Franche-Comte Caves    

Franche-Comte Caves

Franche Comte is a land rich in natural beauty, even its subterranean world is full of wonders. Some 4,000 caves and caverns where nature has let its imagination run wild.



Moidons Caves

10 km from Arbois, Moidons's caves are located in the heart of the Jura forest. Discovered in 1966, they are now open to the public. It is an exceptional site with numerous stalactites, impressive stalagmites, subterranean pools and a sound and light show.
Les Planches Caves

    5 km from Arbois, at the bottom of this blind valley, these caves were formed by the erosive action of water running between rock strata. The numerous eroded surfaces are unique in Europe. Two of the galleries have been set aside for tourists, to trace the underground path of the water as it flows through the rock. It also includes a gallery-museum and archaeological excavations.


Baume les Messieurs Caves

Located close to Lons le Saunier, in a truly remarkable site, these caves are 30 million years old. From the entrance gallery, accessible by stairs, visitors are taken through tall, narrow chambers to the great hall, which has superb accoustics. The ceiling of the Catafalque gallery is 80 m (262 feet) high.



Osselle Caves
    20 km (12 miles) from Besancon, the caves are set in a cliff overlooking a meander of the Doubs river. During the Revolution they were used as hiding places. Out of 8 km (5 miles) of long galleries, 1300 m (0.8 mile) are accessible to visitors. The underground river in one of the lower galleries is spanned by a small stone bridge (built in 1751) enabling visitors to see the "organ gallery". The cave offers a variety of geologic phenomena including amazingly colourful crystal formations and treasures from both historic and prehistoric times.

Gouffre de Poudrey

Located at Etalans, 20 Km (12 miles) from Besancon, it is the largest cavern in France adapted for visitors. A sound and light show adds to the supernatural character of the site.
Glacière Cave

Located at Chaux-les-Passavant, 30 km (19 miles) from Besancon. The cave's glaciation process is unique in Europe. Naturally formed ice castles, potholes, a former ocean bed, fossils and jellyfish are among the site's attractions. Nearby, a mineral exhibition displays more than 5,000 crystals from all over the world.



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