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Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex
The only underground gallery open to the public in Haute-Savoie. A 40-minute guided tour 10° below ground and a spectacular 40-meter-high waterfall.
Rémih · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Natural cave and waterfall
Access
Paid
Price
From €10 (adult)
Duration
40 min (guided tour) + 30 min (waterfall circuit)
Best season
April – September
Parking
Free (on-site)
Dogs
Accepted on leash
Town
Faverges-Seythenex
What is Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex
Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex is a natural site classified as a Geosite by the Bauges Massif Regional Natural Park, located in Faverges-Seythenex in Haute-Savoie. It is the only underground gallery open to the public in the department, with 250 meters of galleries and passages accessible on a guided tour. The site also features a spectacular 40-meter-high waterfall formed by the waters of the Saint-Ruph torrent.
The cave has been open to the public since 1906, making it the village's first tourist attraction. It represents the ancient underground course of the torrent and collects water that infiltrates the karst network in the Bauges mountains. The galleries display the circular profile characteristic of pressure conduits, illustrating the geological concept of the "keyhole cave". The guided tour lasts approximately 40 minutes at a constant temperature of 10°C, allowing visitors to discover the spectacular effects of erosion on limestone.
On the surface, a developed circuit of paths and walkways provides access to the top of the waterfall where visitors can admire its 40-meter drop. The site also offers two 150-meter-long zip-lines that soar above the waterfall at 40 meters height, as well as a snack-restaurant with panoramic terrace, picnic area, children's play area, and a shop selling local products and souvenirs.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
576 route des Grottes, 74210 Faverges-Seythenex View on map
Coordinates
45,732217° N — 6,299157° E View on map
Hours
April 18 – June 30: daily 10am–5pm. July 1 – August 31: daily 9am–6pm. September 1–20: daily 10am–5pm. Seasonal opening only (closed October to mid-April). Verified on official site May 14, 2026 — subject to seasonal changes.Verified 14 May 2026
Prices
Adult: €10. Child 4–12 years: €8. Free for under 4 years. Adult groups (20+ pers.): €9. Child groups (20+ pers.): €7. Zip-lines: additional fee not publicly disclosed (inquire on-site or by phone). Verified May 14, 2026.Verified 14 May 2026
Parking
Free on-site
Animals
Accepted on leash
Accessibility
Underground circuit not adapted for mobility-impaired visitors (stairs, walkways, narrow passages). Exterior waterfall circuit partially accessible. Adapted facilities for hearing and mental impairments.
Duration of visit
Cave guided tour: 40 min. Waterfall circuit: 20–30 min. Plan 1.5 to 2 hours for the entire site (cave + waterfall + exhibition).
Contact
Tel.: +33 (0)4 50 44 55 97 · Email: mabbouxchristophe@gmail.com · Website: grotte-cascade-seythenex.comVerified 14 May 2026
When to visit
When to visit
The site is open April to September only. High season (July-August) offers the longest hours (9am–6pm) and more visitors, particularly for zip-lines. April, May, June, and September offer reduced hours (10am–5pm) but fewer visitors, ideal for a quieter cave visit. Underground temperature remains constant at 10°C year-round — bring a sweater or fleece even in mid-summer. The waterfall is most impressive in spring (April-May) when snowmelt generously feeds the Saint-Ruph torrent. In September, flow is lower but the setting remains magnificent. On rainy days, the waterfall gains power and the natural site takes on a mysteriously atmospheric and particularly photogenic quality.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I book Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex?
Reservation is not required to visit Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex. Tickets are purchased on-site at the visitor center. For groups of 20 people or more, it is recommended to reserve by phone at 04 50 44 55 97.
What is the admission price for Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex?
Adult admission to Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex is €10 and child admission (4–12 years) is €8. Free for under 4 years. Group rate for adults: €9 (from 20 people). Group rate for children: €7. Verified May 14, 2026.
What are the hours of Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex?
Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex is open April 18 – September 20. April, May, June, and September: daily 10am–5pm. July and August: daily 9am–6pm. Verified on official site May 14, 2026 — subject to seasonal changes.
Is Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex accessible with small children?
Strollers cannot access Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex as the underground circuit features stairs, walkways, and narrow passages. Visits are possible by carrying young children. The exterior waterfall circuit is partially accessible to strollers.
Can I zip-line at Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex?
Yes, two 150-meter zip-lines soar above the waterfall at 40 meters height at Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex. Minimum weight required: 30 kg. Zip-lines cost extra beyond the cave tour admission (inquire on-site).
How long does a visit to Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex take?
The guided tour of Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex lasts approximately 40 minutes. The exterior waterfall circuit takes 20 to 30 minutes. With the mill exhibition and time on-site, plan 1.5 to 2 hours for the entire site.
Sources
Sources & verification
- www.grotte-cascade-seythenex.com
- www.lac-annecy.com
- www.sources-lac-annecy.com
- www.grottesdefrance.org
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
