Background

Grotte de la Madeleine, Rhone Alpes Travel Guide

Search across countries, cities, destinations, landmarks, attractions, restaurants, bars, hotels and more.
Please tell us what you're looking for
4.4 (2255)

Discover a breathtaking subterranean world in the Ardèche Gorges, featuring stunning rock formations and a mesmerizing sound and light show.

Explore the Grotte de la Madeleine, a stunning cave system in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges. Discovered in 1888, this natural wonder features breathtaking rock formations, colossal draperies, and a mesmerizing sound and light show, offering an unforgettable journey into the depths of the earth.

A brief summary to Grotte de la Madeleine

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Grotte de la Madeleine.

  • Wear comfortable shoes as the cave has steep and sometimes slippery steps.
  • The cave temperature is a cool 15°C (59°F) year-round, so bring a light jacket.
  • Arrive early during peak season (July-August) to avoid crowds.
  • Take advantage of the free audio guides available in multiple languages.
  • Allow time to explore the belvedere and discovery trail for stunning views of the Ardèche Gorges.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Walibi Rhône-Alpes

Walibi Rhône-Alpes

Parc de la Tête d'Or

Parc de la Tête d'Or

EDEN PARK / The Garden of Eden

EDEN PARK / The Garden of Eden

Place Bellecour

Place Bellecour

Le Bourg

Le Bourg

Explore Grotte de la Madeleine on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Grotte de la Madeleine, mapped for you.

Unlock the Best of Grotte de la Madeleine

Buy tickets

  • No tickets available

Book tours with entry

  • No tours available

Book tours without entry

  • No tours available

Getting There

  • Car

    The Grotte de la Madeleine is located on the Route Touristique des Gorges de l'Ardèche (D290), between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche. From Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, take the D290 road towards Saint-Remèze. Follow the signs for Grotte de la Madeleine. Parking is available on-site. A small fee of around €5 EUR may be charged.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Remèze. Check the local bus schedule for exact times. From the Saint-Remèze bus stop, it is approximately a 15-minute walk to Grotte de la Madeleine. Follow Route Touristique des Gorges de l'Ardèche until you see the entrance to the cave. Bus fare is approximately €2-€4 EUR.

Discover more about Grotte de la Madeleine

Venture into the heart of the Ardèche Gorges and discover the Grotte de la Madeleine, a captivating cave system that unveils nature's artistic prowess. Discovered in 1888 by a shepherd named Germain Rigaud while searching for a lost goat, the cave has since become a popular destination for those seeking to explore the subterranean wonders of the Ardèche region.The Grotte de la Madeleine comprises two interconnected caves: the upper Grotte de l'Escure (also known as the Bear Cave) and the lower Grotte de la Madeleine. A man-made tunnel links the two, allowing visitors to traverse both chambers. The tour extends over 500 meters, a kilometer round trip, descending 65 meters into the earth.Inside, prepare to be amazed by the stunning array of geological formations. The cave is renowned for its impressive draperies, the largest in France, reaching up to 6 meters in height. Admire the delicate white crystals, imposing columns, stalactites, stalagmites and other unique concretions shaped over millennia. A sound and light show enhances the beauty of the cave, creating a truly immersive experience.Beyond the cave itself, the Grotte de la Madeleine offers a panoramic belvedere with exceptional views of the Ardèche Gorges. Take the time to explore the surrounding area, with its marked discovery trail that reveals the diverse fauna, flora, and geology of the Nature Reserve.

More to explore near Grotte de la Madeleine

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



Explore More of Rhone Alpes

File:Photo du mont Blanc depuis 9000 mètres d'altitude.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Looking beyond Grotte de la Madeleine? Discover Rhone Alpes for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.

Explore Rhone Alpes
Attraction

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Ardèche Gorges from the Belvédère de Vallon Pont d'Arc, offering panoramic views of the iconic Pont d'Arc and the stunning natural landscape.

Belvédère de Vallon Pont d'Arc
Attraction

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Ardèche Gorges from the Balcon du canyon de la Cathédrale near Saint-Remèze, a natural wonder offering tranquility and adventure.

Balcon du canyon de la Cathédrale

Select Currency