Baume Obscure Cave (Grotte de Baume Obscure) Tours and Activities

Go on a subterranean adventure at the Baume Obscure Cave (Grotte de Baume Obscure), part of a vast limestone ridge that runs along the French Riviera. See the cave’s many striking rock formations and experience the Souterroscope, a sound-and-light installation along its walkways.

The Basics
The Baume Obscure Cave—whose name translates to “the dark cavern” or “the dark shelter”—comprises an expansive network of underground tunnels and caverns located in a conservation area. The cave’s nine individual caverns go down some 262 feet (80 meters) deep.

Visit some of the cave’s most interesting corners with the help of an audio guide as you explore the 2,297-foot (700-meter) cave loop, outfitted with walkways and stairs. Or, take a treasure-hunt tour, especially popular among families. Tickets to the Baume Obscure Cave can be booked online before your visit, making it easy to plan a trip.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The cave is not accessible to visitors with limited mobility or those using wheelchairs or strollers, due to hundreds of stairs and uneven footing along the cave walkways.
• The cave maintains a temperature of about 57° Fahrenheit (14° Celsius) throughout the year, so it’s advised to wear layers of clothing (as well as sturdy, non-slip shoes).
• Guided tours in French or English are available for groups of 10 or more and must be requested in advance of your visit.
• Photography without flash is allowed on site.
• An on-site souvenir shop sells minerals, fossils, and other mementos.

How to Get There
The Baume Obscure Cave is located near several major French-Riviera hubs. The cave is just a half-hour drive from Grasse, and is roughly an hour’s journey from Cannes, Antibes, and Nice.

When to Get There
The cave is open daily July–August from 10am–6pm. All other months, the cave is closed Mondays and opens at the following times on Tuesdays-Sundays: In February–March and in November, the cave is open from 10am–4pm; and from April–June and September–October it’s open from 10am–5pm. Tours leave at different throughout the year; check the online schedule in advance of your trip.

Special Events at the Baume Obscure Cave
The Baume Obscure Cave hosts special events throughout the year, including photo exhibitions, tours led by cave scientists, and nighttime telescope sessions in the surrounding forest. Check the cave’s calendar of attractions before you travel, and reserve your place in advance.