Caving experience in the Bauges Massif in Savoie

At the gates
of the subterranean infinity
of Prérouge

Just past Arith, in the Bauges Massif in Savoie, lies the Prérouge Cave. The adventure begins the moment you park: a mere minute’s walk is all it takes to find yourself standing before this rocky entrance, which seems to invite you on a journey out of time.

The experience requires only a little preparation: make sure you wear comfortable, protective clothing (a cosy fleece, warm socks, sturdy shoes, and clothes you don’t mind getting muddy). Most of the equipment is provided by your expert guide: a helmet, head torch, harness and overalls will be your allies as you explore the depths.

For here, the discovery unfolds gradually: the entrance welcomes the curious, but an in-depth exploration of the mountain’s innermost recesses requires the guidance of passionate cavers. And rightly so: the Prérouge Cave is one of the most extensive underground networks in the whole of Savoie, with nearly 55 kilometres of known passages. A spectacular immersion, where every step echoes with the raw magic of the rock and the mystery of the depths.

Journey
of discovery
to the centre of the Earth

Once kitted out, we set off to explore this secret world. Now we have to let go and trust our guides. We had one guide at the front of the group and another at the back.

Right from the start of the route, we’re plunged into the atmosphere: we have to crawl through a narrow passage! At times we make our way by crawling; at others, we slide along, holding onto ropes. It’s quite physically demanding; you need to be in good shape to make progress in this underground environment.

We entered a mysterious, unknown world and discovered chambers that were all different, each with its own geological features. I remember the chamber with the potholes – sculptures created by water erosion.

Cave hiking
self-guided

At Aillons-Margériaz 1400, the Tanne du Névése cave offers a 1½-hour round-trip walk,
featuring footbridges, ladders and educational panels to help you understand
the geological formation of the Bauges.

Cave Hiking, Tanne du Névé

Going underground is like crossing an invisible boundary. You leave behind the noise, the light, time… to enter a secret world where every step fills you with wonder.

Laure-Anne

When
silence
becomes an experience

The journey unfolds step by step, with an escape route always available for those who wish to turn back before going too far. On our route, the children chose to stop halfway, whilst we carried on with the adventure.

A little further on, a refreshing surprise: a stretch through the water, icy and invigorating, with the water sometimes reaching waist-height. An ideal experience in the height of summer, as the temperature here never exceeds 8°.

Little by little, the outside world fades away. Underground, there is no light, no mobile signal, and no sense of time. It’s as if we’ve been transported to another world. At one point, our guides suggested we switch off our torches… The silence was total, the darkness absolute. A suspended moment, almost unreal, which felt like a moment of pure magic.

I must admit I was a bit daunted by the section where we had to hold our breath under a rock. But in the end, it was easy, just as the guide had told us.

Embrace the unknown,
savour the adventure

What have I learnt from this caving trip? That when you dare to push past your own limits, you open yourself up to a whole new world. Going underground is like stepping into a world of its own – mysterious and fascinating – that’s well worth exploring. Pushing yourself to discover this utterly unusual environment is an adventure that’s both physical and spiritual, profound and unforgettable.

And the fun doesn’t stop there: once back in the light of day, simply follow the River Chéran to prolong the magic and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. It’s enough to turn this underground escapade into an unforgettable day.

At Chambéry Montagnes, caving, rock climbing and tree-top adventure activities invite exploration enthusiasts, aged 2 and over, to enjoy fun, active and exotic experiences.

My top 3
from this experience

Crawling underground: an experience as unique as it is exhilarating,
Discovering carved tunnels, adorned with impressive stalactites,
Completely losing track of time and feeling as though you’re in another world for a few hours.