Ardeche - caves suitable for young children

[Ship-badger]

I know quite a few people who post here have been to Ardeche. I'm going in August for the first time with my family, and would like to take the kids into some easy caves. Can anyone give me some info and locations. We are staying at Vallons Pont d'Arc, but we can travel.

 

[rhychydwr1]

From memory, most of the easy caves are on the side of the main road.

 

[mrodoc]

There are a couple in the area that are 100 Grottes et Canyons but I will have to look up the names for you. I did the same thing when the kids were small. Unfortunately the walk in entrance of Grotte Marcel is now locked and I think it has been turned into a show cave. The Cocaliers is a good visit as a show cave.

 

[mrodoc]

The big dry river cave I visited was Event de Peyrejal near the Cocaliere (spelt it wrong last post).  It's easy. I went in a fair way with ordinary kit but the kids were minute at that time so couldn't do anymore. the book does say don't do it if there is rain forecast and watch out for high CO2 levels in some passages. it is number 80. in Grottes et Canyons. I expect people who have done serious caving in the area know plenty more sites!

 

[Ed W]

Its been a while since I last caved in the Ardeche, but the following caves I recall as potentially being good for kids;

Event de Peyrejal - The resurgence entrance (impressive) can be entered in dry weather and followed a reasonable distance to a sump.  As MRO Doc warned however this cave does flood with alarming ease.  Also there is an artificial entrance that leads into several km of good stuff (including the best formed phreatic tubes I have ever seen), but it does require tackle for a few short pitches.

Event de Cotpatiere - this is very close to the Peyrejal and apparently is hydrologically connected to it.  There is a short climb up to the huge entrance, which had a fixed ladder (iron hoops), handline and a hose (?) hanging down it when I was last there (nearly 15 years ago).  The entrance is a huge rift like affair and the massive passage can be followed under a skylight to lots of easy walking until it starts to get wet and muddy.  The cave apparently links to the Cocaliere show cave via a gate, but I have never got to the gate.  Here are a couple of photos;

Apparently the Goule de Sauvas is also good for a simple "walk in" up to the Grand Marmite.  Again it is a part of the Peyrejal hydrological system, but is a sink.  The entrance is large, but I have never been inside.

If you happen to be at the bottom of the gorge, you could do worse than visit the Grotte de Midroi.  It does have a lake not far from the entrance, about 30m long, and a short climb up at the end of the lake.  A boat and ladder would be useful for older kids.  There are some fine passages and good decoration to be seen.

Hope this helps...

Ed