Les grottes de La Balme
Small pools, labyrinths, concretions, lake: the Grottes de La Balme, located 40 minutes from Lyon, 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! 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.
From the online ticket office, you can now offer a gift voucher, valid for one or more entries to the Grottes de la Balme. Self-guided tour or guided tour, entertainment, it's up to you To do this, nothing could be simpler: go to the online ticket office then click on "book"; choose the activity concerned, then select "offer this activity". Once the quantities of entries have been chosen, validate and specify the name of the recipient of this gift. As soon as your payment is made, you will receive a document ready to print and offer!
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!
This tourist site with the Accueil Vélo label has all the services necessary to welcome travelers by bicycle: arches, luggage lockers, bicycle lockers, drinking water refill point, as well as a complete repair kit for minor damages .
Lead the investigation at the Caves of La Balme! Using a game booklet, follow Archibalme on the trail of a treasure that disappeared in 1908. Through puzzles and hidden clues, explore the caves from a historical perspective and experience a wonderful family adventure! Game booklet on sale for €1 at the Caves reception.
Location details
The Caves of La Balme are located in Northern Isère at Balcons du Dauphiné, 40 minutes from Lyon and 50 minutes from Bourgoin-Jallieu and Bourg-en-Bresse.
- In the countryside
- Mountain view
- Village center
- Tourist cycle route less than 1 km away
Opening
From 02/09 to 27/10/2026, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 13:30pm to 18pm. Weekends from 10:30am to 18pm. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Departure times on public holidays and weekends are from 14pm and from 16pm.
Guided tours on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 14pm and 16pm
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, reduced price for Heritage Days.
Open from January, 29 to December, 10 31
10 am - 2026 pm
Halloween activities – access to the caves by reservation only.
From 01/11 to 13/11/2026, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 13:30pm to 18pm. Weekends from 10:30am to 18pm. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Departure times on public holidays and weekends are from 14pm and from 16pm.
Guided tours on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 14pm and 16pm.
Exceptional closure(s)
- 01/01/2026
- 25/12/2026
Prices
| Prices | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 13 € | Not disclosed |
| Child | 8 € | Not disclosed |
| Teenagers | 9 € | Not disclosed |
| Reduced price | 6 € | Not disclosed |
| Family package | 35 € | Not disclosed |
| Jobseeker | 9 € | Not disclosed |
| Student rate | 9 € | Not disclosed |
Payment methods
Booking
Municipal Board of the Grottes de la Balme
+04 74 96 95 00
info@grotteslabalme.com
Services
Equipment
Services
Activities on site
- Animation
- Recreational leisure
- Tourist cave / Other developed natural sites
Home animals
Accessibility
To download
Linked offers
Program the animation…
L’enquête d’Archibalme : le détective c’est toi !
Bookable online. From €11 per adult.
September 02 - October 27 , 2026
Visites guidées des Grottes de La Balme
Bookable online. From €13 per adult.
September 05 - October 25 , 2026
Halloween aux grottes de La Balme : Balmoween, projet B14
Bookable online. From €13 per adult.
October 29 - October 30, 2026
On the spot…
Near…
L’Échappée, restaurant – glacier
Restaurant
Useful address(es)…
Is located in / is a stage or on the route of…
