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Visit of the Caves of Cerdon

A nature outing 1 hour from Lyon, Geneva or Annecy

The complete route of an ancient underground river

Plan des Grottes
Plan des Grottes
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Visit of the Caves

Discover a strange and exciting underground route shaped during the great ice ages. 

A 1H or 1H30 walk from the burial point of an old river until its resurgence in the middle of a cliff on a belvedere overlooking the Cerdon’s valley and its vineyards.

Choose your visit:

Guided tour at fixed times, independent visit or visit in the form of a tale for the youngest.


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Questions about the Caves

Do you have questions about the Caves?
Consult the most frequently asked questions.

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Audio guide

Download the Cerdon Caves AudioGuide mobile application and visit the Caves independently thanks to the numbered blue markers placed along the path.


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The history of the caves

Prehistoric Men very early chose the cavities of the site as a refuge. Excavations carried out since 1914 have uncovered multitudes of pottery, cut flint, huge heap of ash (4 to 5 m thick), quantities of animal bones as well as a human skull with prominent orbits.

These discoveries indicate that this natural shelter was inhabited since a very remote time (10 to 12,000 years).


Questions sur les Grottes
  • Are there many stairs in the Caves?

      • The tour of the caves is divided into 2 parts (see the sectional plan):
      • Part 1: the 800-meter-long upper gallery corresponds to an elevation gain of approximately 5 floors to descend gradually. It has several stops to take advantage of the premises.
      • Part 2: The large room and the old siphon which leads to the belvedere overlooking the Cerdon’s valley and its vineyard.
      • This second section extends the visit circuit by around 400 meters with an additional elevation equivalent to approximately 5 floors. After a break on the belvedere to admire the Cerdon’s valley, the ascent takes place at your own rhythm to the reception.
    • I am accompanied by a person in a wheelchair, can I visit the caves ?

      • The entire reception area (ticket office, shop, snack point and toilets) is wheelchair accessible independently. The Caves of Cerdon cannot be visited in a wheelchair or with a stroller. The park is accessible with the help of a wheelchair attendant. The park's trails are mostly grassy..

    • Can I bring my baby or a little child?

      • Yes, but it is necessary to take into account temperature variations (see question 4) and to cover children well whatever their age.

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