Grotte de Mueron

Grotte de Muéron is a large natural cave with a wide entrance and a high ceiling carved into the red volcanic rhyolite rock of the Estérel massif near the Blavet River. The entrance sits at the base of a cliff face in the Gorges du Blavet, offering ample shelter from rain and wind.

Archaeological finds show that people lived in this cave about 12,000 years ago during the Magdalenian period, when it served as shelter during their migrations. The archaeologist Max Escalon de Fonton emphasized the importance of this site for understanding prehistoric settlements between Provence and Languedoc.

The name Muéron recalls the prehistoric inhabitants who sought shelter in this protected space. Today, climbers from across the Var département come here to scale the red volcanic walls that rise above the cave.

Access to the cave follows a hiking trail starting from the parking area below the RD 47, leading through a path of about two and a half miles that takes roughly two and a half hours. The route includes several fords across the Blavet and rocky sections with steep climbs and descents, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

Heavy use by climbers has prevented further archaeological excavation, leaving part of the cave's story still buried and unexplored. Visitors can observe natural hollows in the rock, called potholes, carved by the flowing water of the Blavet over thousands of years into the red rhyolite.

Location: Bagnols-en-Forêt

Address: Unnamed Road, 83600 Bagnols-en-Forêt, France

GPS coordinates: 43.51741,6.65527

Latest update: December 5, 2025 11:25