Aven d’Orgnac “Grand Site”
Ardèche, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
In the heart of the Mediterranean forest, the Aven d’Orgnac «Grand Site» can be explored to a depth of 121 metres, revealing subterranean landscapes of giant palm trees and ochre draperies. Arising from 100 million years of geological history, the fragile cave offers a breathtaking sight. The sustainable preservation of its ecosystem is the subject
of careful attention. © Ludovic Frémondière
A stone's throw from the Ardèche Gorges, in the heart of the Mediterranean forest, its impressive volumes with ceilings up to 55 meters high and its underground landscapes offer a breathtaking natural spectacle. Giant palms, candles, organ cases, columns, ochre draperies, marvel. The history of this natural jewel begins 100 million years ago, with the formation of the limestone. It is also a human story, from the cutting of the flint that was carved here 350,000 years ago, and the transmission that continues at the City of Prehistory. Labelled as a "Grand Site de France" since 2004 for its sustainable and respectful management of an exceptional natural site, the Aven d'Orgnac, which is the most studied cave in France - climatological monitoring with weather stations, fine particle sensors, and studies on bio-corrosion due to bats - is a fabulous field of knowledge and discovery.