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Visit to the Grottes du Cerdon

A nature outing 1 hour from Lyon, Geneva or Annecy, at the confluence of the Jura mountains and the Ain department.

Schedules & Agenda Buy your tickets

The various tours of the Cerdon caves

Guided tour of the caves

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In family

Self-guided tour

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Available in French only For children In family

A visit for children with their parents

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To complete your visit to the caves

The story of the caves

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The tour through the Grottes du Cerdon

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Our audio guide to the caves

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So, ready to visit the Grottes du Cerdon ?

Discover a magnificent underground journey, shaped during the great ice ages!

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Discover the other areas of the site

map prehistoric leisure park grottes du cerdon

The Prehistoric Theme Park

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Mineral River

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The Terrier – Cuisine Champêtre

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A unique flaming torch tour

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Mineral River

Novelty 2026 !

A magical adventure on the water! Grab your sieve and gold pan and discover the fascinating world of "precious" stones! A fun, interactive, and educational activity to awaken children's curiosity and spirit of adventure. In a river nestled in nature, little explorers search, observe, and discover surprising, sparkling, and mysterious stones… the hardest part will be choosing which ones to keep! A magical interlude combining play, water, and the mysteries of rock. Activity open from May 1, 2026

Ready to be a golddigger ?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to access the caves and activities with a stroller?

For the park, yes: it’s relatively flat, and access between the workshops is via dirt or grassy paths.

For the caves: no, because of the stairs! You can leave your stroller at reception or in your vehicle before going into the cave.

If you wish, we provide baby carriers free of charge at the site’s reception.

Do you accept holiday vouchers (ANCV)?

No, but we do accept cultural vouchers (those with the orange Up square)!

Why a two-part visit?

The main section corresponds to the cave-filled gallery, and the path forms a loop starting and ending at the site’s reception area (one way approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour). For those who don’t mind an additional uphill effort, it’s possible to continue to the viewpoint at the end of this gallery. It overlooks the Cerdon Valley and its vineyards (round trip approximately 30 minutes).
This second section, with a greater elevation gain, is therefore optional, at each individual’s own pace.

Can pregnant women and elderly people go down into the cave?

The entire route through the caves is well-maintained, marked, and lit, but the changes in elevation, stairs, and temperature variations require more physical effort than a simple walk outdoors. Each participant should assess their own fitness level, keeping in mind that the first part is quite accessible.

The second part of the circuit is the most physically demanding.

What is the temperature inside the caves?

The upper gallery is 13/14°C, then drops to around 10°C at the entrance to the main chamber. In the second part, at the siphon, the temperature falls to 4°C for 5 minutes. On the viewing platform, you’ll find the outside temperature again.

Can we take a stroller into the caves?

No, because of the stairs! Please note that we provide baby carriers free of charge.

What happens during the storytelling tour?

This storytelling tour is designed for children aged 4 to 6 with accompanying adults. It takes place every Sunday at 1 p.m., and to participate, simply book online at least 24 hours in advance.

This fun tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and allows younger children to discover the cave while actively participating in a story.

The adventure ends in the main chamber. The guide then offers participants the option, depending on their abilities, of continuing to the viewpoint overlooking the Cerdon vineyards (allow an additional 30 minutes).

Is it possible to do just the storytelling tour (without park access)?

The storytelling tour is an activity included in the park’s offerings and requires a combined ticket booked online. However, depending on availability on the day of your visit, the storytelling tour alone may be possible.

How do I book places for a cave tour?

When purchasing your tickets on our website, you will be able to select your preferred tour time.

This will guarantee you a place on your chosen departure date.

Upon arrival at our site, please check in at reception no later than 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time, with your tickets. If you purchase your tickets on-site, you will only be able to choose your cave tour time based on remaining availability.

I booked a departure time for the tour but I want to change it. Is that possible?

Please inform reception upon your arrival at our site and we will do so subject to availability.

How long is the visit?

Part 1: Approximately 45 minutes

Parts 2 and 2 together: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

What clothes and shoes should I wear to visit the caves?

Bring warm clothing (fleece type) and comfortable shoes, preferably flat.

Is it permitted to take photos in the caves?

Photography is permitted, but without flash or tripods so as not to disturb other visitors. Photos may not be used online without the permission of the Cerdon Caves. Videography is prohibited.

Can you visit the caves alone?

You can choose a self-guided tour (reserved for groups of fewer than 8 people). Children must be supervised by their parents or guardians. It is forbidden to leave the main path, cross the barriers, or touch the concretions. Download the audio guide to your phone.

Are there tours in other languages?

No, but we offer visitors the option of exploring the caves independently and downloading the guided tour in various languages to their own smartphones before arriving.

Download the app. Available in French, English, Dutch, and Spanish.

We also offer printed translations of the tour upon request at the site’s reception desk (English, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, and Russian).

Is there a restaurant at the caves?

The Hunter-Gatherer, located in the welcome area, offers light meals, primarily featuring local products, as well as hot and cold drinks, waffles, and ice cream to enjoy on-site or take away within the park. The snack bar is open continuously throughout the day on weekends, public holidays, and school holidays.

From mid-July to mid-August, and on busy days, the Cro-Magnon bar is open in the park from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering drinks and ice cream.

On select weekends, Le Terrier – Cuisine Champêtre will open its doors, offering homemade cuisine with gourmet burgers and delicious desserts.

All the information is available on our Food & Drink Offers page.

I am accompanied by a person in a wheelchair. Can I visit the Caves?

The entire reception area (ticket office, shop, snack bar, and restrooms) is wheelchair accessible. The Cerdon Caves are not accessible by wheelchair or stroller. The park is wheelchair accessible with the assistance of a guide. The park’s paths are mostly grassy.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but only if they are carried or placed in a basket.

To protect the environment, they must not be allowed to touch the ground!

Are there many steps in the caves?

The cave tour is divided into two parts (see map).
Part 1: The upper gallery, 800 meters long, is roughly equivalent to descending five stories. The route includes several stops to admire the scenery.

Can we do all the activities and the tour?

The schedules for cave visits and activities are organized so you can do everything in one day. However, in this case, you must arrive at the site as soon as it opens.

Download your schedule as a PDF from the “Timetable” page.

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Our Events

Mineral River

The 01/05/2026

New

From May 1st, discover our new activity: The Mineral River! The Stone Seekers’ Workshop: a magical adventure along the water! At t...

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Easter egg hunt in the park

Of 05/04/2026 at 06/04/2026

New For children In family

Easter egg hunt in the Cerdon prehistoric park on Sunday 20th and Monday 21st April 2025 A grand Easter egg hunt awaits when you p...

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Welcome to the territory of the Eurasian Lynx

Of 14/05/2026 at 15/05/2026

New In family

The Eurasian lynx : A mysterious animal from the Bugey region Discreet, silent, almost invisible… And yet very much present ...

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Prehistoric Scenes

Of 21/07/2026 at 19/08/2026

New In family

Immerse yourself in the life of prehistoric humans and participate in our unique hunting workshop! With family or friends, come di...

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Vineyards and Discovery Weekend

The 18/10/2026

New

A pop-up bar: from Cro-Magnon to the present day For the 2026 edition of the “Fascinating Vineyards & Discovery Weekend,...

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The Cerdon Caves: A Natural and Archaeological Site Not to Be Missed

In the heart of the Jura Mountains, the Cerdon Caves invite visitors of all ages to a fascinating underground adventure. Shaped by water over millennia, they reveal a spectacular natural landscape of stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, and concretions in astonishing forms.

Throughout the tour, families are immersed in a mysterious yet accessible world, exploring vast chambers and galleries carved by the underground river. The cave is also steeped in history: inhabited since prehistoric times, it bears witness to the presence of the first humans in the region.

Between discovering nature and traveling through time, the Cerdon Caves promise a fun and enriching outing, ideal for sharing a moment of wonder with the family.