Grotte de la Salamandre
Grotte de la Salamandre
4.5
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Lookouts • Caverns & Caves
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11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Welcome to the Kingdom of the Giants of Cristal. Come and enjoy four possible ways to visit the cave: the wheelchair-accessible lookout point, the fascinating guided tour, the Grand Rappel (50m abseiling), and the "Backstage of the Grotte de la Salamandre" (caving in the hidden galleries). On each of the visits, one will discover an enormous cave full of crystals staged with lighting and sound effects. On the outside, a beautifully designed wooden structure houses both a boutique selling original articles and a cafe that opens out onto a terrace where one can enjoy delicious products while taking in a spectacular view of a nature reserve.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
911 reviews
Excellent
708
Very good
177
Average
22
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Ben W
Epiniac, France14 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We weren’t sure if we wanted to go to a cave. Most of the family are claustrophobic so we were concerned there might be small passages. We didn’t need to worry. It was spectacular. No enclosed spaces because the cave is enormous. It’s also incredibly beautiful.
We had a fantastic guide called Gabriel, who took our group through. We were the only non French speakers but he still took the time to explain things to us in English. He was relaxed and easy going with a dry wit, and an amazing way of making it sound like this was the first tour he’d done that day, even though we definitely weren’t.
Ice creams after were great. Then a short drive down to the plage de Roy for a dip. Top day.
We had a fantastic guide called Gabriel, who took our group through. We were the only non French speakers but he still took the time to explain things to us in English. He was relaxed and easy going with a dry wit, and an amazing way of making it sound like this was the first tour he’d done that day, even though we definitely weren’t.
Ice creams after were great. Then a short drive down to the plage de Roy for a dip. Top day.
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DorothyCairo
Cairo, Egypt75 contributions
Aug 2017
We visited the cave as a family - grandparents, our daughter and her two girls, 8 and 5. I bought the tickets at the guest center and asked what time the tour in English was and was told 2:30 p.m. Since it was still 2;15 p.m. and the coffee shop had no customers at the counter, we figured we had plenty of time to grab a coffee before starting the tour, which should take about an hour. The girl making the coffee was soooo slow, and she couldn't understand that we wanted one hot chocolate. She thought we were asking for a hot dog. Anyway.....we got our piping hot coffee and hot chocolate after almost 10 minutes and just as the tour was about to begin. A guide passed through the tables outside, announcing in French that the tour was about to begin. I went back to the ticket counter to ask if this was the Englsih tour and was told it was. We had to throw away the coffee because it was too hot to drink and of course you can't take it with you. My husband however, took his hot chocolate back to the counter and managed to convey that he would pick it up on his way out after the tour.
We introduced ourselves to the guide, to let her know we were English speakers. She told us in a matter of fact tone that she would be giving the information in French, but that we should stay close to her if we wanted her to explain again in English. At the first stop, she gave a detailed explanation in French (we were towards the back of the group) and we felt it would have taken her too long to go through it all again in English so we decided to just enjoy the cave and find out about it through Google when we got home. At one point she did come back to us to ask if we had any questions.
The cave is magnificent. We had never been in one before and this was really spellbinding. The access and layout are very comfortable to navigate. The lighting is spectacular. Our two little granddaughters were spellbound. There is quite a drop in temperature when you go in, so do follow the advice given to wear a jacket.
The walk to and from the car park is well thought out also but if you are bringing a stroller, could be a bit of push on the way back. The girls had fun reading the various quiz and trivia posters along the way.
Definitely worth a visit and a great family outing. It would have been perfect if we had known what we were looking at. Maybe in future an audio guide could be provided for non french speakers, or even a fact sheet.
We introduced ourselves to the guide, to let her know we were English speakers. She told us in a matter of fact tone that she would be giving the information in French, but that we should stay close to her if we wanted her to explain again in English. At the first stop, she gave a detailed explanation in French (we were towards the back of the group) and we felt it would have taken her too long to go through it all again in English so we decided to just enjoy the cave and find out about it through Google when we got home. At one point she did come back to us to ask if we had any questions.
The cave is magnificent. We had never been in one before and this was really spellbinding. The access and layout are very comfortable to navigate. The lighting is spectacular. Our two little granddaughters were spellbound. There is quite a drop in temperature when you go in, so do follow the advice given to wear a jacket.
The walk to and from the car park is well thought out also but if you are bringing a stroller, could be a bit of push on the way back. The girls had fun reading the various quiz and trivia posters along the way.
Definitely worth a visit and a great family outing. It would have been perfect if we had known what we were looking at. Maybe in future an audio guide could be provided for non french speakers, or even a fact sheet.
Written August 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tom M
Bouillon, Belgium18 contributions
Sep 2016 • Family
One of the most beautiful places I have ever visited! We took the tour with our 8 months old daughter. Very friendly Tourguide did her very best to accomodate us in both french and english. We took a lunch afterwards which was very tasteful.
Written September 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Justine M
Drysdale, Australia28 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
This place has been on my list of things to see during or trip and we almost decided it was too far..I am sooo glad we made the trip. The walk from the carpark is an easy one but longer than expected, so ensure you allow plenty of time so as to not miss the beginning of your tour. We were the only English speakers in the tour but the guide was fabulous at providing 2 lots of explanations. The cave is huge and the stalactites are amazing. The size of them is truly beyond belief at times. It was a magical place to visit and a highlight of our trip. The outside had also a lovely scenic views. Definitely worth a visit and great for the whole family.
Written June 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
debsussex
Brighton52 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
We went on a very hot day so the coolness of the caves was most welcome. We were a group of 10 English and the guide went to great pains to translate for us which was most helpful. The caves were stunning and his knowledge was very broad. Of mention is the long walk from the car park which is fine going - downhill - but not so fun on the way back as it is all uphill. We did visit during the recent heatwave which probably had an impact on the walk back. Definitely worth a visit
Written August 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
reesfamily2015
Uppsala, Sweden139 contributions
Jun 2017
This series of caves with a vertical entrance (an 'aven' in French or 'pothole' in English) is unusual in that as well as a wealth of stalactite/mite formations the large 'cathedral' cave experienced an earthquake milleniums ago which adds to its interest having created some bizarre formations. If you are up to it you can abseil from the entrance at the top down 50m to the floor below. The guides are well versed in the story of the caves and it's no accident that the Michelin Guide gave it two stars in 2016. Well worth a visit and do park at the top car park and take the 700m walk down through the garrigue.
Written June 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Itay G
263 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
A must. Short tour inside a fesenatic cave that is well preserved. The shapes, colors & story creates exceptional experience.
Written October 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lea N
Copenhagen, Denmark7 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
Absolutely a place worth seeing. Not only are the insides of the caves stunning, but the surrounding area is also worth the visit.
Remember to bring an extra shirt, as the tour in the caves gets a bit chilly.
Remember to bring an extra shirt, as the tour in the caves gets a bit chilly.
Written August 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarah P
Arpaillargues, France1 contribution
Aug 2016 • Family
This is my first tripadvisor review and I wouldn't normally bother but this place is just wonderful!
We took the kids - a 4 year-old and a baby - and had a truly wonderful time. For a start, the drive up there is glorious and one of the major bonuses of the day is a magnificent mountain view as you crest the last hill of the journey. Then, there's a carpark which has been so thoughtfully done - parking bays carved out of the Garrigue under the trees so everyone gets some shade and the place doesn't look like an awful, tarmac tourist trap (horrible Musée Haribo take note). There is a lovely walk down to the cave itself - a few hundred meters through the woodland. It's shady, so no problems for the children. I took the sling for the baby and, although plenty of people took buggies, it's probably easier not to. If you do take a buggy, they have baby slings you can borrow (backpack-style from what I saw) so you can negotiate the steps inside the cave.
When you get to the visitor centre at the site, there is a lovely shaded deck with lots of tables and chairs and a rather stylish visitor centre with a small shop and café. As for the cave itself, I've seen a few and this was head and shoulders the most extraordinary I've ever seen. Like everything else here, it's so brilliantly done, with such attention to detail. The lighting is gorgeous and, unlike other such sites, so well done that you never see the source of the light, you just get the effect. It cycles through the rainbow colours that you often see pictured but also spends periods where the lighting is naturalistic, with just a few of the more magnificent features picked out in the kind of washed-out aquamarine that you might get reflected from a pool of water. The cave is just a jaw-dropping sight - enormous and with some of the best formations I have ever seen. The guide was brilliant - he'd explored the cave system himself and clearly knew all there was to know about his subject. I believe they do English tours, but this one was in French.
Afterwards, we came out and decided to have a spot of lunch. We had a delicious plate of salad, jambon cru, chorizo, melon, cheese and bread, all eaten on the deck outside and under the sun shades with the most magnificent view. There were even high-chairs for babies.
All in all, this place has been beautifully, stylishly put together and the experience is wonderful. The 4 year-old marvelled at the cave and the baby was captivated by the changing lights and thought the lunch was delicious (she ate most of mine). As a family day out, it's tops and if you go in the summer I can highly recommend the nearby swimming spots in the Cèze. I've lived here on and off for 35 years and this is one of the most fun days out I've had. Don't hesitate!
We took the kids - a 4 year-old and a baby - and had a truly wonderful time. For a start, the drive up there is glorious and one of the major bonuses of the day is a magnificent mountain view as you crest the last hill of the journey. Then, there's a carpark which has been so thoughtfully done - parking bays carved out of the Garrigue under the trees so everyone gets some shade and the place doesn't look like an awful, tarmac tourist trap (horrible Musée Haribo take note). There is a lovely walk down to the cave itself - a few hundred meters through the woodland. It's shady, so no problems for the children. I took the sling for the baby and, although plenty of people took buggies, it's probably easier not to. If you do take a buggy, they have baby slings you can borrow (backpack-style from what I saw) so you can negotiate the steps inside the cave.
When you get to the visitor centre at the site, there is a lovely shaded deck with lots of tables and chairs and a rather stylish visitor centre with a small shop and café. As for the cave itself, I've seen a few and this was head and shoulders the most extraordinary I've ever seen. Like everything else here, it's so brilliantly done, with such attention to detail. The lighting is gorgeous and, unlike other such sites, so well done that you never see the source of the light, you just get the effect. It cycles through the rainbow colours that you often see pictured but also spends periods where the lighting is naturalistic, with just a few of the more magnificent features picked out in the kind of washed-out aquamarine that you might get reflected from a pool of water. The cave is just a jaw-dropping sight - enormous and with some of the best formations I have ever seen. The guide was brilliant - he'd explored the cave system himself and clearly knew all there was to know about his subject. I believe they do English tours, but this one was in French.
Afterwards, we came out and decided to have a spot of lunch. We had a delicious plate of salad, jambon cru, chorizo, melon, cheese and bread, all eaten on the deck outside and under the sun shades with the most magnificent view. There were even high-chairs for babies.
All in all, this place has been beautifully, stylishly put together and the experience is wonderful. The 4 year-old marvelled at the cave and the baby was captivated by the changing lights and thought the lunch was delicious (she ate most of mine). As a family day out, it's tops and if you go in the summer I can highly recommend the nearby swimming spots in the Cèze. I've lived here on and off for 35 years and this is one of the most fun days out I've had. Don't hesitate!
Written August 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Willy P
Leuven, Belgium318 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
Worth the detour. Perfect attraction to do with children from 3-4 years. They should be able to do the visiting on their own. Colors and rock formations are from exceptional beauty. One minus point: at the end the guide was begging for tip.
Written December 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for your very nice comment. We need this kind of encouragement...
Really sorry if the guide appeared to be waiting for a tip. This is not the intention at all. Thanks for the feedback.
Written December 27, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
trescant
7 contributions
Bonjour, Le Mas d'Emilie. Que voudriez-vous savoir sur cette attraction ?
Bonjour, nous aimerions offrir la visite "les coulisses" Ã notre fille et sa petite famille. 40 ans pour les parents et 10 ans pour notre petit fils.
Bonne conditions physiques… mais j'aimerai savoir s'il y a des restrictions? quel est votre avis?
Je vous remercie par avance.
Très bonne journée.
Bien cordialement.
Françoise
Daniel L
Bagnols-sur-Ceze, France45 contributions
Bonsoir,
Pardon pour cette réponse tardive... Mais, oui, les Coulisses sont en fait de la spéléo "tous publics", vraiment conçus pour prendre beaucoup de plaisir sans trop d'efforts.
Sur la vidéo de notre site internet à la page des Coulisses,
la plus petite a justement 10 ans...
Au plaisir de vous accueillir !
Daniel (de la Grotte de la Salamandre)
francoisedusud
Cornillon, France15 contributions
l accès est il possible pour une enfant à mobilité réduite (poussette car jambe cassée )en vous remerciant
Daniel L
Bagnols-sur-Ceze, France45 contributions
Bonjour et merci pour l’intérêt que vous nous portez.
Oui, vous pouvez rejoindre les places de stationnement réservées aux personnes à mobilité réduite en dépassant le parking principal et en suivant les panneaux fauteuil roulant jusqu’à l’aire d’accueil.
Là , la découverte de la grotte en belvédère est accessible sans aucune marche.
Au plaisir de vous accueillir !
Sasha
Klaarinhaa
7 contributions
Pour des personnes avec des problèmes de respiration, la remontée peut être difficile?
Pas de difficultés particulières.
Quelques escaliers pour remonter mais pas de dénivelés importants et de nombreuses poses pour les commentaires du guide peuvent permettre de souffler un peu.
Bonne visite.
Jérémy L
Rouen, France2 contributions
Bonjour. La grotte est elle conseillée et accessible pour un bébé de 9 mois ?
Daniel L
Bagnols-sur-Ceze, France45 contributions
Bonjour,
La Grotte de la Salamandre est un vaste espace accessible à tous et nous avons plusieurs fois accueilli des bébés de quelques jours.
Cheminements antidérapants, 50 marches faciles à descendre et 84 à remonter.
La température est de 13°C et l'humidité de l'ordre de 80% en ce moment.
Nous vous prêtons un porte-bébé si vous venez sans...
Au plaisir de vous accueillir !
Sasha
chris30100
Ales, France
Bonjour,
Est ce que la visite est accessible aux fauteuils roulants ?
Cordialement
Daniel L
Bagnols-sur-Ceze, France45 contributions
Bonjour,
Oui, la Grotte de la Salamandre a été aménagée pour permettre l'accès aux personnes à mobilité réduite. Un belvédère accessible sans assistance domine la grande salle de la grotte et permet de découvrir l'essentiel du spectacle offert par ce site étonnant. Vous pouvez réserver directement en ligne sur notre site internet.
Au plaisir de vous accueillir !
Sasha
Grotte de la Salamandre (Mejannes-le-Clap) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Grotte de la Salamandre
- Grotte de la Salamandre is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Grotte de la Salamandre:
- (4.23 mi) Natura Lodge
- (6.03 mi) Les Parfums du Midi
- (6.17 mi) Hotel La Bastide d'Iris
- (1.66 mi) Camping Naturiste La Genese
- (1.01 mi) Domaine De La Sabliere
- Restaurants near Grotte de la Salamandre:
- (3.54 mi) Le Monteil
- (2.53 mi) Le Vieux Clocher
- (9.70 mi) L'empreinte Restaurant
- (7.09 mi) Poppy & Lucky
- (3.66 mi) C2 saveurs