Grande grotte, Cave system in Arcy-sur-Cure, France.
Grande Grotte is a cave system in Arcy-sur-Cure with multiple interconnected chambers formed by natural geological processes over millions of years. The rooms contain stalagmites, stalactites, and other limestone formations that create an underground landscape of natural sculpture.
People have used this cave as shelter and living space for at least 200,000 years, as shown by archaeological discoveries. Evidence suggests continuous occupation by different cultures and peoples extending well into the Middle Ages.
The cave draws its name from its imposing size and geography, and today visitors walk through spaces that once held deep meaning for ancient people. You can sense how this place served as shelter and gathering space for communities across thousands of years.
Visits follow a marked pathway through the chambers and are designed to accommodate different levels of mobility. The temperature stays cool year-round, so bringing a light jacket or warm layer is wise regardless of the season.
Archaeologists discovered a rare block of blue mineral pigment inside the cave, a finding unmatched at any other prehistoric site in France. This discovery raises questions about how early people sourced and used such uncommon materials.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
