Comparatif des 3 grottes autour du Mas Saint Antoine

Which Cave to Visit in Ardèche? Chauvet 2, Saint-Marcel and Madeleine Compared

Southern Ardèche is paradise for cave enthusiasts: over twenty are open to the public. But around Mas Saint Antoine in Bourg-Saint-Andéol, three caves stand out: Chauvet 2, Saint-Marcel and Madeleine. All within less than 20 minutes of Mas, they offer three radically different experiences.

As hosts we are often asked: « One day, which to choose? » Here is our honest comparison.

Quick comparison table

Criterion Chauvet 2 Saint-Marcel Madeleine
Type Prehistoric replica Natural cave Natural cave
Atmosphere Cultural, emotion Geology, immersion Spectacular, sound and light
Distance from Mas 18 min 15 min 15 min
Adult price 2026 €18 €15 ~€10
Duration 1h guided 1h15 guided 1h guided
Opening Almost year-round April 3 → Nov 1 April 1 → Nov 1
Reservation MANDATORY summer Recommended Recommended
Audience Families, culture Geology, adventure Show, beauty
Recognition UNESCO 2014 National Heritage 3 Michelin stars

Quick verdict

  • First visit to Ardèche → Chauvet 2 (the most striking)
  • Teens curious about geology → Saint-Marcel
  • Family with children 4-8 years → Madeleine
  • Several days → all three, they are complementary

Chauvet 2 Cave: the emotion of prehistory

At 18 minutes from Mas, on the heights of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Chauvet 2 is the world’s largest replica of a decorated cave. Inaugurated 2015, it restores life-size the paintings of the original Chauvet cave (UNESCO 2014), closed to the public.

What we love

  • Raw emotion: seeing horses, lions, rhinoceroses painted in the Aurignacian is a real cultural shock.
  • Scientific quality: the new exhibition « Chauvet, the Scientific Adventure » (since 2024) is fascinating.
  • Comfort: wide walkways, constant 18°C, full accessibility.
  • Adapted audioguides: children 3-6, 7-11, adult, or « connoisseur ».
  • Annual pass €25: pays off from second visit.

What you need to know

  • Price: €18 adult, €9 teen 10-17, free under 10, €25 annual pass.
  • Total on site: 2h30.
  • Mandatory reservation in summer.
  • Open almost year-round except closure January 5-16, 2026.
  • Photos forbidden inside the cave.
  • Panoramic restaurant on site.

For whom?

Chauvet 2 is the mainstream cave. Families, couples, groups, history lovers. Our first recommendation for those discovering Ardèche. Children from age 5-6 with audioguide. Under 5, emotion will mainly come through parents.

Saint-Marcel Cave: geological immensity

At 15 minutes from Mas, on the D290 (Ardèche Gorges belvederes road), Saint-Marcel is one of France’s largest caves with 64 km of galleries. National Heritage listed.

What we love

  • The enchanting gours cascade: stepped basins unique in Europe.
  • New scenography since 2025: immersive sound and light tour.
  • Gallery scale: 400 meters of majestic developed area.
  • Adventure activities: Family Adventure from 5, Petite Odyssey from 8, Arch of Sensations from 10, Underground Exploration from 12.
  • SpéléŒnologie®: unique-in-France speleology + Côtes du Rhône tasting in darkness.

What you need to know

  • Price: €15 adult, €12 teen 6-17, €4.50 child 3-5, free under 2.
  • Family Adventure: €45/person (from 5 years).
  • Duration: 1h15.
  • Opening: April 3 to November 1, 2026.
  • Seasonal hours: 10am-5:30pm April, 10am-6pm May-June, 10am-7pm July-August, 11am-5pm Sept-Oct.
  • 416 stairs: not stroller or mobility-friendly.
  • Address: 2759 route Touristique des Gorges de l’Ardèche, 07700 Bidon.

For whom?

Saint-Marcel is for geology and adventure lovers. Great for teens who want active experience. Avoid with strollers or mobility issues.

Madeleine Cave: the magic of sound and light

At 15 minutes from Mas, accessible via the D290 7 km from Saint-Remèze village, Madeleine is rated 3 Michelin stars — supreme tourist consecration. In the heart of the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve, with an exceptional outdoor belvedere.

What we love

  • Sound and light show: trademark. Chaos Room (50m high, 30m wide) with light effects. Children love it.
  • Double cavity: visit links two caves (Lescure then Madeleine).
  • Formation diversity: stalagmites, giant draperies, eccentrics, gours.
  • Outdoor belvedere: panoramic view over Cathedral Rock and meanders.
  • Accessibility: 1 km round trip, shorter than Saint-Marcel.

What you need to know

  • Price: about €10 adult (check official site).
  • Duration: 1h.
  • Opening: April 1 to November 1, 2026.
  • Parking: 500m below D290.
  • Strollers not allowed, baby carriers at reception.
  • Sporty activities: From Shadow to River, rappel + zip-line.
  • Aven d’Orgnac partnership: -€1 cross-promotion.

For whom?

Madeleine is the family and magical cave. Sound and light show ideal with young children (4-8 years). Also the cave for hurried visitors who want to combine with the belvederes road.

How to choose by profile?

You are… Our recommendation Why
Family children 3-7 years Madeleine Short, spectacular, sound and light
Family teens 12-18 years Saint-Marcel (Adventure) Fun speleology, real exploration
Couple, first visit Chauvet 2 Cultural emotion, striking experience
Couple geology lovers Saint-Marcel Unique European gours cascade
Couple off-season Madeleine Pure beauty + panoramic belvedere
Group (10-20) Chauvet 2 Group rate from 20 pers, suited infrastructure
Curious solo Chauvet 2 Dense complete program
Reduced mobility Chauvet 2 Accessible, no stairs
2-3 days on site All three Very different complementary atmospheres

By budget

  • Tight budget: Madeleine (~€10).
  • Medium budget: Saint-Marcel (€15).
  • Full investment: Chauvet 2 (€18).

By season

  • Winter (Dec-March): Only Chauvet 2 open.
  • Spring (April-June): Ideal for all three.
  • Summer (July-August): Book Chauvet 2 weeks in advance. Caves ideal escape from heat (12-18°C).
  • Off-season (Sept-Oct): Our recommendation — all open, few people.

Our recommended 2-day itinerary from Mas

Day 1 — Prehistory and belvederes

  1. 9:30am — Mas to Vallon-Pont-d’Arc (18 min)
  2. 10am-12:30pm — Chauvet 2 visit
  3. 12:30-2pm — Lunch at panoramic restaurant
  4. 2:30-5:30pm — D290 with stops at belvederes
  5. 6pm — Return to Mas, swim in 13×6 m saltwater pool

Day 2 — Geology and immersion

  1. 10am — Mas to Madeleine (15 min)
  2. 10:30am-12pm — Madeleine Cave (1h) + Nature Reserve House
  3. 12pm-2pm — Lunch at Saint-Martin or Aiguèze
  4. 2:30-4pm — Saint-Marcel Cave (1h15)
  5. 4:30pm — Return to Mas via Saint-Remèze

Total cave budget per adult: ~€43 for all three. Teen: ~€33. Child under 10: ~€15-19.

Host practical tips

Reservation

  • Chauvet 2: imperative summer, weeks in advance.
  • Saint-Marcel: recommended.
  • Madeleine: online or on site.

Clothing

All three caves are cool (12-18°C). Bring a sweater, even midsummer. Closed shoes, especially Saint-Marcel (416 stairs).

With children

  • Chauvet 2 from 5-6 years
  • Madeleine from 3-4 years, no strollers
  • Saint-Marcel from 5-6 years

In case of rain

Caves are one of the best activities in bad weather: sheltered, qualitative.

Why stay at Mas Saint Antoine?

The Mas Saint Antoine, in Bourg-Saint-Andéol, is ideally located: the 3 main caves less than 20 minutes by car. Also 10 minutes from Ferme aux Crocodiles in Pierrelatte, 15 minutes from Aiguèze (most beautiful village of France).

We welcome:

  • Families and couples in our 6 independent rural gîtes
  • Groups and events with estate privatization for 20 to 38 people
  • Corporate seminars outside July-August

Selected by Petit Futé 2026, rated 4.9/5 on 130+ reviews, Mas Saint Antoine combines large 13×6 m saltwater pool, 2-hectare private park, views of Mont Ventoux and Dentelles de Montmirail.

To book: +33 6 68 11 48 71 or via our group quote form.

Frequently asked questions

Which cave to visit in Ardèche first?

For a first visit, we recommend Chauvet 2: world’s largest replica of decorated cave, 36,000-year-old paintings UNESCO. The complete site allows 2h30 to 3h on site.

Difference between Chauvet and Chauvet 2?

The original Chauvet Cave has been closed since its 1994 discovery. Chauvet 2, inaugurated 2015 2 km from the original site, is its life-size restoration.

Cave price in Ardèche 2026?

Chauvet 2: €18 adult, €9 teen, free under 10. Saint-Marcel: €15 adult, €12 teen, €4.50 child 3-5. Madeleine: ~€10 adult. Family of 4: ~€100-110.

Which cave with young children?

For 3-7 years, Madeleine: magical sound and light show, 1h visit. For 5+, Chauvet 2 (children’s audioguide) or Saint-Marcel.

Reservation required?

Chauvet 2: YES in summer, weeks in advance. Saint-Marcel: recommended. Madeleine: online or on site.

Caves open in winter?

Only Chauvet 2 (except Jan 5-16, 2026). Saint-Marcel and Madeleine close November to April.

Visit 3 caves in one day?

Possible (15-18 min each) but not recommended: visual saturation. Better spread over 2 days.

Distance from Mas?

Chauvet 2 (Vallon-Pont-d’Arc): 18 min. Saint-Marcel (Bidon, D290): 15 min. Madeleine (Saint-Remèze, D290): 15 min.

Temperature inside?

Saint-Marcel and Madeleine: constant 12-14°C. Chauvet 2 (air-conditioned): 18°C. Bring a sweater. Excellent heat refuge.

Which cave for speleology?

Saint-Marcel is the best: Family Adventure from 5 (€45), Petite Odyssey from 8, etc. SpéléŒnologie® combines speleo and Côtes du Rhône tasting. Madeleine also offers rappel + zip-line.

Mas Saint Antoine is available year-round. To discover Ardèche caves from one of our 6 gîtes or in privatization for 20 to 38 people: +33 6 68 11 48 71.