. In addition to the cave itself, visitors can enjoy a mini-golf course, wooden games, and a botanical trail. There is also a snack bar that offers vegetarian options. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 12.3 degrees Celsius, providing a cool escape from the summer heat. Dogs are allowed in the cave if kept on a leash.

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