Aven Armand, Hures-la-Parade

An exceptional cave. Difficult to convey how beautiful it is. The sloping railway takes you down to an area near the top of the cave. The tour requires you to walk on sloping and stepped paths to the floor of the cave and then back up to the train which returns you to the surface. Given it is cool in the cave, this isn't arduous for reasonably fit, mobile people, but for the elderly or infirm, the climb back up the steps - 2x a normal house stairs? - could be a challenge. The lighting is subtle and does highlight the stalactites and stalagmites along with all of the other deposited shapes. The sheer size of the cave is breathtaking and it takes a moment to comprehend what you are seeing as people on the floor of the cave look like small models. The guide speaks only french, written guides are available in other languages. The tour is slow with lots of stops where the guide explains what you are seeing. We don't speak French and didn't opt for a written guide, just looking was enough. This is the first time that I have seen stalactites that have small rim-pools on their sides and these make the stalactites seem almost plant like. There are places where the stalactites and stalagmites have joined and formed columns. There are also plenty of translucent curtain forms and lines of stalactites hanging from the roof. There is a wall that is covered with calcium forms that look like trees and animals. My words do a poor job of describing what you'll see if you visit. It really is worth seeing. There are displays and a video explaining the discovery and history of the cave in a large visitor and ticket centre and there are people here that speak English, but I'm not sure what other languages they have. There is also a restaurant that serves meals and snacks along with lots of different drinks. The car park is large and I would expect this place is very busy in high season so book tickets on line to ensure you don't have a wasted visit. It is not a place that would be suitable for wheel chair users as a lot of the cave is accessed by stairs. If you like a good cave, have an interest in geology or the natural world, then this is for you. The cave more than justifies the ticket price.

Lovely time at an incredible spot. Staff and food were better than expected. A gem of a place amid such varied natural wonders!