Grottes des Moidons, Natural cave and viewpoint in Molain, France
The Grottes des Moidons extend through multiple limestone chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and mineral formations shaped over thousands of years.
The cave system, discovered in 1966 and opened to visitors in 1989, reveals geological processes dating back millions of years in the Jura Mountains.
The cave network features regular sound and light presentations that illuminate the mineral formations while explaining their geological development through educational narration.
Visitors can access the caves from April through September, with guided tours lasting 50 minutes and including educational films about cave formation.
A dedicated space within the cave system educates visitors about the resident bat populations and their role in the cave's ecosystem.
Location: Molain
Address: Grotte des Moidons, 39800 Molain, France
Opening Hours: April 14:00-17:15; April Wednesday off; May 11:00-17:15; May Wednesday off; June 11:00-17:15, Wednesday[1-2] off; July-August 10:30-17:30; September 01-14 11:00-17:15; September 15-30 14:00-17:15; Wednesday[3-4] off
Phone: +33384517494
Website: https://grottesdesmoidons.com
GPS coordinates: 46.83844,5.80664
Latest update: October 24, 2025 17:19
The Jura department features varied landscapes with mountain ranges, limestone plateaus, and forested valleys. The terrain has shaped notable geological sites: the Hérisson waterfalls stretch over nearly 4 kilometers with 31 waterfalls, the Baume-les-Messieurs Reculée forms a closed valley with 200-meter-high walls, and the Langouette Gorges show a canyon carved by the Saine between vertical cliffs. Historic towns reflect the past of the region: Dole preserves its collegiate church and 16th- and 17th-century houses with arcades, Arbois hosts the Louis Pasteur house and wine cellars, while Salins-les-Bains displays its old salt production facilities listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Jura vineyards produce specific wines, including the yellow wine made in Château-Chalon, a village perched on a rocky spur overlooking the vineyards. The Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park offers hiking trails and cross-country skiing routes. The ski resorts of Les Rousses and Métabief welcome winter visitors at over 1100 meters altitude. Glacial lakes such as Chalain allow swimming and water activities during the summer.
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