Aven d’Orgnac, 30 minutes from Mas Saint Antoine, is probably the region’s most spectacular underground site. Labeled Grand Site of France (renewed 2004, 2010, 2016 and 2023), it combines a cave with vertiginous volumes (ceilings up to 55 m high) and the Cité de la Préhistoire, museum tracing 350,000 years of human adventures.
Why visit Aven d’Orgnac?
Aven d’Orgnac stands out: Grand Site of France, Museum of France label, 3 stars Michelin Green Guide, cave with giant palm trees, translucent fistules, eccentrics, drapes, columns. The Cité de la Préhistoire covers 350,000 years. Prehistory animations (fire, flint, spear throwing). Underground wine tasting with Ardèche Winemakers (50 m deep!).
Where is Aven d’Orgnac and how to get there from Mas Saint Antoine?
| From | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mas Saint Antoine | 22 km | 30 min |
| Avignon TGV | 75 km | 1h10 |
| Lyon | 220 km | 2h20 |
Address: 2240 route de l’Aven, 07150 Orgnac-l’Aven. Free parking on site.
Hours and rates 2026?
Open daily from February 1 to November 15, 2026. Also open during Christmas holidays from December 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027 (closed December 25).
Rates (Grand Site Pass: Cave + Préhistoire): Adult 16.50 €, reduced 13 €, child 6-17 11 €, free under 6.
3-site partnership: Aven d’Orgnac + Chauvet 2 + Pont du Gard = -1 € per person on the other 2 sites within 7 days. Keep your ticket!
What to see?
1. The cave (mandatory 1h guided tour) — Ceilings up to 55 m high. Giant palm trees, translucent fistules, eccentrics, candles, organ buffets, columns, ochre drapes, clay firs. Discovered 1935 by Robert de Joly. 12°C constant.
2. Cité de la Préhistoire (free visit) — Modern museum (Musée de France label), 350,000 years of human history. Touch tables, mini-workshops, reconstructions.
3. Prehistory animations — Fire making, flint cutting, spear throwing.
4. Underground tastings — Ardèche Winemakers wines at 50 m underground.
5. Maubois trail — 2 loops: 30 min or 1h easy walk with information panels.
When to visit?
Spring (April-June): best season, animations starting.
Summer (July-August): busiest. Online booking recommended. Cave’s 12°C is heavenly during heatwaves.
Off-season (September-November): our favourite. Few people, golden light, garrigue magnificent. Site open until November 15, 2026. For an off-season group weekend, the perfect culture tour — when Mas Saint Antoine offers the most availability for property privatisation.
Christmas holidays: Exceptionally open December 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
What to avoid?
- Coming in shorts: 12°C constant. Sweater essential.
- Skipping the Cité de la Préhistoire: included in Pass Grand Site.
- Not keeping your ticket: -1 € on Chauvet 2 and Pont du Gard within 7 days.
- No reservation in July-August: limited slots.
- Confusing with Chauvet 2: 2 different sites, complementary.
Why stay at Mas Saint Antoine to visit Aven d’Orgnac?
- ✅ 30 minutes drive
- ✅ 6 independent accommodations for 2 to 10 people
- ✅ Secure 13×6m infinity pool, air conditioning
- ✅ 4.9/5 rating on 130 Google reviews
- ✅ Petit Futé 2026 selection
- ✅ Estate privatisation for 20 to 38 people
- ✅ Central position: Aven d’Orgnac 30 min, Chauvet 2 30 min, Pont du Gard 1h, Saint-Marcel 15 min, Madeleine 25 min
📞 Ready to discover Aven d’Orgnac? Mas Saint Antoine welcomes you year-round, just 30 minutes away. Contact us at +33 6 68 11 48 71.














