A true underground cathedral, the Demoiselles Cave, located on the heights of the village of St Bauzille de Putois, is a MUST-SEE for visits to the Cévennes. It is close to Ganges and only 35 minutes from Montpellier, 40 minutes from Anduze, 50 minutes from Nîmes and 1h30 from the Pont du Gard. This exceptional site in Languedoc is now classified as a national heritage site and is also classified by the Ministry of the Environment as National Sites.
Marvel of the underground world, the visit is grandiose and magical! Also called the Fairy Cave, it was once said that the cave was populated by mysterious fairies. Symbol and fairy are represented today by the whitish drape of the Grotto’s sparkling stalactites. The dimensions of the large room of the Demoiselles Cave are impressive: 120 meters wide by 52 meters high and 48 meters deep.
First visited in the middle of the 17th century, the Grotto was truly discovered in 1884 by Edouard Alfred MARTEL, an illustrious speleologist. At that time, it took 14 hours to visit the cavity of the Ladies’ Cave. It was in 1931 that the first underground tourist funicular was opened to the public.
Dive into an extraordinary travel by visiting the Cave of the Demoiselles. In between friends and family, give yourself a moment out of time in the depths of the earth in the Languedoc Roussillon.
A step out of time
The building of the first underground tourist funicular means the caves are now easy to access by the general public. Walk though the different tunnels and rooms to discover these magnificent rock formations that sparkle. The blocks of delicate rock are lit up to bring out the different shapes. These shapes were sculpted by water over thousands of years, and are all of different shapes and colours. The many stalactites, stalagmites, colons, translucent drapes and calcite flows create a magnificent and fantastic show.
They constitute a veritable library of geological times. A thousand forms are to be admired : gargoyles, organs, royale mantle, but also basin, santons of Provence,… The most famous shape is called the “virgin and the child” : sculpted by millions of drops of water, the statue sits on its double pedestal and takes your breath away! These elements even impress the fathers of modern speleology (Edouard-Alfred Martel, Robert de Joly…).
True cathedral of the depths, nature has made something marvellous here that was hidden from mankind during centuries! Take part in this unique supernatural journey!
The guided visit lasts an average of 1 hour and 10 minutes and the ambient temperature is of 14-15°C all year round. You will find all useful information to visit the Cave of the Demoiselles at the campsite reception of Domaine d’Anglas.
Camping near the cave of the Demoiselles
The campsite Domaine d’Anglas enjoys an exceptional situation near the cave of the Demoiselles. Only minutes from the cave and on the Hérault riverside, the campsite is situated in a charming and natural location. Indeed, it is located at the heart of an organic vineyard of 115 ha, surrounded by an abundant nature.
The campsite Domaine d’Anglas is an unmissable touristic destination for wine amateurs. During your holidays in the South of France, make the most of all the possible activities such as exploring the vineyard during a “wine and cheese tour“. You can also walk along the 6 km long “sentier vigneron” (winemaker’s path) which you are free to follow round the vines. At the end of your walk, you can have a free wine-tasting of organic wines at the shop.
A the 5 star Campsite Domaine d’Anglas, there is a large choice of holiday accommodation such as Gypsy caravans, lodges, cabane vigneronne, wooden chalets and guesthouses that can have up to 7 people staying in them. For families wanting to have a full immersion into nature, there are several pitches located right next to the river. Once there, make the most of relaxing in the natural swimming pool with a view onto the Thaurac and cave of the Demoiselles. Savour the delicious dishes that are lovingly prepared at the campsite restaurant La Bergerie. The restaurant is open every day for lunch and evening meals in July and August.
