Grotte de la Madeleine

Tourist attractions

A must in the heart of the Ardèche gorges nature reserve. The Madeleine Cave is a wonder of breathtaking concretions. Its belvedere offers an exceptional view over the gorges.

On the site of the Madeleine, in an exceptional natural setting, you can immerse yourself in a mineral, vegetal and mysterious decor. You will find: - Madeleine Cave: famous for its verticality, its grandiose volumes, its strangely shaped concretions and its range of colors. A wonderful journey underground awaits you. - a spectacular viewpoint, with its majestic landscapes and canyon. - a discovery trail that introduces you to the fauna and flora of the plateau, and leads you to an even more breathtaking viewpoint, with a breathtaking view of the Cathedral Rock. - a shepherd’s hut with a low wall of dry stones, hidden under a canopy of evergreen oaks, as was the case in the Gorges. Free audio guides are available in 8 languages for our foreign customers. Picnic area, snack bar and shop on site. Thematic tours: - From the shade to the river - A unique excursion in Ardèche combining caving and hiking along the Ardèche river. Accompanied by a certified guide, start from the top of the cliffs via the Madeleine Cave to reach its true natural entrance much lower, then descend through the undergrowth to the banks of the Ardèche. Sensations guaranteed. - In search of the goat Mady - Special visit for children (accompanied by their parents). Equipped with a headlamp, it’s up to you to find the clues of Mady the goat, who wandered in the cave, with the help of the shepherd who will tell you his story. - Guided nature hike and cave visit - Discover the exceptional environment of the heart of the Gorges de l'Ardèche Natural Reserve, with a certified guide of the Reserve, and a visit to the Madeleine Cave. -Speleology course with zip line and rappel - Take off on a 30m zip line and finish with a 20m abseiling - a fun and sporting activity. Wine tour "Colours and Wine" - The shimmering colours of our cave are found in our wines. White, pink, red: the palette is identical! Come and participate in a unique tasting in an underground environment. In the heart of concretions, in a majestic and soothing universe, you will perceive the entire aromatic range of our wines. 3 wines of 3 different colours, including one grown in the underground environment, associated with 3 surprising local products. A sensory tasting by an oenology specialist. Activities : - Meeting with the Ecogardes of the national nature reserve of the gorges of the Ardèche on the panoramic viewpoint of the Madeleine. - Trail Running on the Madeleine site – Do you like challenges? Ready to go! (Box to take at reception). Free game for the whole family. - Discovery trail – Discover the fauna, flora and geology of the Nature Reserve along the marked path from the Madeleine site that will take you in about 20 minutes to the upper belvedere of the Cathedral. Departure on the parking lot.
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Spoken languages

  • Dutch
  • German
  • English
  • French

Opening

From 01/04 to 03/11/2025 between 10 am and 5 pm.
April - May - June - September: 10am-6pm
July - August: 10am - 7pm
October (until the end of the All Saints' vacation): 10am-5pm.

Benefits

Services provided

  • Pets welcome
  • Motorhomes allowed
  • Restaurant

Equipment

  • Free car park
  • Private parking
  • Coach parking
  • Car park
  • Bar
  • Defibrillator

Prices

Free entry for children < 6 years, accompanying guides, the drivers. Group rate available for > 10 people.

Means of payment

  • Check
  • Bank/credit card
  • Cash
  • Travellers Cheque
  • Online payment

Capacity

  • Maximum group size: 50
  • Minimum group size : 10

Activities

  • Recreational activities
  • Picnic area
  • Games for children
  • Tourist cave / Other landscaped natural sites

Access

Environment

  • Overview on river
  • Forest location
  • In the country