The Aven d’Orgnac is one of France’s most beautiful natural caves, classified Grand Site de France since 2004. Located just 30 minutes from Mas Saint Antoine in southern Ardèche, it offers a spectacular journey into monumental underground halls, where some stalagmites reach 30 meters tall. Here’s the complete 2026 guide.
What is the Aven d’Orgnac?
The Aven d’Orgnac is a natural cave discovered in 1935 by speleologist Robert de Joly. “Aven” means a vertical natural shaft carved in limestone.
Impressive figures
- 30 meters: height of some stalagmites (European record)
- 120 meters: depth of the great hall
- 11°C constant inside, year-round
- 1935: discovery date
- 1965: opened to the public
- 2004: Grand Site de France classification
- Over 200,000 visitors yearly
How to reach the Aven d’Orgnac?
Address: Le Site, 07150 Orgnac-l’Aven (southern Ardèche)
- From Mas Saint Antoine: 30 minutes
- From Pont d’Arc: 25 minutes
- From Lyon: 2h30
- From Marseille: 2h30
- From Avignon: 1h15
Free parking, 400 spaces, including motorhomes.

2026 prices
Aven only
- Adult: €15
- Child 6-14: €10
- Under 6: free
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): €45
Combined Aven + Prehistory City
- Adult: €19
- Child 6-14: €12
- Family: €55
Opening hours
- April-June and September-October: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
- July-August: 9 AM – 7 PM (visits every 30 min)
- November-December and February-March: 10 AM-noon / 2-5 PM
- Closed: December 25 and all of January
How does the visit work?
The guided tour lasts 1 hour, in groups of 30 max. Descent by elevator (50 m), then 4 main halls:
- Robert de Joly Hall: most impressive, 60 m high
- Chaos Hall: spectacular geological collapse
- Red Hall: oxide-colored concretions
- Pinecones Hall: cone-shaped stalagmites
Final 5-minute sound and light show. Return via 730 modern stairs (or elevator).
The Prehistory City: don’t miss
Adjacent modern museum about 350,000 years of human history in Ardèche. Inaugurated 2014.
- Life-size prehistoric animal reproductions (mammoths, cave lions)
- Tools, bones, art objects from Ardèche
- Touch screens and educational films
- Children’s area with workshops
Recommended duration: 1 to 1h30.
What age for children?
The Aven d’Orgnac is family-friendly from 3-4 years. Much more accessible than Chauvet Cave 2 (silence required).
Precautions: warm clothes (11°C), comfortable shoes, no strollers in the cave.
When to visit?
April-June and September-October: best
Mild outside climate, no waiting.
July-August: peak
2,000-3,000 visitors/day in August. Online booking strongly recommended. Cave coolness much appreciated during heatwaves.
Ideal in rain
See our indoor activities guide.
Combine with other sites
“Prehistory” itinerary (1 day)
- Morning: Aven d’Orgnac + Prehistory City
- Lunch on site or in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc
- Afternoon: Chauvet Cave 2 (25 min)
“Nature” itinerary (1 day)
- Morning: Aven d’Orgnac (1h30 on site)
- Picnic lunch
- Afternoon: Pont d’Arc and swimming
Where to eat near?
- Restaurant du Site: fast food, family options, shaded terrace
- Picnic area: shaded oak tables
- Auberge du Vivarais (Orgnac village): traditional Ardèche
- Auberge des 3 Cigales (Saint-Montan, 25 min): excellent bistronomy
Mistakes to avoid
1. Not booking in high season
July-August: book online 24h ahead minimum.
2. Underestimating total duration
Aven only = 1h. Aven + Prehistory City = 2h30 minimum.
3. Forgetting warm clothes
11°C inside. Always bring an extra layer.
4. Confusing Aven d’Orgnac and Chauvet Cave 2
Two different sites, 25 min apart. Visit both — they complement each other.
Why stay at Mas Saint Antoine?
Mas Saint Antoine is 30 minutes by car from the Aven d’Orgnac:
- ✅ 30 min Aven d’Orgnac, 30 min Pont d’Arc, 30 min Chauvet Cave 2
- ✅ Independent accommodations with private terrace
- ✅ Secured pool
- ✅ 4.9/5 rating on 130 verified reviews
👉 Discover our accommodations 30 min from Aven d’Orgnac
Conclusion
The Aven d’Orgnac is a must-visit in southern Ardèche, accessible to all, memorable, and ideal in case of rain or heatwave. Golden rules:
- Book in high season (July-August)
- Plan 2h30 for Aven + Prehistory City
- Bring a warm layer (11°C constant)
- Combine with Pont d’Arc or Chauvet Cave 2
- Stay 20-30 min away for quiet evenings
📞 Planning a discovery stay in Ardèche?
Mas Saint Antoine is 30 min from the Aven d’Orgnac. Contact us at +33 6 68 11 48 71.
Frequently Asked Questions — Aven d'Orgnac
How much does Aven d'Orgnac cost in 2026?
2026 prices: adult €15 (Aven only) or €19 (Aven + Prehistory City). Children 6-14: €10 or €12. Free under 6. Family rate (2 adults + 2 children): €45 or €55. Annual pass at €40 worth it from the 3rd visit.
How long does the Aven d'Orgnac visit last?
The Aven guided tour lasts exactly 1 hour (elevator descent + 4 halls + sound and light + return). With the Prehistory City, count 2h30 minimum. Plan a half-day to fully enjoy.
Is Aven d'Orgnac suitable for children?
Yes, perfectly family-friendly from 3-4 years. Unlike Chauvet Cave 2 which requires 55 min of silence, here children can react to the guide's explanations. The final sound and light show is their favorite. Adjacent Prehistory City has children's workshops.
What's the difference between Aven d'Orgnac and Chauvet Cave 2?
Two different sites, 25 min apart. Aven d'Orgnac is a real natural cave with giant stalagmites (up to 30 m). Chauvet Cave 2 is a replica of the original ornate cave (36,000-year-old paintings). Both are complementary and worth a visit each.
Do you need to book for Aven d'Orgnac?
Recommended in July-August and during school holidays. Book online at least 24h ahead to avoid waiting. Outside high season, on-site purchase no problem. Visits every 30 minutes.
What's the temperature in Aven d'Orgnac?
Constant 11°C in the cave, year-round. Very pleasant during heatwaves, but bring a fleece or light jacket even in summer. The 50 m elevator descent intensifies the thermal contrast.
Is there parking at Aven d'Orgnac?
Yes, free parking with 400 spaces on site, including motorhome area. No problem parking even in high season, unlike other sites like Pont d'Arc.
Is Aven d'Orgnac accessible for reduced mobility?
Partially. The 50 m elevator descent and main route are accessible. The 730-step return can be bypassed by elevator. But the floor is sometimes uneven and damp. The Prehistory City is fully accessible.
What to do after Aven d'Orgnac?
Possible combinations: Pont d'Arc (25 min, swimming, canoeing), Chauvet Cave 2 (25 min, replicated cave paintings), Bois de Païolive (30 min, mineral hike), Aiguèze (20 min, beautiful medieval village), or back to gîte for pool and relaxation.
How far is Mas Saint Antoine from Aven d'Orgnac?
Mas Saint Antoine is 30 minutes by car from the Aven d'Orgnac. Central location in southern Ardèche allows combining Aven d'Orgnac, Pont d'Arc and Chauvet Cave 2 (each at 30 min) in the same stay.
















