Madeleine cave

Description

A must-see in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve. The Grotte de la Madeleine boasts astonishing concretions and a breathtaking Sound&Light show. Its belvedere offers an exceptional view of the Gorges.

On the Madeleine site, in its exceptional natural setting, you'll be immersed in a mineral, plant and mysterious decor. You'll find :
- Grotte de la Madeleine: famous for its verticality, its grandiose volumes, its strangely shaped concretions and its array of colors. A wonderful underground journey awaits you.

- a most spectacular viewpoint, with its majestic landscapes and canyon.

- a permanent exhibition in the Maison de la Réserve to help you get to grips with this environment.

- a discovery trail that introduces you to the flora and fauna of the plateau, and leads you to an even more breathtaking lookout point, with a breathtaking view of the Rocher de la Cathédrale.

- a shepherd's hut with a low dry-stone wall, hidden under a canopy of evergreen oaks, as was common in the Gorges.

Free audioguides are available in 8 languages for our foreign guests.
Picnic area, snack bar and store on site.

Themed tours:
- From the shade to the river - A unique excursion in the Ardèche combining caving and hiking along the Ardèche river. Accompanied by a certified guide, set off from the top of the cliffs through the Grotte de la Madeleine to reach its true natural entrance much further down, then descend through the undergrowth to the banks of the Ardèche. Sensations guaranteed.

- In search of the Mady goat - Special tour for children (accompanied by their parents). Equipped with a headlamp, it's up to you to find the clues to Mady the goat, who has wandered into the cave, with the help of the shepherd who will tell you his story.

- Accompanied nature hike and visit to the cave - Discover the exceptional environment of the heart of the Gorges de l'Ardèche Nature Reserve, with a certified guide from the Reserve, and a visit to the Grotte de la Madeleine.

-Caving tour with abseiling - Explore uncharted galleries, climb and abseil down 25m on a rope.

-Caving course with zip line - Take off on a 25m zip line and finish with a 15m abseil - a fun and sporting activity.

Activities :
- Footprints and molding workshop - SGGA guides offer you the chance to observe and make moldings of animal footprints from the Gorges de l'Ardèche at the magnificent Madeleine lookout. Free workshop.

- Treasure hunt on the Madeleine site - Do you like a challenge? On your marks, get set, go! (Answer card available from reception). Free game for the whole family.

- Discovery trail - Discover the fauna, flora and geology of the Nature Reserve along the signposted Madeleine trail, which takes you to the upper lookout point of the Cathedral in around 20 minutes. Silhouettes and signs await you. Depart from the parking lot.