Aven Armand
Hures-la-Parade, France
A huge cave on the Causse Méjean, known for its forest of tall stalagmites that is reached by a funicular. It stays cool underground all year, so bring a sweater even on a hot day.
Aven Armand lies near Hures-la-Parade on the Causse Méjean in the Lozère, close to the Gorge de la Jonte. Louis Armand discovered the shaft in September 1897; soon afterwards he, Édouard-Alfred Martel and Armand Viré climbed down about 75 m on an 80 m rope ladder. The Great Hall measures on average 110 m long, 60 m wide and 45 m high. It holds more than 400 stalagmites, the tallest reaching 30 m.
Today you reach the bottom comfortably by funicular, which has run through the tunnel since 1963 and runs on tyres to keep noise and vibration to a minimum. Before that, visitors had to use the tunnel's 360 steps. The guided tour takes about an hour; there is also a two-hour option through the natural shaft. The cave is reached from Meyrueis.
- Nearest town
- Hures-la-Parade, France
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.3087, 3.3703
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping CoudercCampsite5 km from Aven ArmandTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Les Gorges du TarnCampsite8 km from Aven ArmandTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Le Site de CastelboucCampsite9 km from Aven ArmandTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping La CombeCampsite9 km from Aven ArmandTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Les OsiersCampsite9 km from Aven ArmandTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping CassaducCampsite10 km from Aven ArmandTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Aven Armand?
Aven Armand is in Hures-la-Parade, France, at GPS 44.3087, 3.3703. It is about 4 km from La Malène.
Can you camp near Aven Armand?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Le Pradet - Camping municipal, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 82 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Aven Armand?
Places worth a stop nearby: Gorges du Tarn (4 km), Mont Aigoual observatory (27 km), Viaduc de Millau (38 km) and Cirque de Navacelles (48 km).
When is the best time to visit Aven Armand?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)