Aven d’Orgnac
Orgnac-l’Aven, France
A huge cave with giant stalagmites, entered by a lift and stairs, with a museum of prehistory at the top. A cool refuge on hot days, at a steady 13 °C.
The Aven d’Orgnac was first explored on 19 August 1935 by Robert de Joly and four companions, who descended the Bertras shaft. Work on the access tunnel began in 1938, the cave opened on 11 July 1939, and a lift was added in 1965. The site has held the “Grand Site de France” label since 2004. The guided tour goes about 121 m underground and lasts around an hour.
The descent involves about 700 steps, and you return by lift. According to Routard the cave stays at roughly 12 °C all year, so bring a warm layer and closed shoes. On the surface, the Cité de la Préhistoire covers some 350,000 years of human history. Allow at least half a day for the cave and the museum; in high season it is wise to check times and booking with the operator beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Orgnac-l’Aven, France
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.3200, 4.4150
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–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (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.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Mille ÉtoilesCampsite5 km from Aven d’OrgnacTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Aire Camping-car Park MontclusMotorhome stopover6 km from Aven d’Orgnac · 22 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping la RouvièreCampsite6 km from Aven d’OrgnacTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camping le Camp des GorgesCampsite6 km from Aven d’Orgnac · 100 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camping des TunnelsCampsite8 km from Aven d’OrgnacTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camping l'ÎleCampsite8 km from Aven d’OrgnacTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Aven d’Orgnac?
Aven d’Orgnac is in Orgnac-l’Aven, France, at GPS 44.3200, 4.4150. It is about 10 km from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.
Can you camp near Aven d’Orgnac?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Aire de Orgnac l'Aven, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 247 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Aven d’Orgnac?
Aven d’Orgnac is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Ardèche gorges and the Chauvet cave.
What is there to see near Aven d’Orgnac?
Places worth a stop nearby: Belvédère de la Madeleine (4 km), Pont d'Arc (7 km), Chauvet 2 cave replica (8 km) and Roman Theatre of Orange (38 km).
When is the best time to visit Aven d’Orgnac?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)