Seythenex cave and waterfall
Are you attracted to water and earth, caving and canyoning, waterfalls and underground cavities? Welcome to the Seythenex cave and waterfall, one of the most remarkable and astonishing natural sites in the French Alps. Located in the heart of the Bauges massif, about 20 minutes by car from the Annecy La Ravoire and Les Fontaines campsites, this natural gem is of great geological interest. We tell you why the Seythenex waterfall and cave are absolutely essential to include in your activity program during your stay as a couple, with family or friends camping near Lake Annecy.
The Seythenex cave, the only vistable cave in the French Alps
To begin with, let us quote its uniqueness. Currently, the Seythenex cave is the only underground cave open to the public in the French Alps. This was already the case over a century ago, in 1906, when access was granted to first visitors. Some visitors expect to walk a few tens of meters under the rock, their backs bent, before turning back. To enter the Seythenex cave is to venture into a gallery more than 250 m long. It’s about embarking on a course dotted with bridges and walkways, much to the delight of children who wish to play adventurers.
The Seythenex waterfall
The Seythenex waterfall is a waterfall over 40 m high, a "happy" course - or course - accident of the Saint-Ruph river. Where can this crazy water end in its mad rush? In the Annecy lake, the guide will answer you during the visit. After Earth and Water, you will have the opportunity to add a third element to the visit: Air, thanks to the adventure zip line reserved for the most daring.
Cave formation
The Seythenex cave is an underground cavity dug in the limestone cliffs. The galleries were formed over the millennia by the inexhaustible work of water on the rock. The circular aspect of the galleries is a good illustration of the keyhole concept. In the past, these galleries were completely submerged by water. The water did its ant work by digging the rock in a circular shape. Over time, the water level drops, leaving its eroding work on the upper part of the galleries exposed.
An educational dimension
The visit to the Seythnex cave and waterfall was thought out from an educational angle to make it accessible to all visitors, especially children. For this reason, you will find a video room and a model on the course. A film will take you back in time and will reveal to you the way of life of the inhabitants of the region in the past. This video projection is accompanied by a model that reproduces old houses, local vegetation and hydraulic mills.
Tips for a successful visit
Bring good walking shoes, preferably hiking shoes. As in all caves, the temperature inside the galleries is cool, around 10 ºC, even in summer. So remember to have some warm clothes in your backpack. To complete your equipment, also take with you a good headlamp, a first aid kit and a bottle of water. And of course your swimsuit to cool off in Lake Annecy after the visit before joining your luxury mobile home fully equipped in one of our 4-star campsites La Ravoire or Les Fontaines.
Hours and prices
The Seythenex cave is open to the public every day between April and September:
- April, May, June and September: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- July-August: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Prices: € 8 per adult and child over 12, € 6 for ages 4-12, free for children under 4.
Did you like the experience? Go admire the Mer de Glace in the Chamonix valley or other trails around Faverges-Seythenex!