Grotte d'Osselle et le cimetière des ours des cavernes

Roset-Fluans

At Roset-Fluans, in the Doubs, the grotte d'Osselle is one of the oldest caves to be visited in France. It is said to have been discovered in the 13th century and visited from 1504, but this date comes from the cave's website, with no source cited. In 1592 Loïs Gollut described it and believed he saw in it an ancient Roman gold mine. In 1696 Father Boisot explained that it was carved by rain and an underground river. In the 18th century concerts and banquets were held there. A local tradition has it that Voltaire came there several times, but nothing proves it. In 1826 the Englishman William Buckland found there the first complete cave bear skeleton; he sent part of it to Georges Cuvier, in Paris, who excavated there in his turn, and the cave became famous in Europe. In 1970 a gallery yielded 15 more skeletons: it is said to be the largest known cemetery of cave bears. The mineral-laden waters colour the walls green, red, blue, grey or orange. The cave has been listed as a site since 2 May 1912. The guided route follows the underground river for about 1.2 km.

Getting there: Paying guided visit (about 75 min), from mid-April to the end of the All Saints holidays according to the Besançon tourist office; prices noted differ from one source to another (from €8 to €11 for an adult), to be checked. Address: 42 route des Grottes, Roset-Fluans. Coordinates: Commons category ‘Grotte d'Osselle’ (47.1386 N, 5.83674 E), close to those of showcaves.com (47.1384 N, 5.8364 E).

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound