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.
Grottes des Moidons
Route d'Arbois
39800 MOLAIN
Phone: 03 84 51 74 94
Guided tour: last around 50 minutes
Caves temperature: +10°C : you’ll need a jumper !
The caves of the Moidons aren’t subject to flooding : and so the weather conditions (heavy rainfall) do not affect the tours. Photos can be taken inside the caves provided you don’t use flash.
Animals are allowed on the site and inside the caves if they’re kept on a leash.
Snack bar in July and August.
April and May : tours at 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm (closed on Wednesdays)
June : tours at 10:15 am - 11:15 am - 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm(from 1st June to 15th June, closed on Wednesdays)
July and August : tours every day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm* (*last admission)
September : 1st two weeks : tours at 10:15 am - 11:15 am - 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm
Last two weeks : tours at 2:15 pm - 3:15 - 4:15 (closed on Wednesdays)
Adults : €8,90
Children from 4 to 12: €5,90
Children from 13 to 17: €6,90
Students : €7,90
Group : please contact us
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contact
Association Franche-Comté Evasion
Correspondance à adresser à :
Musée de plein air des Maisons comtoises
Pôle Communication-Accueil
Rue du musée
25 360 NANCRAY
Tél. 03 81 55 29 77
Mail. musee@maisons-comtoises.org