The Grottes de Saint-Christophe: a must-see site during your stay at camping la Bruyère
In the territory of Saint-Christophe, a commune in the Savoie region, lies a mysterious place. It's the grottesde Saint-Christophe (formerly grottesdes Echelles) and its two caves. Discovering this natural and historical site is an interesting activity, especially on a family vacation. Your children will be thrilled to discover the history of these caves.
Camping la Bruyère offers you a first glimpse of the site in this guide. We can also arrange a guided tour of the site for you during your stay with us.
The history of the Grottes de Saint Christophe
In the north ofthe Chartreuse Massif, nestled between Chambéry and Grenoble, lie the famous and mystical Grottes de St Christophe or Grotte des Echelles. It's a popular tourist site in Savoie because of its proximity to the Voie Sarde: an ancient Roman road that linked the kingdom of France and the duchy of Savoie. Famous figures such as Pope Pius VII and philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau once used this route.
Historians have discovered that certain areas of the cave were once occupied by humans. They discovered many tools used in everyday life, such as flint blades (hard rock) used as scrapers or chisels, and deer antlers used as tool handles.
The Guide de la France souterraine, a book published by Tchou in 1970, revealed that some of the site's caves served as a sanctuary for French smuggler Louis Mandrin. He was arrested in the Savoyard village of Rochefort in 1755. All these stories will be revealed to you on a guided tour of these two beautiful caves.
Discover the Grottes de Saint-Christophe
First of all, you need to know that the site includes two caves adorned with beautiful geological formations. They were created by the natural erosion of limestone during the Ice Ages. So they've been around for centuries. They are separated by the Sardinian Way, a gorge also known as Le Grand Goulet. It was carved out by the torrent in prehistoric times.
The two caves of St Christophe
Both caves have existed for 7 million years. You should wear warm clothes before entering the caves. It's cold: the ambient temperature is 9°C in midsummer. The first visit is to the upper cave.
Subterranean water flows through this first cavity. As you explore, you'll hear the lapping of water, creating a mysterious atmosphere. To the delight of little explorers, you'll have to bend down from time to time to get through. If you look up, you'll find a number of unusual formations.
As you move forward, you'll arrive in the Great Hall. A simply fascinating place. Thanks to the beauty of its walls, it offers visitors an extraordinary spectacle.
You have to turn back to enter the lower cave. To visit the site, you'll cross a long footbridge 20 metres above the ground. The cave is a dazzling sight. Its geological evolution ended during the Ice Age.
As you make your way through the galleries, you'll find traces of water erosion and concretions. At the end of the walkway, you'll have a panoramic view of the countryside and the village of Saint-Christophe.
The Sardinian Way
The Voie Sarde owes its name to the Dukes of Savoy, who decided to turn it into a royal road in the 17th century. This was Charles-Emmanuel II of Savoy. He commissioned the construction of the ramp and many other works on the Voie Sarde. Right in front of the grotto, you'll find a monument erected in his memory. This architectural work of art gives you an insight into the history of this site.
Activities available at Grottes de Saint-Christophe
A visit to the caves and their curious geological formations can be complemented by a host of other activities.
Acro-speleological exploration: for ages 12 and up
This activity is open to visitors at least 1m40 tall. Taking part in this adventure is a more original way of discoveringthe lower cave. This acro-spéléo course, unique in Savoie, is a mix of caving, climbing and accro-branche. The course lasts 2 to 4 hours. Further information on this adventure is available from the reception area at theentrance to the caves.
Caving package
Here's a recommended activity if you're sharing the adventure with little visitors aged 6 and over. It consists of a gentle, playful exploration of theupper cave . The expedition is more like an underground walk. Budding cavers will be supervised by a specialized instructor, so they can make their way through the galleries in complete safety. The adventure lasts around 2 hours.
Family outings and hikes
The Saint-Christophe caves are immersed in a region of incomparable charm. During your visit to the site, you can enjoy beautiful walks around the grotto. There are several hiking trails to discover.
Looking for a pleasant family outing? Try the "Voie Sarde et plateau de la Ravoire" trail. It's a 6 km trail that takes 2h30 to complete. It takes in the Voie Sarde, the goat trail, the Guiers gorges and the Gerbaix lookout.... Along the way, hikers can admire the beauty of the scenery and take some great souvenir photos.
For hikers with more stamina, the prehistoric trail "Sur la piste d'Azil et Magda" is worth a try. This trail takes you to the heart of a striking flora and fauna. A variety of fun and educational games on the theme of prehistory are also on the program.
Adventurers continue their hike by discovering the Fru shelter. This was the sanctuary of the Magdalenians, the first men of the Chartreuse. This prehistoric settlement dates back 14,000 years. It stands 570 metres above sea level on the eastern edge of the Chartreuse. Bring suitable footwear if you plan totake this hike.
For more experienced hikers, we recommend the Beauvoir trail. This is a 14 km hiking trail. You'll follow old paths in the communes of Saint-Christophe-la-Grotte, Les Échelles and Saint-Pierre-de-Genebroz.
This is one of the best hiking trails in the region. As you stroll along, you'll enjoy breathtaking views over the Echelles plain. You can also discover other heritage sites.
Bike tours
For cycling enthusiasts, there are several mountain bike routes of varying levels in the vicinity of Les Grottes de Saint Christophe. You can indulge your passion for cycling while admiring the beautiful scenery. The loop circuit starting from Les Echelles is one of the most interesting trails. It's designed for regular mountain bikers in good physical condition. Indeed, some sections of the route may require you to push your bike.
Where to stay to discover the Grottes de Saint-Christophe?
For quick access to the Grottes de Saint-Christophe, camping La Bruyère is the ideal starting point. Our campsite is only 5 minutes away by car, and 40 minutes on foot along the GR9.
55 pitches for caravans, tents and motorhomes are available for our visitors. You can choose between a shady or sunny spot. A large building on the site houses the sanitary block. A common room is also available, where campers can meet on rainy days. Here you can enjoy friendly games such as table soccer. A terrace is also available on the campsite. On a fine summer's day, you can enjoy an ice cream or a cool drink in complete peace and quiet.
Campers can enjoy our lodge tents, a stay that guarantees a true experience in the heart of nature. It's worth noting that La Bruyère campsite takes a responsible approach, respecting the environment and promoting slow tourism.
Conclusion
The Grottes de Saint-Christophe are a beautiful historical and natural site. Open to the public, they promise a singular adventure. What's more, you can access a whole host ofexciting activities from here. Would you like to experience an unforgettable adventure with your family, your loved ones or on your own? Plan a visit on your next vacation ! Contact Camping la Bruyère now to reserve your pitch!
