From Perouges to Bugey

The Caves of La Balme

We speak English, Spanish

Small pools, labyrinths, concretions, lake: the Caves of La Balme are rich in what nature has shaped. Discover a rare and exceptional natural site which will offer you an atypical discovery of the underground world!

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Arrive under this impressive porch and enter the bowels of the cliff to discover the labyrinths, an underground lake, the stalactites and stalagmites, the amphitheater of small pools... these are what the Grottes de La Balme offer you.

Take your time during a self-guided visit of around 1 hour 15 minutes or benefit from explanations during a guided tour (reservation required).

Visited since 1807, the Caves of La Balme reveal their history and their mysteries throughout the 1 meters of underground galleries to explore.
Located in Nord-Isère, in the center of the village of La Balme-les-Grottes, they are a thrilling detour in the territory of the Balcons du Dauphiné.

Complete your day with the free trail of the Sensitive Natural Area “Les Coteaux de Saint-Roch” which can be discovered thanks to a marked trail and a discovery booklet. This preserved natural area will allow you to observe the particularities of the cliffs, the forest and the dry lawns which surround the Grottes de La Balme and are home to numerous species of protected plants and animals.

Become real adventurers during 100% family activities! Crossing the porch on a zip line, fun visit with the Archibalme Survey: young and old will be delighted.
Summer and winter alike, the underground world never ceases to surprise you!

The souvenir shop is open at the same time as the caves and offers many gifts: crockery, textiles, stones, selection of books and other essential objects to treat yourself or to give as a gift.

Adapted tourism

  • Not wheelchair accessible

Comfort

Spoken languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Services

  • Educational visits
  • Coach access
  • Motorhomes allowed
  • Shop
  • Tourist Documentation
  • photo spot

Equipments

  • Parking
  • Coach parking
  • Parking nearby
  • Charging stations for electric vehicles
  • defibrillator
  • Picnic area.
  • Theme trail
  • Toilets

Customer base

Minimum age: 4

Prices

Adult: 11 €
Child (4-11 years old): € 8
Teenager (12-17 years old): € 9
Reduced price: 9 €
Family package: €35 to €40 (4th child and more Family Pass: €4/child)
Job seeker: €9
Student: € 9.

Free for less than 4 years.

Animations and guided tours:
Adult (over 18): €12
Teenager (12 to 17 years old): 10€
Child (4 to 11 years old): 9 €
Family pass (2 adults + 2 children): €40
Family pass (2 adults + 3 children): €45
4th child and above Family Pass: €6,00/child

Groups (schools and others): contact us - only by reservation from February to December.

Animations and guided tours:
Adult (over 18): €12
Teenager (12 to 17 years old): 10€
Child (4 to 11 years old): 9 €
Family pass (2 adults + 2 children): €40
Family pass (2 adults + 3 children): €45
4th child and above Family Pass: €6,00/child

Groups (schools and others): contact us - only by reservation from February to December.

Payment method

  • Bank / credit card
  • Cheque
  • Classic Holiday Vouchers
  • Cash
  • Contactless payment

Opening

From 06/04 to 14/04/2024, every Saturday and Sunday from 10 p.m. to 30 p.m.
Last entry 17 p.m.
Guided tours on Sundays at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m. by reservation.

From 15/04 to 28/04/2024
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 13:30 p.m. to 18 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Last entry 1 hour before closing.
Guided tours on Wednesdays and Sundays at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m. by reservation.

From 01/05 to 05/07/2024
Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 13:30 p.m. to 18 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Last entry 1 hour before closing.
Guided tour on Sundays at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m. by reservation.
May 1, 8, 9, 10 and 20: opening from 10:30 a.m. to 18 p.m. (last entry 17 p.m.) and guided tours at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m. by reservation.

From 06/07 to 01/09/2024, daily from 10 a.m. to 30 p.m.
Last entry 17:30 p.m.
Guided tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m., by reservation.

From 04/09 to 29/09/2024
Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 13:30 p.m. to 18 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Last entry 1 hour before closing.
Guided tours on Sundays at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m.
For European Heritage Days on September 21 and 22, reduced rates and visit to the chapel possible.

From 05/10 to 20/10/2024, every Saturday and Sunday from 13 p.m. to 30 p.m.
Last entry 17 p.m.
Guided tours on Sundays at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m. by reservation.

From 21/10 to 03/11/2024, daily between 13 pm and 30 pm.
October 29 and 30: Halloween entertainment, open from 14 p.m. to 19 p.m.
October 31: Halloween entertainment, open from 14 p.m. to 21 p.m.

From 09/11 to 11/11/2024, daily between 13 pm and 30 pm.

From 28/12/2024 to 05/01/2025, daily between 13 am and 30 pm.
Exceptional closure on January 1st.

Advice from the Office

In case of rain

Do not panic ! Here are all our sheltered activities.

On the way back

To bring back a souvenir or something to treat yourself, stock up on local products from Pérouges in Bugey.