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Walk to the roof of the Balme caves via the Saint-Roch slopes

1 alert on this circuit

ESPACE NATUREL SENSIBLE "LES COTEAUX DE ST ROCH":

Alerte visiteurs

Il est conseillé d'être en bonne condition physique.

Le parcours découverte est déconseillé en dessous de 4 ans.

Walk to the roof of the Balme caves via the Saint-Roch slopes
Walk to the roof of the Balme caves via the Saint-Roch slopes
Walk to the roof of the Balme caves via the Saint-Roch slopes
Walk to the roof of the Balme caves via the Saint-Roch slopes
Walk to the roof of the Balme caves via the Saint-Roch slopes

Description

There are 8 interpretation points along this loop. Not only will you be able to get some height, but you'll also be able to discover a range of unspoilt natural environments: the La Balme caves and cliffs, the forest and the dry grasslands.

The site is home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna.
Keep your eyes peeled! You may be able to spot the red pulsatilla and the Carthusian carnation, which flower in early spring, or the many birds of prey that like to nest in the rock faces of this sensitive natural area.

Technical Information

Walking
Difficulty
Easy
Dist.
2.6 km
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Altimetric profile

Starting point

Rue des Grottes , 38390   La Balme-les-Grottes
Lat : 45.852721Lng : 5.338985

Points of interest

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The Caves of La Balme

Small pools, labyrinths, concretions and a lake: the Grottes de La Balme, located 40 minutes from Lyon, are rich in what nature has shaped. Discover a rare and exceptional natural site offering an unusual insight into the underground world!Arrive under this impressive porch and enter the bowels of the cliff to discover labyrinths, an underground lake, stalactites and stalagmites, an amphitheater of small pools... that's what the Grottes de La Balme have to offer. Take your time on a self-guided tour lasting around 1 hour 15 minutes, or take a guided tour (booking required). Visited since 1807, the Grottes de La Balme reveal their history and mysteries as you explore 1,000 meters of underground galleries. Located in the Nord-Isère region, in the center of the village of La Balme-les-Grottes, the caves are an exciting detour in the Balcons du Dauphiné region. Round off your day with a free visit to the Espace Naturel Sensible “Les Coteaux de Saint-Roch”, with its signposted path and discovery booklet. This protected natural area allows you to observe the particular features of the cliffs, forest and dry grasslands surrounding the Grottes de La Balme, home to numerous species of protected plants and animals. Become true adventurers with our 100% family-friendly activities! A playful visit with Archibalme's Investigation: young and old alike will be delighted. Summer and winter alike, the underground world never ceases to amaze! The souvenir store is open at the same time as the caves, and offers a wide range of gifts: crockery, textiles, stones, a selection of books and other must-have items for yourself or as a gift.

Rue des Grottes 38390 La Balme-les-Grottes
- OFFICE DE TOURISME DES BALCONS DU DAUPHINE -
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Hôtel Restaurant du Val d'Amby

Located in Hières-sur-Amby, between nature and heritage, this establishment welcomes you for a stopover or a warm stay. The hotel has comfortable, tastefully decorated rooms and a refined restaurant.Less than an hour from Lyon, in the heart of the characterful village of Hières-sur-Amby, the Hôtel-Restaurant du Val d'Amby welcomes you to an authentic setting between the Rhône and the cliffs of the Isle-Crémieu. Situated on the ViaRhôna route near the Balme caves and the Larina archaeological site, the establishment is ideal for a tourist break, an evening stopover or a business trip in Isère. Katie and Dominique Grisoni welcome you to a beautiful stone building, housing 13 comfortable rooms with contemporary decor spread over two floors. Each room offers a comfortable setting and facilities designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible. There is a choice of standard and superior rooms, as well as triple and quadruple rooms, perfect for families. The gastronomic restaurant offers seasonal cuisine, with a pleasant terrace lined with flowers in fine weather. The menus are prepared by Dominique, a recognised Maître Restaurateur and member of the Toques Blanches Lyonnaises. Whether you're travelling with family, friends or on business, Val d'Amby is a friendly, relaxing place to stay, ideal for discovering the natural and cultural riches of the Balcons du Dauphiné.

2 place de la République 38118 Hières-sur-Amby
- OFFICE DE TOURISME DES BALCONS DU DAUPHINE -
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Le Marché Balmolan

Céline and her team welcome you to this grocery shop and restaurant in the heart of the village, a stone's throw from the Grottes de la Balme. The menu is prepared using local produce selected from 22 committed producers.When you walk through the door of Marché Balmolan, you meet Céline, a young woman with a passion for preparing delicious local dishes. The menu, which follows the rhythm of the seasons and is supplied daily, features local specialities but is also perfect for vegetarians. The restaurant is located at the very heart of the grocery shop, between the shelves of wines, local spices, jams, craft beers and spreads.... In season, you can also enjoy the outdoor terrace overlooking the cliffs of the Isle Crémieu. The bread that accompanies the menus and is also available for sale is baked every Sunday over a wood fire. There is an oven in front of the shop. You can also stop off at the Marché Balmolan for a sweet break, as the grocery shop doubles as a tearoom. You can enjoy one of the many home-made pastries with a cup of tea, coffee or even a beer. For cyclists, hikers or visitors passing through the Balcons du Dauphiné, sandwiches and gourmet platters are also available, featuring seasonal produce. Located just next to the ViaRhôna, the Marché Balmolan is certified Accueil Vélo. A wide range of services is available to make your cycling stopover easier : - Dedicated parking in front of the establishment - Possibility to recharge your bike batteries or mobile phone - Option to leave your luggage at the restaurant while you visit the Grottes de la Balme (lockers are also available on site) The restaurant also offers a catering service for individuals, local authorities and businesses.

1 Place Colonel Pition (sur la place du village) 38390 La Balme-les-Grottes
- OFFICE DE TOURISME DES BALCONS DU DAUPHINE -
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Additional information

Open period

All year round daily.

Subject to favorable weather.

Updated by

Office du Tourisme Les Balcons du Dauphiné - 14/08/2025
www.balconsdudauphine-tourisme.com/
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Tips

This walk is not recommended for families with young children because of the steep gradient, particularly on the descent.

Environments

Panoramic view
In the country
Sensitive Natural Area

Type of land

Stone
Ground

Location complements

You can park your car in the car park at the entrance to the caves.
If you're cycling, there are secure bicycle racks and lockers at the entrance to the caves.

Topo guides and map references

Topo guides references :
A full discovery booklet is available on request from the Tourist Information Offices in Crémieu, Morestel, Les Avenières-Veyrins-Thuellin and Saint-Chef.

Reception complements

Hiking shoes recommended.

Tricky passages

The last part of the loop begins a steep descent that requires good footwear.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

1 - When facing the entrance to the caves, continue to the right for about 200 metres.

2 - Turn left and take the small footpath stairs that lead up into the forest.

3 - Follow the directional markers leading to the plateau and the dry grasslands of Suptilieu.

4 - From the plateau, you can enjoy views over the Ain plain and the Bugey mountains.

5 - Descend by following the trail and the directional markers — you’ll pass through beautiful lime tree woods (caution: steep descent).

6 - At the local road, turn left to return to the village of La Balme and the caves.

Animals

Yes. Pets allowed on lead only.

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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾