For thrill-seekers and explorers at heart, the Aven Armand offers a truly sensational experience. In the heart of the Causse Méjean, follow in the footsteps of Louis Armand, Edouard-Alfred Martel and Armand Viré, and discover the marvellous forest of stalagmites hidden underground. An abseil with a guide awaits you. Thrills are guaranteed!
- 85 €
- for a rappel descent
- 12 years
- minimum
- 2 h
- activity
Exploring the Causse Méjean
You’re due to meet at 8.30 am to begin your rather special tour of the Aven Armand. But before that, take in the magnificent landscapes and wide-open spaces of the Causse Méjean. It’s marvellous. You’ll find yourself immersed in the heart of the ‘French Mongolian steppes’, just a few hours from home… You’ll come across hardly anyone – if anyone at all – along the way. Welcome to France’s least densely populated natural region. Take the time to admire the unspoilt natural surroundings before you arrive at Aven Armand.
Meeting with the guides, preparing for the expedition
You’re expected at the Spéléo Gare de l’Aven. Your guides will give you a warm welcome and are keen to share their expertise, ensuring you enjoy a truly extraordinary morning. Any nerves are quickly dispelled by the advice and encouragement of your guides for the day. As you approach the entrance to the Aven, you’ll feel a surge of excitement and anticipation. Kitted out with your rope, harness, helmet and head torch, take a deep breath and savour this moment of suspended anticipation.
A thrilling abseil
80 metres of vertigo, your feet dangling in the void… A shiver runs through your body during this thrilling descent, suspended from that end of the rope in the dark recesses of the Aven Armand… Imagine the first explorers unravelling the mysteries of this silent world. A sense of calm immediately descends upon the group! A forest of colossal stalagmites, shimmering with clear, luminous hues, unfolds beneath your feet in a magical spectacle… A feeling of humility washes over you in the presence of all these millennia-old giants. Alone in the world, the cool, damp atmosphere soothes your emotions.
The Aven Armand could accommodate Notre Dame de Paris, given its immense dimensions: 110 metres long, 60 metres wide and with a vault height of 45 metres. This represents a colossal volume of 200,000 m³
Discovering the 400 stalagmites
There are still more surprises in store for you when you arrive. Illuminated by a dazzling light show, the stalagmites gradually reveal themselves before your eyes. Your guide will accompany you on this spectacular tour and tell you the extraordinary story of this underground world. A forest of 400 stalagmites unfolds before your eyes. Small, large, thick, slender, ochre, white – these limestone towers are sure to impress you. The falling drops of water provide a natural musical spectacle. The drapery-like formations and ‘jellyfish’ create a magical setting – it’s a tour you won’t forget in a hurry.
Unforgettable memories
The tour is almost over. You head back up to the platform next to the funicular and spend a few minutes admiring the Aven. As you make your way back up, a real sense of togetherness develops. At the Spéléo Café, your guides present you with your exploration certificate, and it is with a sense of pride that you set off once more along the roads of the Causse Méjean. We’ve heard a lot about the village of Hyelzas, just nearby, a 10-minute drive away…
Other tours
Aven Armand offers a range of tours. The Jules Verne tour: open to all, featuring a ride down on the funicular and a guided walking tour. The VIP tour: enjoy a private tour of the cave, either on your own or with a group. Then there’s the special tour: perfect for groups, families, friends or colleagues, with a dedicated guide and a private funicular ride.
This is where the magic happens – you’re stepping into the world’s largest concentration of stalagmites. It’s a feast for the eyes with every step, and knowing that time itself has sculpted this place is simply breathtaking. You can walk right up close to the stalagmites and explore the cave’s many chambers. It was an incredible sight that filled me with wonder at every step.
Plan your stay
Where to eat, where to stay, what to do?
Discover all our top tips for a great stay on the Causse Méjean.
Restaurant
How do I get there?
- By car: The most convenient way to get to Aven Armand is by car. From Meyrueis, follow the D986 towards Sainte-Enimie. The journey takes about 15 minutes in total.
- In the summer, tourist shuttle buses run to the Aven Armand.
