Caves of Choranche
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
The Caves of Choranche, also known as the Cave of Coufin-Chevaline, are located near Choranche in the Isère department within the Vercors Regional Natural Park, France. These karstic caves were formed by hydraulic and hydrochemical erosion, creating extensive networks of active and fossil galleries. The caves are renowned for their remarkable calcite speleothems, particularly the delicate fistuloses that can reach lengths of up to three meters. Visitors can explore the underground river called the Serpentine, which forms rimstones and an underground lake feeding a cascading spring in the natural amphitheater known as the "circus of Choranche." The cave system extends over 32 kilometers with a significant vertical range, discovered through explorations dating back to the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. Notably, the caves serve as a conservation site for the olm, a rare blind salamander species native to the Dinaric Alps, kept in captivity to aid preservation efforts. Awarded the "Quality Tourism" mark in 2014, the Caves of Choranche offer visitors a captivating journey through natural geological wonders and unique subterranean biodiversity.
Plan your trip to France with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: For the best experience, visit during spring or early summer when the water flow is optimal and the cave's lighting highlights the stunning formations. It is recommended to book tickets in advance via the official website, especially during weekends and holidays. Reduced rates are typically available for children, students, and groups. Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on wet and uneven surfaces, and consider guided tours to fully appreciate the cave's geological and ecological features.
Interesting facts
- •The caves feature rare calcite fistuloses formations reaching up to 3 meters in length.
- •They are one of only two sites in France housing captive olms, a blind salamander species native to the Balkans.
- •The underground river 'Serpentine' flows through the cave, creating rimstones and an underground lake.
- •The cave network extends over 32 kilometers with a vertical difference of 411 meters.
- •The caves received the "Quality Tourism" mark in November 2014.
History
The exploration of the Caves of Choranche began in the late 19th century with Oscar Decombaz reaching the wet vault in 1897.
Significant progress occurred in the mid-20th century when Roger Pénelon and others expanded access to deeper parts like the Gruyère and the Mat waterfall.
In 1966, two major cave systems, Coufin and Chevaline, were linked by speleologists, extending the known network extensively.
Continued exploration by various caving clubs has revealed over 32 kilometers of passages with a positive height difference of 411 meters by 2009.
The caves have been recognized for their natural heritage value, including a 1999 proposal for UNESCO World Heritage status as part of a group of southern French karstic sites.
Place Guide
Entrance and Natural Cirque
The cave entrance lies at the foot of the cliffs of Presles, forming a natural amphitheater bordering the Coulmes plateau and the Bourne gorge, providing dramatic scenery as visitors begin their journey underground.
Speleothems and Fistuloses Galleries
Visitors can admire numerous calcite speleothems, especially the slender, tubular fistuloses formations unique for their length and delicacy, some reaching three meters long, showcasing the cave's slow mineral deposition processes.
The Serpentine Underground River
This active subterranean river carves through the cave, forming rimstone dams and an underground lake, whose spring cascades into the circus of Choranche, illustrating the dynamic karst hydrology of the region.
Olm Conservation Area
A dedicated section of the cave hosts captive olms, blind salamanders originally from the Dinaric Alps, part of a conservation and research project to protect this rare species adapted to karstic cave environments.
Contact
Phone: 04 76 36 09 88
