Orgnac L'aven takes you deep into prehistory and underground: the Cité de la Préhistoire presents 350,000 years of archaeological evidence, from the Middle Paleolithic to the Early Iron Age. On display are authentic archaeological objects and facsimiles from experimental archaeology.
A stay in Orgnac L'aven may be combined with the desire to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture
The Cité de la Préhistoire offers hands-on activities relating to prehistory, including fire-making, flint knapping and spear throwing. The Baume de Ronze is also one of the area's prehistoric sites: it is a large collapsed cave that has been used since the Upper Paleolithic. Later, during the Neolithic period, around 5,500 years before our era, it was used by the first farmers as a sheep pen.
Underground Sites
The developed tour of the Aven d'Orgnac descends 121 metres underground. Another option for an independent visit is the Grotte forestière: the cave can be visited without a reservation along a simple, secured path, and headlamps are provided. The Grotte forestière features delicate crystal formations as well as roots of centuries-old trees that are visible underground and unique in Europe.
Nature and Trails
The Sentier du Maubois offers two circular routes lasting 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes, respectively. The trail is easily accessible from the site's car park and can be walked with virtually no change in elevation.
At the Aven d'Orgnac site, there are Accueil Vélo-certified facilities with bicycle racks, sanitary facilities, a shaded picnic area and a café-snack bar offering regional products.
Surrounding Area
The Grotte du Château d'Ebbo is a cave in the area surrounding Orgnac-l'Aven. The Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc Cave is also a cave in the area surrounding Orgnac-l'Aven. The same area also contains the Chartreuse de Valbonne, a historic site; the Abbatiale de Goudargues, a monastery; the Serre de Colombou, a mountain; and the Sommet de Barrès, a summit.
In the wider regional area around Orgnac-l'Aven lies the Château d'Allègre, a ruin. The Abbaye de Valsauve (1217–1375) is also a ruin in the wider regional area around Orgnac-l'Aven.
