The Mineral River

The Mineral River: a brand-new treasure hunt in Ain!

Starting in May 2026, the Cerdon Caves will welcome visitors with a brand-new attraction: the Mineral River! Forget classic treasure hunts: here, you and your children can enjoy a treasure hunt in direct contact with water, with your hands in the sand. With the opening of the Mineral River, the site transforms learning about mineralogy into a fun adventure where every child becomes the hero of their own mining expedition!

Located in a preserved natural setting in the heart of the Ain region, this playful area invites young explorers to swap their game consoles for a prospector’s sieve. The goal? To uncover the treasures carefully hidden by earth and water.

An immersive concept: become a treasure seeker during your visit to Ain!

Why does the concept of a mineral river fascinate people so much? Because it taps into an ancient instinct: the thrill of discovery. Unlike a passive exhibition, this activity places children at the center of the action. It is not about simply watching and listening, but physically diving into the world of prospecting.

The scene is set for total immersion. Imagine a crystal-clear stream designed to imitate mountain rivers where gold prospectors once hoped to strike it rich. The sound of flowing water, the texture of sediments, and the sudden sparkle of a stone under the sunlight create a unique atmosphere. It is a true open-air treasure hunt where the mystery lies not in solving riddles, but in patience and skill.

The perfect adventurer’s equipment: sieve, shovel… and determination!

For the adventure to feel authentic, proper tools are essential. Each child over the age of four receives a complete prospector kit: a traditional sieve to filter the sand, a prospector’s pan, a shovel to reach deeper sediments, and a small bucket to collect the sand.

Guided by an instructor, young adventurers learn how to use these tools. It is not enough to stir the water; they must understand the current, tilt the pan correctly, and let gravity do its work. This is where the treasure hunt truly begins: each movement of the sieve brings the child closer to their reward. Waiting and manual effort multiply the joy of the final discovery.

A geological quest: what stones lie beneath the water?

Rest assured, the treasure is not plastic gold coins, but real mineralogical wonders. The Mineral River is generous… for those who know how to observe! As the sand washes away through the sieve, shapes and colors begin to appear. Children may discover translucent quartz crystals, royal-purple amethysts, or pyrite — often called “fool’s gold” — among many other stones.

Each stone is a surprise. No two collections are the same, making every session unique. For a child, finding an emerald-green stone or a sparkling rock fragment feels like discovering a diamond. It is this raw emotion — the moment when the unknown becomes a precious object in their hands — that creates unforgettable memories.

From play to science

While the playful aspect drives the activity, the Mineral River is also an introduction to science. Once the bag is filled, the treasure hunt turns into an exciting identification session. The instructor becomes the guide of this mineral adventure while children compare their finds.

“Why is this stone red?”
“How did this crystal grow like that?”

Through simple and engaging explanations, young researchers discover the story of the Earth and what lies beneath our feet. They learn that their treasure took millions of years to form, traveling through geological layers before ending up in their sieve.

This approach demystifies geology. It is no longer a difficult school subject but a living, tactile and rewarding discipline. Children leave with a new understanding of their environment, realizing that beneath every stone may lie a story thousands or millions of years old.

Extend the experience: from the river to the shop

After mastering the current and filling your bag with semi-precious stones, take a moment to visit our shop. You will find items to deepen your geological knowledge or pick up a souvenir from your treasure hunt. For those who want to combine this discovery with other activities, the region is full of trails and themed routes.

Whether you come with family or organize a school trip, the goal remains the same: turn a simple walk into a memorable adventure. Prepare your sieves — the most beautiful treasure in the department is waiting for you!

A family outing in the heart of Ain – May 2026

The opening of this area in May 2026 reflects a desire to offer sustainable activities close to nature. The Mineral River at the Cerdon Caves is the perfect stop for a relaxing family day. While children enthusiastically work with their sieves, parents can enjoy the peaceful landscape or cheer on their young prospectors.

This activity promotes what is known as slow tourism: taking your time, focusing on sensations, and listening to nature. In a world where everything moves fast, this treasure hunt offers a refreshing pause where the only urgency is finding the next “magic” stone.

Why combine the Mineral River with a treasure hunt in Pérouges?

What do searching for precious stones and hunting dragons have in common? The thrill of discovery. Whether through a tactile treasure hunt in the water or an outdoor escape game in medieval streets, children become the heroes of the adventure.

• Learning through play: discover geology in Cerdon and medieval architecture in Pérouges without even realizing it.

• Family bonding: activities designed for parents to help children solve the final code.

• Tangible memories: leave Cerdon with your minerals and Pérouges with the pride of solving the dragon mystery.

Just 45 minutes from the Cerdon Caves, the medieval town of Pérouges also hides a well-kept treasure. To uncover it, you won’t need a compass — just a keen eye.

With the children’s game booklets, young adventurers set off on a mission with Georgie and Gina, the famous dragons protecting the town. This adventure transforms a simple historical stroll into an exciting treasure hunt. Like our stone-prospecting workshop, it relies on observation: every carved detail in the medieval village may be the key to the mystery.

If you love treasure hunts, complex puzzles, and minerals, you will love our Mineral River. Unlike a classic treasure hunt where you must decipher codes or solve abstract riddles, our activity focuses on observation and hands-on discovery. The connection with escape games may be subtle, but it is definitely there.