Top 12 Caves around Autrans-Méaudre-En-Vercors
Best caves around Autrans-Méaudre-En-Vercors are found within the Vercors massif, a region characterized by its diverse geological formations. This area features a range of subterranean landscapes, from accessible show caves to significant speleological sites. The natural environment includes fossil caves, large karst springs, and unique natural icehouses. These features contribute to the region's appeal for those interested in geological exploration.
Best caves around Autrans-Méaudre-En-Vercors
- The most popular caves is Gournier Cave, a cave that features an underground lake. It is located near the Choranche cave system.
- Another must-see spot is Cuves Trail, a cave system with a path along the Furon river. Visitors can explore a well-signposted route, including stairs carved into rock and a footbridge.
- Visitors also love Corrençon Natural Icehouse, a natural cavity that traps cold air, allowing ice to persist. Explanatory panels at the entrance provide information about its historical use.
- Autrans-Méaudre-En-Vercors is known for show caves, fossil caves, and natural icehouses. The region offers a variety of subterranean experiences, from easy explorations to more technical speleological sites.
- The caves around Autrans-Méaudre-En-Vercors are appreciated by the komoot community, with 33 upvotes and 9 photos shared by users.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
Choranche
Highlight • Gorge
Choranche holds in its heart the waterfall and the cave of Gournier. Real unusual, the cave of Gournier contains an underground lake that you will have to cross to start your caving excursion. Another portion of the cave is open to guided tours.
For more information on the site and the opening to visits of the cave follow these links:
Caving, The cave of Gournier | Isère Tourisme (isere-tourisme.com)
the Grotte de Choranche, an exceptional natural place in the heart of Vercors! (visite-nature-vercors.com)
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Cuves Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Cave
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Corrençon Natural Icehouse
Highlight • Cave
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Gournier Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Grotte de la Ture
Highlight • Cave
This cave gives an easy start for underworld exploration, and is wider than it is high.
You can also find many different bats species in this grotto.
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Tips from the Community
The path of the vats is a very easy hike, the Furon at one point plunges under the rock. Spectacular
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Nice little place, the climb up to here is still manageable. Nice views nonetheless.
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Ice reserve still exploited not so long ago (until the mid-20th century). Interesting explanatory panels.
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You have to go take a look before or after visiting the Choranche cave. It's not far at all and the trail is accessible even to children. The cave is easily visible (staying outside) without specific equipment. You can then go see the waterfall.
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La Glacière is a 14 m deep cave. It is the result of the dissolution and erosion of limestone by the long work of water. In the 1700s, landmarks bear witness to the presence of men who came here to exploit the ice. The latter will engrave various inscriptions on the wall. But it was at the beginning of the 20th century that this cave was mainly exploited. Indeed, the ice extracted using a sled is used by cafeterias in Grenoble and hospitals. In 1964, the cooler was 4 m thick, today it is endangered. The rockslides made access to the cooler dangerous and it was closed to the public in 1999.
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The Cuves are very easy to access. You can park near the chateau de sassenage. The route is very well signposted, the start is via stairs carved into the rock. After entering the cave, continue on the right bank of the Furon to the waterfall. A footbridge makes it possible to cross the Furon and to return by the left bank of the Furon and thus to make a loop. It's a family outing, which doesn't require any special skills, you just need a good pair of shoes.
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Arrived in Choranche from Presle, take advantage of this stopover to refill your water. You can easily get supplies in the village or by going for a hike to the Gournier waterfall where you will also find a shop near the entrance to the Gournier cave. Choranche holds in its heart the waterfall and the cave of Gournier. Real unusual, the cave of Gournier contains an underground lake that you will have to cross to start your caving excursion. Another portion of the cave is open to guided tours. For more information on the site and the opening to visits of the cave follow these links: Caving, The cave of Gournier | Isère Tourisme (isere-tourisme.com) the Grotte de Choranche, an exceptional natural place in the heart of Vercors! (visite-nature-vercors.com)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which caves are suitable for families with children in Autrans-Méaudre-En-Vercors?
The Gournier Cave, part of the Choranche system, is family-friendly with an accessible trail. The Cuves Trail also offers an easy, well-signposted route suitable for families. Additionally, the Grotte de l'Ours in Saint-Martin-en-Vercors is particularly well-suited for families, offering an accessible 'underground baptism' experience for children aged 6 and up, with passages that can be crawled through without special rope techniques.
Are there any accessible caves for beginners or those new to caving?
Yes, the Grotte de la Ture (also known as Grotte de Nave) near Autrans offers an easy introduction to the underground world due to its relatively simple route. The Grotte de Bournillon is also an ideal location for an introduction to speleology, with a circuit that can include a technical passage with a handrail. The Grotte des Ferrières is considered an easy visit for beginner speleologists, though it has a slightly more technical section.
What unique geological features can be found in the caves of the Vercors region?
The Vercors caves are known for diverse geological formations. The Choranche cave system boasts thousands of delicate 'straw' stalactites, emerald rivers, and underground lakes, including the largest concentration of fistula stalactites in Europe. The Grotte de Bournillon features one of Europe's largest cave entrances, measuring 105 meters high and 60 meters wide, and functions as a major karst spring. The Corrençon Natural Icehouse is a unique natural cavity where ice persists even in summer.
What is the best time of year to visit the caves around Autrans-Méaudre-En-Vercors?
Many show caves, like Grotte de Choranche, are open year-round or seasonally from spring to autumn. For more adventurous caving, late spring to early autumn generally offers more stable weather conditions, though temperatures inside caves remain constant. Always check specific cave opening hours and conditions before planning your visit, especially during winter or periods of heavy rainfall which can affect water levels in some subterranean systems.
What should I wear when exploring caves in this region?
Inside caves, temperatures are consistently cool, typically around 10-12°C (50-54°F), regardless of the outside weather. It's advisable to wear warm layers, including a light jacket or fleece. Sturdy, closed-toe footwear with good grip is essential, as surfaces can be wet and uneven. For more adventurous caving, helmets and headlamps are often required and sometimes provided by tour operators.
Are there any historical aspects or significant discoveries associated with these caves?
Yes, several caves have historical significance. The Grotte de l'Ours in Saint-Martin-en-Vercors served as a shelter for cave bears and a refuge during World War II, containing well-preserved fossils and cave bear bones. The Corrençon Natural Icehouse was historically used for ice harvesting until the mid-20th century, with explanatory panels detailing its past use.
Can I find guided tours for cave exploration in the Vercors?
Yes, several caves offer guided tours. The Grotte de Choranche provides guided tours and a sound and light show in its Cathedral Chamber. For more adventurous speleological excursions, the Grotte de Gournier, part of the Choranche system, offers boat traversals of its underground lake. The Grotte de Bournillon is also suitable for guided introductions to speleology.
What other outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to the caves?
The Vercors massif offers numerous outdoor activities. You can find various hiking trails, including routes near the Grotte de la Ture. The region is also popular for running and mountain biking, with routes like the 'Grand Tour du Vercors: Molière Ridge Loop' available. Many trails offer scenic views of the surrounding natural landscape.
How long does it typically take to explore the caves?
The duration of a cave visit varies depending on the specific site and type of tour. For show caves like Grotte de Choranche, guided tours typically last around 1 to 1.5 hours. Simpler caves like Grotte de la Ture might be explored in less time, while more technical speleological excursions can take several hours. Always check the estimated duration provided by the cave operators.
Are there any specific caves known for their biodiversity or unique wildlife?
Yes, the Grotte de Choranche plays a role in species conservation, housing proteus, a blind cave-dwelling amphibian, in aquariums. The Grotte de la Ture is home to various bat species, and the Grotte de Bournillon also houses numerous bat species, highlighting the ecological importance of these subterranean environments.
Where can I find more information about the Grotte de Choranche and its opening hours?
For detailed information on the Grotte de Choranche, including opening hours, ticket prices, and specific tour options, you can visit their official website: visites-nature-vercors.com.
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