Grotte Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche

Classified as National Heritage for its geological and archaeological interest, the Grotte Saint-Marcel is – with its 64 km of networks – one of the largest cavities in France.
Over a 400 m visit, following the traces of the fossil river, you will discover immense rooms and galleries finely sculpted by the work of water. Magnified by a sound and light show, the sublime waterfall of Gours will reveal its row of more than a hundred calcite pools in water, unique in Europe!

Tours offered:
Guided tour: The guide will tell you everything you need to know about the cave and the fossil river. You attend 2 sound & light shows (duration: 1 hour)

Guided family tour: the walk of the Fireflies by lantern light.
The cave is revealed to daring little explorers! In the darkness, armed with your lantern and your courage, you will experience new sensations in the galleries. The opportunity to step into the shoes of the explorers who explored the cave almost 200 years ago!
A sound and light show will punctuate your journey to highlight the marvels of the cave. Join the band of explorers for a unique adventure!

Self-guided tour: This service allows visitors to discover the site independently, in a small group, at their own pace. Explanatory panels (French/English) are placed all along the route. For children, there is also “The Extraordinary Journey of a Drop of Water” which explains the process of cave formation. For more information, guides are present in the cave (duration: 1 hour), you attend 2 sound & light shows.

Epicurean Visit: Visit to the cave and tasting of wines and local products with a guide specialized in oenology (duration: 2 hours). In 2013, the Grotte Saint-Marcel created the “Cave Naturelle des Gorges de l'Ardèche ®” – a space dedicated to the aging of wines located 80 m underground – and became the first wine tourism center in a natural cavity. Tastings of AOC Côtes du Rhône / Côtes du Rhône Village wines and local products.

Caving: Caving, the Grotte Saint-Marcel differently!
In total immersion in the heart of the cave, a national natural heritage, discover caving. With family or friends, set off on an adventure in the footsteps of Robert DE JOLY (French speleologist) and Édouard-Alfred MARTEL (founder of modern speleology). We offer several courses (half-day or full day) combining history, sport and culture.
The Family Adventure (from 5 years old), the Ark of Sensations (from 8 years old), the Network Labyrinth 2 (from 10 years old) and Underground Exploration (from 12 years old).

SpeleŒnology®: When caving meets oenology, we understand the terroir in all its facets…thanks to SpeleŒnology®! A unique activity in France.
With a speleologist guide and a guide specialized in wine tasting, explore the corridors of the Grotte Saint-Marcel then take the time to disconnect by tasting the most typical wines of Ardèche in complete darkness: Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages and Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Andéol. You will thus be able to realize that the wine tasted in the cave is much better than elsewhere!

The little extra: The big stone trail, a 2.8 km discovery trail following in the footsteps of the fauna, flora and human occupation of the Gorges de l'Ardèche. A treasure hunt is organized to discover this path while having fun!

Botanical route