Debutant caving – Savoie
Savoie has a lot of caves! You can see a complete list here: http://cds73.free.fr/index.htm.
There is a good guidebook to Savoie: https://cds73.org/produit/topoguide-speleo-savoie/
For the Chartreuse region, I found this old guide online: https://cds38.org/quelques-classiques-speleologiques-en-chartreuse/
I also know of two caving atlases to specific networks in Savoie:
Grotte de la Doria: https://cds73.org/produit/grottes-de-savoie-tome-18-reseau-de-la-doria/
Massif du Granier: https://cds73.org/produit/grottes-de-savoie-tome-17-atlas-granier-souterrain/
Sentier karstique du Margériaz
Suitable for anyone and everyone, a short cave with metal steps and handrails, and an accompanying geology trail. No equipment required beyond a torch and preferably a helmet. We went in June and there was no ice, but earlier in the year there should be some. About 30 minutes underground. https://rando.parcdesbauges.com/trek/8769-La-GEO-RANDO-des-tannes-et-glacieres
It combines with a nice hike up Mont Margériaz, GPX trace
Les Grottes de Bange
Easy short cave with two entrances for a round trip. No equipment needed, I know of toddlers who have done it! After heavy rain you may find the river before the ladder.
GPX trace of the route to the cave
Grotte de Guiers Vif
The hike to entrance is exciting but with some narrow ledges (protected by cables) and then goes through a tunnel. You can also make a round trip via some exposed paths towards “Le pas de la mort”. The cave contains a loop of passageway and you can also visit a lake. Many people explore the cave without equipment, but it is more pleasant and you can go further with wellies and an oversuit. A dustbin also leads to a long passageway with some ducks, we haven’t gone far along it yet. It is where the descent of the Gouffre Tasurinchi arrives.
This cave is included in the Quelques Classiques Spéléologiques en Chartreuse, and is the exit for the traverse Tasurinchi – Guiers-Vif in the Savoie topo guide.
GPX trace of the circular route, exposed in places
La Grotte du Cure
This cave is very popular for guided parties, in fact we found it to be ready rigged with traverse lines throughout. It does have two short pitches, each needing about 20m of rope. You also need 40m of rope to protect the last part of the approach path.
To find the cave, park here and follow the path down near the stream. Then turn left and cross a surprisingly large concrete bridge. Immediately after the bridge take a faint path on the left which climbs up and then turns back right to traverse onto the cliff.
This cave is included in the Quelques Classiques Spéléologiques en Chartreuse.
GPX trace of the route to the cave
Grotte de Pincherins
We had a full day to find and enter this cave with the family, a separate page here details how to find it. We had time only to go as far as the “chatière”, which is easily passed.
This cave is included in the Quelques Classiques Spéléologiques en Chartreuse, but the survey in the Atlas du Granier is much better.