Discovered(found) in 1835 by a hunter of Aiguèze, Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche's cave is situated in the various domains of the geology, the archaeology and the tourism to an exceptional level.

The cave develops under a "Karstic" said calcareous tray(plateau) among which the forming(training), the fracturation and the erosion join for a long and rich period of the geologic history of this country.

About 40 km of galleries were recognized by spéléos groups. Personalities as E.A. Martel (from 1892) were deeply interested in this cavity.

From the XIX-th century and until the second world war, travelers informed by renowned guides visited the cave as show of it lithographies and former(old) picture postcards.

The visit of the cave was then reserved during several decades for the scientists and for the speleologists. By an access dug near the Tourist Road of Gorges(breasts) of Ardèche, one will visit in a little less than one hour the part(party) fitted out by this cave the exceptional charm of which lives(lies) in

the length the network, the unlimitedness of rooms, the importance and the beauty of the concretions, the vast area of its gours (ponds) without similar in Europe.

All around, you can cross(go through) a path of discovery :

- of the natural environment(middle), with the flora of the reserve,
- Of megalithic monuments (menhir, dolmen), with areas of picnic and relaxation.

Credit text and photos: advertising Plaque " Grotttes de Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche "