Saint-Christophe Cave
Make the most of your camping trip in Savoie at Les 3 Lacs to visit the Saint-Christophe Caves, also known as the Echelles Caves.
A 1 hour 20 minute tour of the Saint-Christophe Caves
A must-see natural and historical site in the Chartreuse region, the Saint-Christophe Caves or Échelles Caves are a geological formation consisting of two cavities, one lower and one upper. Between the two caves, a natural channel carved out by water has been used by humans from ancient times to the modern era: the one known as the Sardinian way It was successively the Roman road connecting Lyon to Turin and the royal road, which the Dukes of Savoy converted into a carriage road. Guides offer a 1-hour-and-20-minute guided tour of the caves, allowing visitors to discover their geological features and history. With formations such as potholes, jellyfish, and stalactites, they offer a magical underground setting. The caves are open daily in the summer, and Wednesday through Sunday from April through June and from September through early November; they are open daily during Zone A school breaks. The admission price without a discount is 11 €s adult fare, and €7.50 for children up to age 14 and €9 for teens ages 15–17. Admission is free for children under 4.
Caving and Acrocaving Package
Activities are offered to visitors of all ages so they can explore the caves in a unique way. Thecaving activity is, for example, offered ages 6 and up : this is a A 600-meter cave exploration led by a caving instructor. The course lasts 2 hours, for a price of 45 euros per adult and 40 euros per child. Another unique activity in the Saint-Christophe Caves is theacrospeleology is a combination of rock climbing, tree-top adventure, and caving. This more physically demanding, supervised activity can be done Ages 12 and up and a minimum height of 1.40 meters. The tour can be completed in 2 or 4 hours, in small groups of 4 to 8 people. The price is on a sliding scale based on the number of participants: 53 euros per person for groups of 1 to 3 people, 51 euros for groups of 4 to 6 people, and 48 euros for groups of more than 6 people. Add +3 € for the cave admission fee.
Hikes and walks around the Grotte des Échelles
Located between the Sardinian Trail, the Charles Emmanuel II Monument, and a rich natural environment, the Saint-Christophe Caves are the starting point for many exciting walks and hikes. As a family, you can, for example, opt for a 6-km hike, lasting 2 to 2.5 hours, that will take you from one discovery to the next—from the Sarde Trail to the Goat Trail, passing through the Guiers Gorges and the Gerbaix lookout point. More experienced hikers can take the Beauvoir Trail for a 14-km loop hike that takes a full day: a chance to walk along the Royal Trail, explore many remarkable sites in the Chartreuse Valley, and enjoy unique panoramic views of the Échelles Plain. A shorter themed walk around the “Voie Royale” is also available, starting from the caves: lasting 2 hours, it’s paired with a smartphone app that helps you locate 6 points of interest along the route. Suitable for children ages 7 and up, the fun hike “In the Footsteps of Azil and Magda” lasts about 2.5 hours. It includes a stop to explore the prehistoric site of La Fru. The activity booklet, which can be used by 2 to 3 participants, is sold for 7 euros at the caves’ visitor center. And don’t hesitate to explore the Vercors Regional Nature Park and its unique natural landscape, just a few kilometers away!
