Vallorbe Caves

The Orbe sinks into the limestone at the Lac de Joux, runs underground for several kilometres, and comes back to the surface here at Vallorbe - and the show caves follow that resurgence, so the visit is a walk beside an underground river rather than through a dry system. The route runs about a kilometre through chambers with heavy flowstone, columns and rimstone, lit with a scheme designed by a stage lighting specialist rather than the flat floodlighting of older caves. At the end a mineral collection, the Trésor des Fées, displays specimens from around the world in a natural chamber. The water is cold and the passages are damp; the temperature holds around ten degrees all year.

What you actually see

• A river resurgence - the Orbe returning to daylight after a run underground.
• A kilometre of lit chambers - flowstone, columns and rimstone pools.
• Theatrical lighting - designed for the rock rather than flat floodlighting.
• The Trésor des Fées - a mineral collection in a natural chamber.

When to go

April to October. Two hours.

Honest expectations

Closed in winter. It is around ten degrees inside all year - a jacket matters. The route has steps and wet floors. High water after rain can restrict parts of the circuit.

Nearby

Vallorbe town and its ironworks museum are close; the Lac de Joux is up the valley.