Gorges de la Bourne
A dramatic limestone gorge featuring a narrow, winding road clinging to its towering walls, leading to the enchanting Choranche Caves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds on the road
Gorges de la Bourne
Best Time
Fewer crowds on the road
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic limestone gorge featuring a narrow, winding road clinging to its towering walls, leading to the enchanting Choranche Caves.
"The drive through the Gorges de la Bourne is breathtaking and nerve-raking, an epic journey not to be missed."
🚗 Drive with Caution
The gorge road is narrow and winding. Drive slowly and be aware of oncoming traffic, especially in larger vehicles.
🧥 Cave Temperature
Caves are a cool 10°C year-round. Bring a jacket to stay comfortable during your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gorges Road
A breathtaking, nerve-wracking drive clinging to towering limestone walls. An epic journey not to be missed.
Choranche Caves
Near Pont-en-Royans
Discover stunning natural formations in these cool, beautifully lit caves. A magical underground experience.
Pont-en-Royans
Charming village with unique houses built into the cliffside, offering a picturesque stop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Scenic Drive
Choranche Caves: A Cool Escape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The gorge road is narrow and winding. Drive slowly and be aware of oncoming traffic, especially in larger vehicles.
🧥 Cave Temperature
Caves are a cool 10°C year-round. Bring a jacket to stay comfortable during your visit.
🅿️ Parking Availability
Free parking is generally available, making access to the caves and surrounding areas convenient.
☕ Nearby Refreshments
A small restaurant is available for quick bites or coffee, perfect for a break.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The gorge road is narrow and winding. Drive slowly and be aware of oncoming traffic, especially in larger vehicles.
🧥 Cave Temperature
Caves are a cool 10°C year-round. Bring a jacket to stay comfortable during your visit.
🅿️ Parking Availability
Free parking is generally available, making access to the caves and surrounding areas convenient.
☕ Nearby Refreshments
A small restaurant is available for quick bites or coffee, perfect for a break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking and unique drive through the Gorges de la Bourne, often calling it an 'epic' experience. The Choranche Caves are a major highlight, praised for their stunning formations and magical light show, though a jacket is recommended due to the cool temperature. Parking is convenient, and a nearby restaurant offers refreshments.
"Gorges de la Bourne is a stunning place that leaves a lasting impression. The drive through the winding mountain roads is nothing short of breathtakink..you fall in love with the journey even before you reach your destination. At the top, the Choranche Caves offer a peaceful and unique experience surrounded by nature.
There’s plenty of free parking available, which makes things easier. A small restaurant nearby is a nice stop if you’re looking for a quick bite or coffee before or after your visit.
We booked a guided tour of the caves in the afternoon, and it turned out to be one of the best parts of our trip. The caves are beautifully maintained, and the guide was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They explain the history of the caves and how these natural wonders formed over millions of years. It’s fascinating to see.
The light show at the end of the tour adds a magical touch and is definitely a highlight. Just a heads-up...the cave temperature is around 10°C, so bring a jacket if you tend to feel cold.
Overall, this place is a must-visit if you’re in the region. Highly recommended for nature and adventure lovers."
Anirudha Sonar
"We came across and drove Gorges de la Bourne by chance without any planning. It was a breathtaking/nerve raking drive especially in a large campervan!! It was quite tight in places and the single track sections took some navigating especially with oncoming traffic. Overall though this was an epic drive and not to be missed if you are in the area."
Steven Harding
"It is worth to go there"
Tobias Tanner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main route is a narrow, winding road that clings to the gorge walls. It's a scenic but challenging drive, especially for larger vehicles. Be prepared for tight spots and oncoming traffic. Many visitors describe it as a 'breathtaking/nerve-raking drive'.
The road requires careful driving due to its narrowness and curves. While many find it exhilarating, some drivers, particularly those in large campervans, have noted it can be 'quite tight in places'. Drive cautiously and be mindful of other vehicles.
The Choranche Caves are typically accessed by car, with parking available nearby. The drive through the Gorges de la Bourne is often part of the experience of reaching the caves.
Public transport options are limited for reaching the Gorges de la Bourne directly. It is primarily a destination for those traveling by car to experience the scenic drive and visit the caves.
Pont-en-Royans is a charming town located near the Gorges de la Bourne and is often a starting or ending point for exploring the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Gorges de la Bourne road itself is a public road and does not require an entrance fee. The scenic drive is free to experience.
Ticket prices for the Choranche Caves can vary. It's best to check their official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date pricing for guided tours.
Guided tours are typically the primary way to experience the Choranche Caves. These tours are highly recommended as they provide insights into the caves' formation and history.
Opening hours for the Choranche Caves can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for current operating times, especially if planning an afternoon visit.
Yes, booking Choranche Caves tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season or for specific tour times, to secure your spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside the Choranche Caves remains consistently around 10°C (50°F) year-round. Visitors are advised to bring a jacket or wear layers to stay comfortable.
Yes, there are facilities available. You'll find free parking and a small restaurant nearby that offers quick bites or coffee, convenient for before or after your cave visit.
Many visitors find afternoon guided tours of the Choranche Caves to be a highlight. The light show at the end of the tour is particularly magical.
While the road is the primary attraction, there might be opportunities for short walks or enjoying viewpoints along the gorge. However, it's primarily known for its driving experience.
The Choranche Caves are known for their unique and stunning natural formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millions of years. The guided tour highlights these wonders.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities are along the winding road itself, capturing the dramatic limestone cliffs and the road's precarious path. Viewpoints offer stunning panoramas.
Photography is generally allowed inside the Choranche Caves, but it's always best to confirm with your guide. Be mindful of flash photography, as it can sometimes be restricted to protect the formations.
For the gorge drive, a wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive scenery. Inside the caves, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be useful, though check for restrictions.
Pull-offs and designated viewpoints along the gorge road offer excellent spots for capturing the dramatic landscape. Take advantage of these safe stopping areas.
Drone regulations can be strict in natural parks and near tourist attractions. It's essential to check local aviation rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the Gorges de la Bourne.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The drive through the Gorges de la Bourne can be exciting, but parents should be mindful of younger children who might be sensitive to winding roads. Consider making stops at safe viewpoints to break up the journey. The village of Pont-en-Royans offers a gentler pace with its unique cliffside houses, which can be a fun visual for kids to explore.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
This route is often described as an 'arsouille' (a spirited drive) by locals, so embrace the journey! Combine the drive with a visit to the Choranche Caves for a full day of exploration. The drive itself is a major highlight, offering stunning vistas at every turn.
🌿 Nature Lovers
Complement your visit with the Choranche Caves, a unique geological wonder. The cool, damp environment inside showcases incredible stalactites and stalagmites, a testament to millions of years of natural processes. The surrounding Vercors region also offers further opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrilling Drive Through the Gorges
For those driving larger vehicles like campervans, the road can present a significant challenge. 'It was quite tight in places and the single track sections took some navigating,' noted one visitor. Planning your drive, perhaps during off-peak hours, can enhance the experience. The sheer scale of the gorge walls and the ingenuity of the road's construction make this a truly memorable part of any visit to the Vercors region.
Beyond the drive, the surrounding landscape offers opportunities to appreciate the raw, natural beauty of the area. While the road is the star, the sheer rock faces and the verdant valleys below provide a stunning backdrop. It's a place where the journey truly is a destination, offering a unique perspective on the power of nature and human engineering.
Exploring the Mystical Choranche Caves
The caves maintain a constant temperature of around 10°C (50°F), making a jacket essential, even during warmer months. Guided tours are the standard way to explore, with guides providing knowledgeable insights into the caves' formation over millions of years and their history. The formations themselves are described as 'beautifully maintained' and 'fascinating to see,' showcasing the artistry of nature.
Booking a guided tour, particularly in the afternoon, is highly recommended. It's an opportunity to witness stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique mineral deposits in a well-preserved environment. The experience is often cited as a highlight of a trip to the region, offering a blend of natural wonder and educational discovery.
Pont-en-Royans: A Picturesque Village
The village provides a sense of local charm and a place to relax after navigating the gorge or exploring the caves. You can find a small restaurant nearby, perfect for a coffee or a quick bite, adding to the convenience for visitors. Its proximity to the natural attractions makes it an ideal starting or ending point for your adventure in the Vercors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit