Caves: The great show in the heart of the earth

The Unesco criteria are both aesthetical and scientific, and at this level, the Choranche caves and the Aven d'Orgnac have nothing to fear. The former are famous for their fistula network absolutely unique in Europe. These fine translucent and tube-shaped concretions give evidence of the regular supplies of water coming from the springs of the Vercors.

They are the only caves in Europe, open to the public, presenting this kind of treasure. You won't be able to see anything else like it anywhere. For more than 30 years, teams have been working on the site to make it more attractive.

The cirque of Choranche set into a circular arc in the Presles rocks, with tufa cascades and exceptionally diversified Mediterranean vegetation, also benefit from the permanent interest of the CNRS scientists, which confer an important advantage in the caves' candidature for UNESCO.

In 2004, 4 sites in France were granted the label «Grand Site de France» awarded by the Ministry of Ecology. The Aven d'Orgnac is one
of them. Its particularity, and a great part of its majesty, is due to thousands of crystalline concretions, some of them reaching tens of meters long under huge arches more than 50 meters high. Here, as in other caves, water is the Aven d'Orgnac project manager and natural architect.

For two years now, titanic works have been undertaken to make this place the 3rd converted cave in France. The asphalted parking area has disappeared to make way for dry-stone walls, the traditional terraces from the Ardèche and luxuriant vegetation with a winding little stream. Moreover, the worldwide scientific community consider the site as a permanent call to knowledge.

This is notably because of its ability to
breathe, a phenomenon that has always intrigued the scientific community since the dawn of time. Imagine, and watch as the cave regularly blows through its natural openings. Impressive!