Aven d'Orgnac – Grand Site de France

Understand how stalactites (which fall) and stalagmites (which rise) are created by listening to explanations adapted to young people, all along the 700 steps in the Cave: a breathtaking, life-size science lesson!

The Grand Site de l'Aven d'Orgnac has implemented actions in favor of more sustainable and more responsible tourism, particularly in connection with the Grand site de France approach (2004 renewed in 2010/2016/2023), label awarded every 6 years by the Ministry of the Environment to French sites managed with sustainable development values, in a sustainable manner, while preserving the natural site and the environment.
This approach in favor of sustainable tourism targets both the site itself (300 photovoltaic panels, LED and sequential lighting, ecological basin of natural regulation by plants, caving practices respectful of the site, etc.), its scientific specificity which contributes to research on environmental subjects (climatology and paleoclimatology, study and surface/deep correlation in terms of biodiversity, protection and valorization of evidence of the past: paleontology, archaeology, karstology, geomorphology, etc.), its economic environment ( promotion of winegrowers and local producers with the producers' boutique and oenological visits), as much as natural (highlighting trails and biodiversity, natural spaces, picnic areas and parking integrated into the environment) . Beyond that, the site continues its work in favor of sustainable tourism and in particular by working on its offer to take full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impact, by meeting the needs of visitors and tourism professionals. environment and host communities:
– employment (seasonal workers policy in particular),
– energy renovation (administrative buildings and museum reserves),
– pricing policy (family, group, local customers, etc.),
– gentle mobility on site and to the site,
– education (educational programs, school/non-school activities, exhibition linked to the memory of the site, etc.),
– cultural programs (conference program, work with local professional and amateur cultural actors and local cultural sites),
– scientific studies and research related to the environment,
– access policy for restricted audiences,
– work in conjunction with companies in southern Ardèche reflecting on sustainable tourism (tourism professionals, leading companies in the field - e.g. Occitane/Melvita, agricultural sector, etc.),
– development and promotion of a proposal to discover the site covering half to a day (take the time, less daily travel between different sites, etc.).