Grottes de la Balme

La Balme-les-Grottes

Considered one of the Seven Wonders of Dauphiné, the Grottes de la Balme form an underground network of at least 5,300 metres carved into the limestone cliffs above the Rhône. The entrance porch, 35 metres high and 28 metres wide, houses two stacked chapels: the upper chapel, dedicated to the Virgin (9th century), and the lower chapel, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist (14th century). Excavations have revealed human occupation dating back to Neanderthal times, with burials, urns and animal offerings from the Late Bronze Age. Francis I is said to have stayed here in 1516 with his mother Louise of Savoy, an episode that gave its name to one of the underground labyrinths. Open to tourism since 1807, the caves were also the scene of a tragic boating accident on the underground lake in 1919, which claimed ten lives.

Getting there : Developed caves open to the public (67,422 visitors in 2019), counted among the Seven Wonders of Dauphiné; access via the RD65 from Hières-sur-Amby or Lagnieu; constant temperature of 12-15°C. Approximate coordinates (centre of the site).

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

Ambient sound