Descend to the world's tallest show-cave stalagmite
A funicular drops you 60 metres underground into a cavern holding more than 400 stalagmites, one of them a 30-metre giant discovered by chance in 1897 and hidden from daylight ever since.
Explore the Tarn gorges- 30 metres The tallest known stalagmite inside a show cave
- 400+ Stalagmites forming the cave's "Virgin Forest"
- 1897 Discovered by chance by Armand, Martel and Viré
- 60 metres Underground by funicular in under 2 minutes
Tours and experiences near Aven Armand
Compare the best-rated ways to explore the area, check live availability and book in a few taps.
- Top pick
Sainte-Enimie: Castelbouc Cave Guided Caving Adventure
A 2.5-hour guided caving trip into the Castelbouc cave in the Tarn gorges, with helmet, suit and lights provided.
From US$34Check availability ↗ Gorges du Tarn: Guided Canyoning and Zipline Adventure
A 4-hour canyoning and zipline outing in the Tarn gorges with an instructor and all safety gear.
From US$56Check availability ↗Gorges du Tarn: Canoe or Kayak Rental with Equipment
A canoe or kayak with paddles, life jacket and a waterproof container for a trip down the Tarn gorges.
From US$16Check availability ↗
More things to do nearby
About Aven Armand
Aven Armand is a show cave on the Causse Méjean, the wild limestone plateau at the heart of the Cévennes in France's Lozère department, 11 km from the village of Meyrueis and 21 km from Sainte-Énimie in the Gorges du Tarn. It takes its name from Louis Armand, a blacksmith at nearby Le Rozier, who reported the shaft to Édouard-Alfred Martel — one of the founders of modern speleology — on 18 September 1897 and was the first man down it the following day, with Armand Viré and Martel himself following over 20–21 September. What they found below the causse's dry surface was a single chamber of exceptional size, its floor crowded with stone.
The cave's single vast chamber, the Salle de la Grande Stalagmite, is roughly the size of a cathedral nave and holds what's known locally as the Forêt Vierge, or Virgin Forest: more than 400 stalagmites rising from the chamber floor, individual columns frequently reaching 15 to 20 metres. At its centre stands the Grande Stalagmite itself, generally cited as the tallest stalagmite inside any show cave open to the public — around 30 metres, built up over an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 years, one thin mineral layer at a time.
Today a funicular carries visitors 60 metres down through the rock in under two minutes, replacing the rope-and-ladder descent Armand and Martel first made. From the funicular's lower station, the guided Jules Verne tour leads on foot through the chamber and its forest of stone, at a constant c.12°C whatever the season outside.
Practical information
- Opening hours
- Open daily from 4 April to 1 November 2026. The guided Jules Verne tour runs in morning and afternoon sessions outside high summer, roughly 10:00–12:00 and 13:30–16:30, with extended all-day sessions from mid-July to late August.
- Address
- L'Aven Armand, Causse Méjean, 48150 Hures-la-Parade, Lozère, France.
- Getting there
- Aven Armand sits 1.7 km off the D986 on the D63 across the Causse Méjean, at Hures-la-Parade. The operator's own reference points are Meyrueis 11 km, La Malène and Sainte-Énimie in the Gorges du Tarn 21 km, and Florac 32 km; Millau is about 45–60 minutes away by road and Montpellier — the nearest city with an airport and TGV station — around 135 km. Almost everyone arrives by car, and free on-site parking takes all vehicle types, with coach and motorcycle bays and accessible spaces by reception.
- Accessibility
- The funicular covers the first 60 metres of the descent, and visitors with reduced mobility can be brought as far as the platform overlooking the stalagmite forest, 70 metres down. Wheelchairs themselves cannot be admitted for technical reasons, and the route on to the chamber floor involves roughly 200 irregular steps down and close to 100 back up — illuminated and fitted with handrails, but not suitable for visitors with severe mobility restrictions. Guide dogs are welcome throughout the site, including on the tour. Accessible parking and an accessible reception area are provided at the surface. The cave itself holds a constant c.12°C with around 90% humidity year-round, so bring a light jacket even in high summer.
- Bag policy
- Keep bags small — the tour includes a funicular ride and a fair number of steps, and a light day bag is easiest to manage throughout.
- Photography
- Personal photography and casual smartphone video are welcome inside the cave, but flash is not permitted. Professional shoots — tripods, dedicated camera rigs — need the operator's prior authorisation. The low light underground makes a steady hand or a higher ISO setting more useful than a flash in any case.
Plan your visit
Practical guides written by our travel team
Best Time to Visit Aven Armand
Which month, which hour, and why an early departure changes everything — a timing guide to France's Virgin Forest cave.
How to Get to Aven Armand
A drive across the Causse Méjean from Millau, Meyrueis or Florac — here is how to reach Aven Armand by car, and what to expect on the plateau.
Visiting Aven Armand with Kids
A funicular ride and a forest made of stone — Aven Armand is one of the more dramatic family days out in the Cévennes. Here is how to make the most of it.
Frequently asked
How do I get to Aven Armand?
The cave sits on the D63 across the Causse Méjean, 11 km from Meyrueis, 21 km from La Malène and Sainte-Énimie, and 32 km from Florac. Almost everyone arrives by car — about 45–60 minutes from Millau, and roughly 135 km from Montpellier, the nearest city with an airport and TGV station. Free parking is provided on site.
How long does the visit take?
The guided Jules Verne tour itself runs about an hour, but allow closer to 90 minutes in total once you include the funicular, the walk to and from the entrance, and time to look around the visitor centre.
Is Aven Armand cold inside?
Yes — the cave holds a constant c.12°C year-round, whatever the weather is doing outside. Bring a light jacket or fleece even if you're visiting in summer.
Is Aven Armand good for children?
Yes. The funicular ride and the sheer scale of the stalagmite forest tend to make a strong impression on children, and the guided pace keeps the visit moving. Younger children should stay close on the steps beyond the funicular.
What's the twin ticket with Cité de Pierres?
It's a combined ticket covering both Aven Armand's guided cave tour and same-day admission to the Cité de Pierres, a nearby rock formation site, at a lower combined price than buying the two separately.
Is Aven Armand accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
Partially. The funicular covers the first 60 metres of the descent and visitors with reduced mobility can be brought to the platform overlooking the stalagmite forest, 70 metres down, but wheelchairs cannot be admitted for technical reasons. The route on to the chamber floor involves roughly 200 irregular steps down and close to 100 back up, so it isn't suitable for visitors with severe mobility restrictions. Guide dogs are welcome throughout.
Can I take photos inside the cave?
Yes — personal photography and casual smartphone video are welcome, but flash is not permitted. Professional equipment such as tripods or camera rigs needs the operator's prior authorisation, and the low light underground rewards a steady hand rather than a flash.
What is the tallest stalagmite at Aven Armand?
The Grande Stalagmite at the centre of the chamber stands around 30 metres tall, generally cited as the tallest known stalagmite inside any show cave open to the public. It's estimated to be 300,000–400,000 years old.
How does booking work on this site?
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