Aven Armand is located on the Causse Méjean, in the commune of Hures-la-parade, between Meyrueis and Sainte-Énimie. It was discovered by Louis Armand, a blacksmith and amateur speleologist living in Le Rozier, on September 19, 1897, in the company of his sidekick, the famous Édouard-Alfred Martel. The Grands Causses abounds in avens and grottes, as its high plateaus are formed of particularly porous limestone soil, allowing water to seep directly into the rock to sculpt a mysterious underground world.
The Dargilan cave is the largest cave in the Causses and Cévennes, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.The Dargilan cave is the largest cave in the Causses and Cévennes, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Aven Armand caveAn underground treasure in the heart of the Causse Méjean
Allabout L'Aven Armand
Landscape of the Causse Méjean with its vast expansesLandscape of the Causse Méjean with its vast expanses
Meyrueis in the Gorges du Tarn seen from the bridge.Meyrueis in the Gorges du Tarn seen from the bridge.
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DID YOU KNOW?
A “aven” is not a cave: it’s a horizontal underground cavity, more or less deep, with at least one accessible part; whereas a “aven” is a kind of chasm whose access opens into the ground in the form of a shaft. They are often formed by the collapse of a cave vault due to the dissolution of limestone layers.
Tourism
In 1927, thecave was secured and opened to the public. All you have to do to descend is take the funicular, which takes you to the heart of this marvel, with its thousand lights highlighting some 400 stalagmites, each more spectacular than the last.
This jewel of history is the perfect place for families and friends to share a magical moment in a semi-fantastic universe narrated by the famous Jules Verne.
Inspiring site
So, with a little imagination and observation of the shapes, reflections and shadows, you can guess the resemblance to a school of jellyfish, a tiger’s jaw, a turkey, a palm tree or the Sagrada Familia. Aven is also famous for having been the setting for two French films: the French TV movie Crime en Lozère, directed by Claude-Michel Rome in 2014, and the video clip for Nolwenn Leroy ‘s single Gemme in June 2017.
Festival of La Canourgue, Lozère's little Venice.Festival of La Canourgue, Lozère's little Venice.
DID YOU KNOW?
A “aven” is not a cave: it’s a horizontal underground cavity, more or less deep, with at least one accessible part; whereas a “aven” is a kind of chasm whose access opens into the ground in the form of a shaft. They are often formed by the collapse of a cave vault due to the dissolution of limestone layers.
Practical info
Your visit to the cave
- How to get to Aven Armand?
Located in the south of France, in the Occitanie region, the Aven Armand is situated on the Causse Méjean, in the Cévennes National Park, 1 hour from the Millau Viaduct. The Grotte de l’Aven Armand is at the crossroads of 4 roads:
- Meyrueis 11 km
- La Malène /Sainte Enimie 21 km
- Florac 32 km.
- How long does it take to visit Aven Armand?
It takes from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the type of visit required. Access is by funicular or by abseiling from the natural shaft (exploration tour).
- Where to eat?
Aven Armand has an on-site bistro/bar serving meals and drinks made with local produce. There’s plenty to eat and drink before or after your visit!
- Can you buy souvenirs here?
Yes, there’s a gift store on site at the cave entrance.
