Choranche cave, Cave system in Vercors Regional Park, France
Choranche is a cave system in Vercors Regional Park, France, with underground rivers flowing through limestone galleries. White stalactites hang from the ceilings and form dense formations above still water pools.
Villagers found the entrance in 1871 during a severe drought while searching for water sources. Workers later expanded the passages and installed lighting for visitors arriving from the early 20th century.
The name comes from the nearby village perched on a rock above the underground waterways. Visitors follow a paved path along pools where translucent creatures live in the darkness.
Guided tours last about an hour and lead through illuminated passages with slip-resistant walkways. Audio guides in several languages help international travelers understand the formations and inhabitants during the circuit.
The pools shelter olms, pale amphibians with external gills and rudimentary eyes. These animals can live for years without food and move slowly along the bottom of the clear waters.
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