The Choranche cave is simply a wonder of nature.The stalagmites are amazing but truly awesome are the stalactites suspended like intricate lacework from the ceiling.There are underground rivers and lakes to circumnavigate and to finish off a 100 step climb into the main cavern for a very good sound and light show. The hour-long guided tour will also show you the olm, an early form of amphibian from the age of the dinosaurs. The cave can be reached from Lyon in 2 hours driving. From Paris, you can take a train to Lyon which take another 2 hours.

A few minutes walk, we reached the ticketing counter. There weren’t too many visitors  waiting there at the time.

Entry to the cave is by guided tour and before entering the caves, visitors can view the information boards of the geological process at work, plus some fairly sterile archaeological exhibits. A pity that there was not many thought put into the presentation of the latter.

Ok, finally it’s time to go inside. William was thrilled about it ! Before entering, the tour guide had given us a little word of warning that the caves are constantly at 10C cold. Since we would be guided for an hour in this cold so we were advised to take jumper / coat / cardigan along.

As soon as we walked into the cave, I heard William exclaimed a “WOW”. Actually I did the same in my heart too. In the heart of the Vercors Mountains, the Grottes de Ghoranche lays at the bottom of a 984 feet high cliff, is a remarkable site in Europe. Touring the caves is like taking a trip back in time of 70 million years old….

Age 70 million years old, Choranche caves were discovered by Oscar Descombaz around 1890, who was at the origin, one of the first topography of this vast underground network. Over the years, 18 miles of galleries have been explored.

The caves themselves are remarkable, and the lighting helps to bring out the best. The walk inside the caves is on footpaths, which can be gently sloping and wet. 

Such a brilliant idea…

Those lime straws had taken a very long time to form…

The water was absolutely still to give a perfect reflection of its surrounding.

Olm is most notable for its adaptations to a life of complete darkness in its underground habitat. The olm’s eyes are undeveloped, leaving it blind, while its other senses, particularly those of smell and hearing, are acutely development. It also lacks of any pigmentation in its skin, so is called “human fish”. Captive experiments have shown that olm can survive for up to 10 years without food. This is a long-lived species, with a maximum longevity of up to 58 years or more. Anecdotal evidence suggests that olm can in fact live for more than 100 years!

Looking back in full admiration…Among so many caves that we have visited, this one is the most scenic and well presented, definitely worth all the travelling to here !