Grotte de la Balme

A cave opening into a cliff overlooking the Rhône, occupied in prehistoric times and visited since the Middle Ages. Located in La Balme-les-Grottes, in the north of the Isère, it has been open to the public since 1807 and appears in the old list of the Seven Wonders of the Dauphiné.

Visitors enter through a 35-metre-high porch, beneath which stand two chapels built one above the other, dating from the 9th and 14th centuries. Beyond, the galleries lead to rimstone pools, an underground lake and many concretions. The visit also recalls the history of the site, from King Francis I’s visit in 1516 to the smuggler Louis Mandrin, whose name was given to one of the labyrinths.

For groups : The caves welcome groups from leisure centres, community centres and cultural or sports associations all year round by reservation, except in January. The guided tour lasts 1 hour 15 minutes and can be combined with a two-hour workshop for a full-day package. Accompanying adults are free of charge up to one per five paying participants, as is the coach driver. The caves are not accessible to wheelchairs.

Grotte de la Balme – La Balme-les-Grottes (38)

On request – preferential group rate (please contact us)