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Grotte de la Madeleine

The mysterious Grotte de la Madeleine, shaped by the waters

Located 7 km from the town of Saint Remèze, the Grotte de la Madeleine is one of the most beautiful tourist sites in the department. Once you have descended the 250 steps, open your eyes wide to discover the extraordinary spectacle that awaits you: this cavity, shaped by the underground waters, is home to sets of concretions with astonishing shapes and magical colours.

A sound and light show enhances the beauty of this very special place. For the more curious, a one-hour guided tour will allow you to learn a little more about this masterpiece of nature, near the camping Les Ranchisses.

The cave with the largest draperies in France

The Grotte de la Madeleine consists of two caves, linked by a man-made tunnel. The higher one is called the Caverne des ours (Bear Cave) and serves as the entrance; however, you have to go down further to discover the Grotte de la Madeleine itself or “chaos room”, dug 50 metres below the level of the Ardèche and of a much more impressive scale. This one is also remarkable for the profusion of mineral concretions found there: imposing draperies (the largest in France: 6 metres high), organ cases, columns, stalactites and stalagmites, cauliflowers… If you wish to make the complete visit, count on a whole kilometre (round trip) and a difference in height of 65 metres.

decouvrir grotte madeleine

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The temperature in the cave is 15°C in both summer and winter. So don’t hesitate to cover up and swap your flip-flops for trainers.

More info on www.grottemadeleine.com