Initiation to caving: Aurelie cave and Maire cave

Price
From35€
Price
From35€
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Advanteges of Bureau des Moniteurs

Photo / video report offered
Experienced professional team and state graduate
High-end equipment renewed every two years
Professional liability insurance of the guide
Regulatory health measures applied during and after each trip

The caves of Aurélie and Maire: a walk through the bowels of the Cévennes.

Caving course through aesthetic cavities, fun and accessible to all.

The underground caves of the Hérault and Gard limestone massifs welcome you for a unique experience. Discover the Aurélie and Maire caves; two small caves accessible to all.

This route is ideal for a first approach to caving. Go to the heart of the Cévennes and let yourself be tempted by a walk to the centre of the Earth. Particularly suited to an introductory route, these two caves will immerse you in a mysterious and magical world.

You will walk through the galleries and observe the many facets of the underground world. The easy and fun route promises great sensations: a short abseil and a climbing passage. No need to panic! All the obstacles are simple to overcome and do not represent any technical difficulty.

Our instructors from the Hérault valley will always be at your side and will guide you throughout the activity. Specialists in caving and the region, they will show you all the most beautiful natural spots on the site.

They will know how to transmit their passion to you; many participants become adepts of this adventure sport. With your family or friends, take a trip to the Aurélie and Maire caves and create wonderful memories!

Practical information

  •  Level : Discovery
  •  Shuttle : 10mn from Ganges, 50 mn from Montpellier, 40 mn from Anduze
  • Approach : 10 min 
  •  Way back to cars : 10 min 
  •  Duration : 3h
  •  Distance : 700m
  •  Altitude change: -20m

The strengths of caving in the Aurelie cave and Maire cave

  • Small initiation cavity
  • Underworld discovery
  • Small abseil and climbing passages
  • Particularly suited to schools
  • Group price from 6 people (group already made up)

Description of caving in the Aurelie cave and Maire cave

The Aurélie and Maire caves are small caves; perfect for an introductory course and to enjoy the joys of caving in an intimate atmosphere.

You will enjoy the mix between the underground walk and the more dynamic abseiling and climbing sections; add a touch of adrenaline to your caving activity.

This course is well suited to groups of children and schools. Indeed, the ease of progression allows each participant to evolve at their own pace and in autonomy.

The supervision of our guides ensures your peace of mind. They take care of the equipment and guide you throughout the day; you can rely on their know-how developed over more than 20 years. They are all state-qualified and are always available to answer your questions and help you progress.

Another advantage? A group price is offered by the team of the Bureau des Moniteurs. From 6 people (group already constituted), benefit from preferential rates.

Don’t hesitate any longer, organise a caving trip with your family or your community! The exceptional natural setting of the Cévennes region welcomes you for an unforgettable underground discovery. Opt for an unusual outdoor activity and explore the Aurélie and Maire caves!

Programme

Schedule of the day

Participants and instructors meet directly at the site, in the heart of the Hérault gorges between the communes of Laroque and Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois. The meeting point is set at 9am or 2pm, depending on your preference.

Once you have gathered at the car park, you will have to equip yourself with the technical equipment brought by the guides: helmets, headlamps, harnesses, wetsuits, ropes, double lanyards, waterproof bags and canisters, descenders, carabiners and safety straps. You will then be able to reach the entrance of the cave with an approach walk of about 10 minutes.

The first part of the course will take place in the Mayor’s cave. You will travel through several networks of galleries, you will be able to walk past and maybe even cross an underground lake. Tempting, isn’t it? This first initiation is particularly playful; you will take a large 15-metre slide and do an abseiling passage. Ready to get your adrenalin pumping?

Aurélie’s cave will take you into imposing clay rooms; enjoy these unique moments and observe the concretions.

Once the exploration is over, a 10 minute walk will be necessary to get back to the vehicles.

What to wear for a caving trip? Wear shoes and sportswear that are safe and comfortable.

Allow a total of 3 hours to complete this underground route.

Prices

  • Individual: 40 €
  • Groups: 35 €
  • Schools: 30 €
  •  Included:
    • Qualified instructor
    • Technical equipement : helmet, headlamp, harness, ropes, double lanyard, slings, carabiners, descenders, suits, waterproof bag and box
    • Instructor’s liability insurance
  •  Equipment to bring:
    • Sport clothes
    • Sport shoes
    • Backpack
    • Meal
    • Transport
Map

Driving directions

From Ganges (10 mins)
Go to Laroque, take the direction of Saint-Bauzille de Putois / Montpellier, then in the gorges park in the small spaces on the left.

From Montpellier (50 mins)
Follow Saint-Gély-du-Fesc, Saint-Martin-de-Londres, then Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois, and direction Laroque.

From Anduze (40 mins)
Follow Durfort, Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort, then Ganges and Laroque.

Pictures

What to do around

To complete your caving activity, explore the superb villages of the Cevennes and escape the time of a tourist stay. The region caters for all tastes: nature lovers will be able to recharge their batteries and admire the exceptional landscapes, culture lovers will discover the richness of the historical heritage and fans of idleness will enjoy the gentle pace of life under the Occitan sun.

Want to know more? About 30 km from the caves, plan an unforgettable hike; set out to conquer the Cirque de Navacelles. In the arid Causses of Larzac, the river La Vis has carved out an impressive furrow of greenery; dominated in its centre by a remarkable hill. This geological curiosity has been shaped over more than 600,000 years. You will be charmed by this panorama offered on one of the great canyons of Europe; a change of scenery guaranteed!

Continue your journey towards Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, a medieval town classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The Gellone abbey and its museum, the Saint-Laurent church and the Château du Géant will give you an original break.

Other villages such as Ganges and Sumène will help you discover the local traditions of the Cévennes.

Continue south to the magnificent beaches of the Mediterranean coast near Montpellier: Palavas-les-Flots, Sète, le Grau-du-Roi or la Grande-Motte. Relax for a while on the warm sand !

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