Aven Armand, Protected limestone cave in Hures-la-Parade, France
Aven Armand is a limestone cave in the Lozère region containing a vast main chamber filled with stalagmites, stalactites, and other stone formations. The underground space holds hundreds of mineral structures that developed over thousands of years, creating a landscape of towering and delicate shapes.
A local man named Louis Armand discovered this cave in 1887 along with experienced explorers using simple rope equipment and light sources of the time. The discovery drew scientific attention and eventually led to the site becoming open to visitors decades later.
The place is named after Louis Armand, a local resident whose discovery made this site known to the world. Today visitors walk through the chamber experiencing how nature has sculpted massive stone formations that feel like an underground gallery created by time and water.
A funicular railway system transports visitors down from the entrance building into the cave chamber, making access easy without strenuous climbing. Well-marked pathways and clear signage guide visitors through the chamber, suitable for most people regardless of fitness level.
The chamber contains the tallest stalagmite formation ever documented, a massive stone pillar built drop by drop over hundreds of thousands of years. This extraordinary feature makes the site particularly noteworthy for anyone interested in geological processes and natural structures.
Location: Lozère
Location: Hures-la-Parade
Inception: January 1, 1963
Address: Aven Armand, 48150 Hures-la-Parade, France
Website: https://aven-armand.com
GPS coordinates: 44.22088,3.35705
Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:43
Gorges de la Jonte
5.5 km
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
9.3 km
Cave of Dargilan
3.2 km
Château de Roquedols
9.3 km
Maison des Vautours
9.1 km
Château d'Ayres
7.9 kmCroix du Buffre
7.7 km
Temple protestant de Meyrueis
7.6 km
Roc Saint-Gervais
5.3 km
La Ferme Caussenarde d'Autrefois
2.7 km
Maison du Viguier
7.4 kmÉglise Saint-Pierre de Saint-Pierre-des-Tripiers
6.7 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Meyrueis
7.5 km
Tombe du Géant
366 m
Arcs de Saint-Pierre
7.7 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Veyreau
6 km
Grotte de l'Homme mort
7.6 km
Église Saints-Pierre-et-Paul de Truel
8.2 km
Chapelle Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais des Douzes
5.3 km
La Malène Bridge
9.3 km
Pierre des Trois Évêques
4.5 km
Grotte-chapelle de Notre-Dame de la Malène
9.2 km
Pont des Six-Liards
7.6 km
Aven de Baume Fromagère
7.5 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Rocher de Meyrueis
7.3 km
Chapelle Saint-Côme de Mas-Saint-Chély
9.3 km
Cassagnes
9.3 km
Tombeau du Géant
366 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes