Orgnac L'aven combines a visit deep underground with traces of archaeological history and walking trails. When planning your stay, you can weigh up the different highlights according to your interests and timeframe: the Aven d'Orgnac, the chronological perspective of the Cité de la Préhistoire, and the trails at the Sentier du Maubois. There is also another cave with a history of human use, as well as practical facilities on site.

Caves and archaeology

The developed visitor route at the Aven d'Orgnac takes you 121 metres underground. The Cité de la Préhistoire presents 350,000 years of archaeological evidence, from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Early Iron Age. On display are authentic archaeological objects and facsimiles from experimental archaeology. The underground visit and the chronological perspective on prehistory therefore offer distinct highlights.

The Baume de Ronze adds a history of specific human use to this perspective on the past. The large collapsed cave has been used since the Upper Palaeolithic. Later, in the Neolithic, the first farmers used it as a sheepfold; this use dates back to around 5,500 years before our era. The sequence reveals two distinct phases of use.

The Grotte forestière offers another kind of visit: you can explore it independently, without a reservation, along an easy, secured path; headlamps are provided. Opening arrangements vary by season. Take these seasonal arrangements into account when planning your visit. The Baume de Ronze tells the story of its former use as a sheepfold, while the Grotte forestière showcases delicate crystal formations and the underground roots of centuries-old trees, which are unique in Europe.

Walking trails and practical facilities

The Sentier du Maubois offers two circular routes: one takes 45 minutes, the other 1 hour and 15 minutes. The path is easily accessible from the site car park and has virtually no change in elevation. The two time estimates can help you choose between a shorter and a longer walk; the terrain is another useful factor to consider when planning.

The Cité de la Préhistoire also offers hands-on activities about prehistory involving fire, flint and javelin throwing. Some of these activities are seasonal. This hands-on focus differs from the presentation of archaeological objects and facsimiles: it draws attention to selected techniques and complements the exhibition’s chronological perspective.

The Aven d'Orgnac site has facilities certified as Accueil Vélo, including bicycle racks, sanitary facilities, a shaded picnic area and a café-snack serving regional products. For cycle tourists, the bicycle racks and sanitary facilities are practical details; the picnic area and café-snack provide additional options for a break.

Discover more destinations: Les Salelles, Villeneuve-De-Berg, Soyons, St. Julien Du Serre, Lalevade-d'Ardèche, Arlebosc, Dompnac, Le Teil.

For the regional travel overview: Ardèche.