LE SOUTERROSCOPE - CAVE OF BAUME OBSCURE
SAINT VALLIER DE THIEY
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Explore 700m of gallery at 60 meters deep at the Souterroscope. It is located in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey in the region of Grasse, in the heart of the regional natural park of the Pre-Alps.
The site offers a variety of ways to discover it.
Take a guided or self-guided tour of the cave, complete with sound and light effects.
In summer, night-time tours are available to discover another facet of the site.
Picnic on site, in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Préalpes d'Azur.
The Dark Balm Souterroscope
The Souterroscope of Baume Obscure is located in a protected natural area, the Regional Natural Park of the Préalpes d'Azur.
Several tens of hectares of greenery cover this jewel of nature.
In total there are 9 caves, the entrance and the beginning of the visit is done with the cave of the Cypress, and the exit is done by the cave of the Loube.
The cave extends over 1200 meters and 80 meters deep.
Accessible by stairs, the visitable part extends over 700 meters and 60 meters deep.
Discover the different phenomena that it shelters like hydrology, varieties of minerals or Mediterranean karsts.
And admire the different sizes of rocks and basins that are hidden there.
After your visit to this underground world, fossils and minerals will no longer hold any secrets for you.
The depths of the Souterroscope of Baume Obscure
In addition to discovering the beauty of the underground rocks, the surface part is full of secrets.
The site is located at an altitude of 700 meters.
It shelters a great variety of fauna and flora.
The holm and pubescent oaks, the Aleppo and Scots pines, the lavender, the thyme, the rosemary, the ash brooms and the boxwoods perfume the atmosphere.
Animals such as goats and sheep also graze in this area.
In the area, a historical and cultural heritage is to be discovered with troglodytic sites, dolmens, tumuli, chapels, an old bridge and a mill.
Discovery of the surface of the site
Treasure hunts
The most popular way for the public to discover the site is the treasure hunt.
Lasting 1h30, it will delight young and old alike.
A real activity, it combines discovery, learning and fun.
Treasure hunt in the cave
Coupled with the free visit, you will be guided throughout the treasure hunt by a voice.
This voice will tell you where to stop, look and see the sound and light animations.
Before starting the hunt, a guide will tell you the history of the cave.
Then he gives you a scroll, a lamp and gives you a mission.
The mission consists in finding characters (dragon, fairy, goblins...) and solving riddles.
Here's an example of a mission theme.
Dinosaur eggs have invaded the Baume Obscure Souterroscope! The owner needs brave adventurers before this Obscure Balm is destroyed. You've got to find all the eggs and baby dinosaurs to save it. Are you up to the challenge?
Observation of the depths
The last riddle is outside and marks the end of the hunt.
Around a table, solve the riddle using the answers found during the visit or in a new test.
Solving the riddle allows the opening of the treasure chest.
The winners will be able to choose among many semi-precious stones (jasper, rock crystal, tiger eye...).
It is possible to do the treasure hunt to celebrate a birthday. Reservation is mandatory. The snack is brought by the parents or prepared by the snack Croc Magnan.
Treasure hunt in the forest
Due to the success of the treasure hunt, a 2nd edition in the forest was released in 2015.
This one has the same principle as the one that takes place in the cave.
The search for a character on a marked out ground of 800 meters and the resolution of enigmas.
It is the theme of nature that is at the center of the treasure hunt.
We find mainly animals, trees, plants, as well as historical and prehistoric heritage.
You can do this treasure hunt alone or combine it with the visit of the cave. In this case, plan 3 hours.
Animations at the Souterroscope
A visit of sound and light
There are other possibilities for discovering the Baume Obscure in the form of a free or guided tour.
Free Visit
Visit the exteriors and the Souterroscope of Baume Obscure thanks to an audioguide available in 4 languages (French, English, German, Italian).
While following the marked out course to discover the secrets of the Souterroscope of Baume Obscure.
A sound and light show highlights the crystalline concretions, mineral formations and fossils.
Streams, waterfalls and small pools of different colors give a fantastic dimension to the Souterroscope of Baume Obscure.
The grandeur of the underground nature
Don't forget to go to the surface to admire the different historical vestiges and the flora.
Throughout your visit you can learn more about the history, the discovery, the geology or the mineralogy of the Souterroscope of Baume Obscure.
Count a little more than 1h15 for the visit including 15 minutes on the surface.
The ground is slippery, take shoes with good grip. A big drop of temperature between the Souterroscope of Baume Obscure and the surface is observable, take a small wool even in summer.
Guided Tours
For a better exploration and to learn even more, choose the guided tour.
Accompanied by a caving guide and/or a naturalist, the visit is approached from a more varied angle on the surface and underground.
For example, the layout of the Souterroscope, the fauna and flora, the hydrology, the geology or the cave life....
The guide adapts to the interests and desires of the group.
For example, he can tell stories, anecdotes and legends about Baume Obscure.
A third of the tour concerns the surface, and the rest focuses on the Baume Obscure Souterroscope. The tour lasts between 1h30 and 2h.
Night-time in summer
While waiting for the 2023 program, discover the 2022 program.
For a more original visit, night-time sessions are held in July and August.
The choice is yours:
- Guided nocturnal tour of the Baume Obscure Souterroscope
A specialist in the underground world will take you on a 1h45 tour. Every Friday at 7 or 7.30pm. - Escape Cave
Play an escape game at night with your friends in an unusual setting. You must be at least 12 years old. Each game has between 2 and 8 participants. Every Wednesday at 7:30pm or 9:30pm. - Nocturnal wildlife
Observe nature and the sky with a naturalist and astronomer. Discover animals at night on a sound tour of the forest. And observe the stars through a telescope. Every Friday from 10pm.
It is possible to combine the nocturnal visit of the Baume Obscure Souterroscope with the nocturnal fauna.
Events throughout the year are held at the Souterroscope of Baume Obscure.
Subscribe to our newsletters to be informed.
Picnic in the Parc Naturel Régional des Préalpes d'Azur
The Souterroscope of Baume Obscure is located in a beautiful park, it is the ideal place to have a picnic.
Several picnic tables are available throughout the site.
According to your desires, prepare or buy your lunch on the spot.
A snacking stand "Croc Magnon" offers hot, cold, sweet and salty snacks.
Picnic in a natural area
Grotto & Snack hours
Timetable of the Souterroscope of Baume Obscure
OPENING from February to November 2023
The Souterroscope closes its doors every Monday, except in June, July, August, and except during school vacations and public vacations.
The site is open every day during school vacations (zones A,B,C), as well as in June, July and August.
FEBRUARY / MARCH:
- audio-guided tours: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
- tours with treasure hunt in the cave: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
- tours with treasure hunt in the cave and forest: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
APRIL / MAY:
- audio tours: 10 am to 5 pm
- tours with treasure hunt in the cave: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
- tours with treasure hunt in the cave and forest: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
JUNE / JULY / AUGUST:
- audio-guided tours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- tours with treasure hunt in the cave: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
- tours with treasure hunt in the cave and forest: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Open until midnight on Wednesdays and Fridays (+ any other evenings for special events).
Consult the program before booking (compulsory)
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER / NOVEMBER:
Open every day during school vacations (zones A, B and C)
- audio tours: 10 am to 5 pm
- tours with treasure hunt in the cave: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
- tours with treasure hunt in the cave and forest: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
The annual closure runs from mid-November 2023 to early February 2024.
Fixed departure times from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm during evening hours.
Please note!
Ticket office closes 15 minutes before last departure.
Outside school vacations and public holidays, treasure hunts are only organized on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Opening hours of the Snack Bar
The snack bar is open from 12:00 pm from April to November, until the site closes for the year.
In June, July and August, the snack bar is open for late-night parties, with reservation required.
Rates for visits and treasure hunts
AUDIO GUIDED TOUR WITHOUT GUIDE
1h00 unguided underground walk to the rhythm of music and light shows
Adults aged 16 and over: €9.50
Children aged 3 to 15: €7.50
Children under 3: Free
VISIT WITH TREASURE HUNT IN THE CAVE
1h30 adventure including visit and game for 1H00 in the cave + 2 x 15 mn outdoors with guide
Adults aged 16 and over: €14
Children aged 3 to 15: €11
Children under 3: Free
TREASURE HUNT IN THE FOREST
1H30 of forest adventure, 15 minutes of which with a guide
VALLON DE LA COMBE or SENSORY COURSE
Adults aged 16 and over: €10
Children aged 3 to 15: €8
Children under 3 : Free
Practical information
Accessibility
The site is easily accessible by car, just 1 hour from Nice and Cannes Cannes.
Not accessible by public transport.
Ample free parking.
The underground network of Baume Obscure
The Souterroscope of Baume Obscure has no PMR accessibility.
It is necessary to carry the stroller all along the stairs to reach the Souterroscope of Baume Obscure.
Benches are present to rest during your visit.
Reservations are required for :
- Guided tours
- Treasure hunt for groups of more than 10 people
- Birthdays
- Night-time entertainment in the summer
- Guided tours during the annual closing period (late November - early February)
- Events organised throughout the year
Contacts
04 93 42 61 63
baumeobscure@orange.fr
https://www.baumeobscure.com/
