Caving at the Grouffre du Haut Crêt in Saint Claude
Caving in the Gouffre du Haut Crêt in Saint-Claude, in the Jura
Technical and recreational caving in the Jura
Practical information – Grosdar Canyoning
Duration
Day
(around 10.00 am)
Level
Athletic
Price
€620.00 per group of up to 4 people
Private guide for your group
Minimum age
Ages 16 and over
Location
Saint-Claude, Jura, Franche-Comté
What to expect on your caving trip to the Gouffre du Haut Crêt
Discover caving in the Gouffre du Haut Crêt near Saint-Claude, in the heart of the Jura Mountains. A private tour with a guide all to yourselves.
This vertical chasm extends to a depth of 115 metres. As you make your way down, you will need to abseil down vertical shafts of up to 30 metres. The return journey follows the same route, climbing back up the shafts using rope-climbing equipment.
Thanks to the private nature of the outing, you can go at your own pace, learn the essential techniques for climbing on a rope and enjoy personalised guidance throughout your exploration.
The numerous vertical sections make the Gouffre du Haut Crêt a challenging and intense caving expedition in the Jura.
A caving expedition in the Jura
This caving trip is aimed at fit and active people looking to enjoy a full underground experience, including rope-assisted climbing, narrow passages and exploring the subterranean landscapes of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park.
Book your caving trip to the Gouffre du Haut Crêt in Saint Claude
Book your Gouffre du Haut Crêt caving trip now. Enjoy a fantastic day out with fellow cavers near Saint-Claude!
Caving at the Gouffre du Haut-Crêt in Saint Claude
A unique sporting expedition in Franche-Comté, in the heart of the Jura.
Why choose caving at the Gouffre du Haut-Crêt?
- Ages 16 and over.
- Private guide for your group
- A variety of experiences and discoveries, from abseiling and rope climbing to underground landscapes.
- Cool temperatures even during the heatwave.
Safety, supervision and equipment
Caving trips to the Gouffre du Haut Crêt in Saint-Claude, in the Jura, are suitable for active participants aged 16 and over. This full-day expedition into the underground world of Franche-Comté takes a whole day.
The Gouffre du Haut Crêt is located in the immediate vicinity of Saint-Claude, the resort of Les Rousses and Clairvaux-les-Lacs. The journey from Geneva, Lausanne, the Pays de Gex, Lyon or Dijon takes between 1½ and 2 hours by car.
What to bring
- Sports shoes (trainers or hiking boots) – Available for hire,
- Water bottle,
- Snacks,
- Picnic,
- A waterproof camera or a GoPro.
The price includes:
- Supervision by a state-qualified guide,
- Team and individual equipment,
- The guide’s third-party liability insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Is the Gouffre du Haut Crêt suitable for children?
No, the Gouffre du Haut Crêt in the Jura is open to visitors aged 16 and over.
I’m quite fit, but not that fit – can I take part?
No, caving in the Gouffre du Haut Crêt is only suitable for people who are really fit. In that case, please choose a different caving trip that is more suitable.
I’m very fit but I’m a beginner – can I take part?
Yes, the Gouffre du Haut Crêt is suitable for beginners. That said, it’s best to have some prior experience of abseiling or caving. Why not start with a caving trip to the Grotte de l’Assassin in Coinans?
How long should I allow for this?
Allow for a full day of around 10 hours, including the walk to the cave (1 hour) and back (45 minutes), the descent into and ascent from the cave, and a picnic break.
Where is the Gouffre du Haut Crêt located?
The Gouffre du Haut Crêt is located in Chaumont, in the hills above Saint-Claude in the Jura, 40 minutes from Clairvaux-les-Lacs and the Les Rousses ski resort. It’s about an hour’s drive from Geneva or the Pays de Gex.
Is abseiling compulsory?
Yes, to make your way to the back of the cave, you’ll need to abseil down. You’ll then need to climb back up the shafts using caving equipment and the techniques taught by your guide.
I wear glasses – can I take part?
Of course! Make sure you bring a cord. Your guide will explain how to keep them from getting lost or damaged. Ideally, bring an old pair. Better still, wear contact lenses if you can.
What if the weather is bad?
The guide may change the itinerary. If the activity cannot go ahead, we will reschedule it for another day. If this is not possible, we will cancel it. In that case, you will receive a full refund.
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