The caves of Moidons

The Grotte des Moidons situated nearly 15km from Champagnole, between Montrond and Arbois in the forest of the Moidons, and discovered very recently, in 1966, by 2 speleologists from the Jura region.

The caves were formed when the glaciers melted, and their overall structure is of a very large hall with two galleries at each end. The difference in height is 30m, with the whole site covering 350 m. You will find all sorts of concretions, making the caves very pleasant to visit, even if the temperature is cool (between 9.5° and 10.5°) and never changes.

The dripping water is full of tannins originating from the plants growing at the surface and lends beautiful colours to the cave.

The white colour of the pure calcite mingles with these colours as well as the colours from metallic oxides. The cave is still quite active during spring and autumn and concretions continue to form. Stalactites and stalagmites, differently shaped columns and draperies can be seen everywhere but some have collapsed under their own weight. The water forms a little underground river which disappears into the Jura plateau only to re-emerge in the Cirque du Fer à Cheval (literally horseshoe circus) near Arbois. A colony of bats (horseshoe bats, Vespertilio, greater mouse-eared bat, long-eared bats) has gradually become established in the cave. Around 120 animals have been counted.

This visit is an absolute must.

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