Easily discover the Saulges Caves Valley using the interactive map.

Click on the location you are interested in for more information.

Margot Cave
Rochefort Cave
Goat Cave
Mayenne-Sciences Cave
House Sport / Nature (climbing and caving)
Restaurant
Museum of Prehistory (reception and shop)

Practical information

  • Please park your vehicle in the parking lot. Access to the site is on foot only (except for people with reduced mobility).
  • If you already have a ticket for the tours, you can go directly to the entrance of the area concerned (caves or museum).
  • Nature walk in the valley: follow the signs marked "nature trail" ➔ head towards the wooden footbridge then continue through the sheep enclosure towards the Mayenne-Sciences cave, cross the Japanese stepping stones then return towards the Rochefort cave along the river.
  • Check out Timetable and the rates.

Preparing my visit: frequently asked questions

Answers to the most frequently asked questions in one click!

Yes, reservation is required on our online ticketing (limited gauges in each cave). Subject to availability, tickets may be sold on-site for same-day or alternate-day visits. Reservations cannot be made by phone.

You do not need to print your tickets. Simply download them as PDFs to your mobile phone (or open the attachment in your email) and present them upon arrival at the museum reception or to the guide at the entrance to the cave.

Only credit cards are accepted for online ticketing.

At the museum reception, you can pay by: credit card, cash, check (from €15), ANCV holiday vouchers, for the ticket office and the shop.

Access to the site is only by car, on foot or by bicycle. Read the dedicated page.

The guided tour of the Margot and Rochefort caves each lasts about 40 minutes.

The self-guided tour of the museum lasts approximately 1 hour.

For cave visits, you will be always accompanied by a mediator who will introduce you to each cave, who will ensure the safety of the group and the preservation of protected natural areas.

The museum can be visited freely, independently. According to the programming, some visits are commented.

The caves are poorly equipped and therefore not accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, the Prehistory Museum and the exterior are fully accessible. More information on the dedicated page.

The museum is closed at the same time as the caves, by prefectural decree to preserve the hibernation period of the site's protected bats. While it is closed to the public, the Prehistory Museum team is preparing for the next season!

Yes, to visit the caves plan:

  • some closed shoes that don't mind getting dirty (sneakers, hiking or boots), caves being naturally humid and clayey spaces (there are sometimes puddles of water when the weather is very rainy, especially in winter)
  • un warm clothing (13°C all year round inside the caves), the spaces are very humid

Outside of school holidays, the morning slots are reserved for school groups.

Tickets are exchangeable directly on the online ticketing. You can change the time or date, for the same visit. You cannot exchange the visit (for example, it is not possible to change the visit to the Margot cave for the visit to the Rochefort cave.)

The time on your ticket indicates the departure time of the guided tour of the cave. You must arrive at the cave no later than 10 minutes before the visiting time. 

The museum is open to the public; you have access all day on the date you choose. You can leave and return as many times as you like.

Animals are not allowed in the caves or the museum, even if they are in a bag. Only guide dogs are permitted. 

Pets on a leash are welcome to enjoy the outdoors in the valley.

You can sit wherever you like; a few wooden tables are freely accessible in the valley. Please bring your waste with you and preserve the site. Only recycling bins are available on site.

Free parking is available upon arrival at the site. You'll then need to walk to the museum reception and the cave entrances.

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