Grotte des Chamois

Grotte des Chamois is a cave system in the commune of Castellet-lès-Sausses, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of southern France, ranked among the most extensive underground networks in the region.

Where exactly is the cave?

The entrance sits in the Grand Coyer massif, roughly sixty metres above the source of the Coulomp river, close to the small hamlet of Aurent. Aurent is an old settlement reachable only on foot or by mountain bike; it belonged to the commune of Braux until 1961, when it was attached to Castellet-lès-Sausses.

How do you get there?

The usual approach starts at the Col du Fa pass. From the village of Castellet, a road that turns into a track just before the top climbs to the pass, where cars are left after a short flat stretch to the right. From there a path drops toward Aurent, first level, then increasingly downhill, down to a footbridge over the river. Beyond the bridge, the trail climbs into the hamlet and passes its church, from where the route toward the Coulomp continues. From the church you descend back to the river, leave on your left the bridge that leads toward Argenton, and follow the right bank for about a kilometre before the path turns north and climbs steeply toward the cave entrance.

What makes this cave notable?

As of August 2016, the surveyed network measured 13,900 metres of passages with a vertical extent of 390 metres (from -67 to +323 m), making it the longest registered cave in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Divers gave it its name in 1982 after finding chamois bones in the cave's first sump. Further exploration showed the system connects to two other openings, Trou des Fantasmes and Grotte N-I Nini, both located across the boundary in the neighbouring commune of Méailles. Since 2007, the association CRESPE, founded by Philippe Audra and Jean-Claude Nobécourt, has run regular exploration camps that draw cavers from across Europe. The underground river flowing through the deeper galleries is regarded by speleologists as one of the finest in France.

Can visitors go inside on their own?

It's not advisable without preparation. This is a caving destination, not a lit, cabled show cave - going deeper requires proper equipment and speleological experience. A worthwhile alternative for casual visitors is walking to the entrance area and along the Coulomp valley, where the rocky gorge scenery is an attraction in itself.

Where can you stay nearby?

Aurent has a free communal refuge, open all year with no reservation system. It holds about twenty mattresses and bed frames, a small kitchen corner, two tables, benches, a stove, and running water; visitors are asked to leave a donation toward its upkeep.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring through summer works best, when water levels in the Coulomp drop and the mountain paths stay dry and safe. In winter, snow on the Col du Fa pass and on the steeper trail sections makes the approach considerably harder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go into Grotte des Chamois without preparation? No. It's an exploration cave requiring caving gear and experience, not a developed underground tourist route.

How long is the walk from Col du Fa? The route covers several kilometres, mixing flat sections with a steep climb along the Coulomp valley - plan on roughly half a day.

Is there anywhere to sleep in Aurent? Yes, a free year-round communal refuge sleeps around twenty people, with no booking needed and donations welcome for its upkeep.

Why is it called Grotte des Chamois? Divers named it in 1982 after discovering chamois (mountain goat) bones in the cave's first sump.