La Balme-les-Grottes

Les Grottes de La Balme

Small pools, labyrinths, concretions, lake: the Caves of La Balme are rich in what nature has shaped. Discover a rare and exceptional natural site which will offer you an atypical discovery of the underground world!
Arrive under this impressive porch and enter the bowels of the cliff to discover the labyrinths, an underground lake, the stalactites and stalagmites, the amphitheater of small pools... these are what the Grottes de La Balme offer you.

Take your time during a self-guided visit of around 1 hour 15 minutes or benefit from explanations during a guided tour (reservation required).

Visited since 1807, the Caves of La Balme reveal their history and their mysteries throughout the 1 meters of underground galleries to explore.
Located in Nord-Isère, in the center of the village of La Balme-les-Grottes, they are a thrilling detour in the territory of the Balcons du Dauphiné.

Complete your day with the free trail of the Sensitive Natural Area “Les Coteaux de Saint-Roch” which can be discovered thanks to a marked trail and a discovery booklet. This preserved natural area will allow you to observe the particularities of the cliffs, the forest and the dry lawns which surround the Grottes de La Balme and are home to numerous species of protected plants and animals.

Become real adventurers during 100% family activities! Crossing the porch on a zip line, fun visit with the Archibalme Survey: young and old will be delighted.
Summer and winter alike, the underground world never ceases to surprise you!

The souvenir shop is open at the same time as the caves and offers many gifts: crockery, textiles, stones, selection of books and other essential objects to treat yourself or to give as a gift.
Tips and Suggestions

Temperate in summer and winter, sheltered from the rain, the Caves of La Balme can be visited all year round and in all weathers thanks to an average temperature between 12° and 15°C!

Sustainable tourism

In 2021, the Grottes de La Balme (municipal tourist facility) initiated a free collaboration with the local primary school. An educational project involving all the classes was offered to teachers to raise children's awareness of several naturalist themes: water, wildlife (birds and bats) and rock art.

We speak: English, Spanish, French

Location details

The Caves of La Balme are in North Isère, 40 minutes from Lyon and 50 minutes from Bourgoin-Jallieu and Bourg-en-Bresse!
  • In the countryside
  • Mountain view
  • Village center
  • River at -5 km

Opening

Opening hours from April 15 to April 28, 2024
MondayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
TuesdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
WednesdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
ThursdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
FridayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SaturdayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SundayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Last entry 1 hour before closing.
Guided tours on Wednesdays and Sundays at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m. by reservation.
Opening hours from May 01 to July 05, 2024
WednesdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
ThursdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
FridayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SaturdayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SundayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Last entry 1 hour before closing.
Guided tour on Sundays at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m. by reservation.
May 1, 8, 9, 10 and 20: opening from 10:30 a.m. to 18 p.m. (last entry 17 p.m.) and guided tours at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m. by reservation.
Opening hours from July 06 to September 01, 2024
MondayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
TuesdayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
WednesdayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
ThursdayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
FridayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
SaturdayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
SundayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Last entry 17:30 p.m.
Guided tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m., by reservation.
Opening hours from September 04 to September 29, 2024
WednesdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
ThursdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
FridayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SaturdayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SundayOpen from 10:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Last entry 1 hour before closing.
Guided tours on Sundays at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m.
For European Heritage Days on September 21 and 22, reduced rates and visit to the chapel possible.
Opening hours from October 05 to October 20, 2024
SaturdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SundayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Last entry 17 p.m.
Guided tours on Sundays at 14 p.m. and 16 p.m. by reservation.
Opening hours from October 21 to November 03, 2024
MondayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
TuesdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
WednesdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
ThursdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
FridayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SaturdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SundayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
October 29 and 30: Halloween entertainment, open from 14 p.m. to 19 p.m.
October 31: Halloween entertainment, open from 14 p.m. to 21 p.m.
Opening hours from November 09 to November 11, 2024
MondayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SaturdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SundayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Opening hours from December 28, 2024 to January 05, 2025
MondayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
TuesdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
WednesdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
ThursdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
FridayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SaturdayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
SundayOpen from 13:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.

Exceptional Closure(s)

  • 01/01/2024
  • 25/12/2024

Prices

PricesMin.Max.
Adult
11 €-
Kids
8 €-
Adolescent
9 €-
Reduced price
9 €-
Family package

35 €40 €
Jobseeker
9 €-
Student fee
9 €-
Further information) :
Animations and guided tours:
Adult (over 18): €12
Teenager (12 to 17 years old): 10€
Child (4 to 11 years old): 9 €
Family pass (2 adults + 2 children): €40
Family pass (2 adults + 3 children): €45
4th child and above Family Pass: €6,00/child

Groups (school and others): contact us – by reservation only from February to December.
Free for children 4 and under)

Payment methods

  • Bank / credit card
  • Cheque
  • Classic Holiday Vouchers
  • Cash
  • Contactless payment

Services

Equipments

  • Parking
  • Coach parking
  • Parking nearby
  • Charging stations for electric vehicles
  • defibrillator
  • Picnic area.
  • Theme trail
  • Toilets

Services

  • Educational visits
  • Coach access
  • Motorhomes allowed
  • Shop
  • Tourist Documentation
  • photo spot

Activities on site

  • Animation
  • Recreational leisure
  • Tourist cave / Other developed natural sites

Home animals

Pets are not accepted

Accessibility

Adapted service: Not wheelchair accessible

To download

Linked offers

On the spot…

From 11 € / adult

Address

Caves Street
38390 La Balme-les-Grottes
How do I get there?

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