Vallorbe Caves

A dive under the Jura, where the Orbe flows in the dark

Just a stone's throw from the Vallorbe CFF train station, a staircase takes you into another world. The Vallorbe Caves house the resurgence of the Orbe, an underground river that springs from the limestone after a long journey from Lake Joux. The developed path winds between galleries adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and fine draperies, leading to the famous Cathedral, a hall over thirty meters high. For families, it's an easy adventure: you walk on secure walkways, follow the rumbling of the water, and feel small under the rock. An ideal outing on rainy days as well as during heatwaves, since it is always cool down below.

What your children will discover

Your children will walk alongside a real underground river, observe how the water has sculpted the stone over thousands of years, and look up at formations that resemble columns or frozen curtains. The visit ends with the Fairy Treasure, a sparkling collection of several hundred minerals and crystals from around the world, illuminated like a treasure chest. Enough to spark a thousand questions about volcanoes, gemstones, and the journey of water.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The visit is self-guided, without a mandatory guide: you move at your own pace, which is perfect with children who want to stop at every corner. A free app, to be downloaded before descending, accompanies you along the route and narrates the locations. The atmosphere is calm, a bit mysterious, with the water echoing and lighting that highlights the volumes. Plan for about one to one and a half hours to leisurely explore the caves and the Fairy Treasure.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 5 years old to adolescence (younger children enjoy it in a baby carrier)
• Duration: about 1h to 1h30
• Price: adult from 18 CHF, child from 5 to 15 years 8 CHF, free for 0-4 years; family packages available (check the official website)
• Stroller accessibility: path with stairs and walkways, not very suitable for strollers (prefer a baby carrier)
• Transport: CFF train station of Vallorbe, then bus or about 45 minutes of walking; from the Gare du Day, bus 685 to the Vallorbe, Grottes stop
• What to bring: a light sweater or jacket, it is always cool in the caves
• Ideal season: from spring to autumn, with a pleasant coolness appreciated in summer

Parents' tips

• Bring a light jacket for everyone: the temperature remains cool and constant all year round in the galleries.
• Download the free app before entering, as there is no network underground.
• Closed and non-slip shoes are safer, as the ground can be wet.
• Buy your tickets online during busy periods to avoid waiting.
• Save the Fairy Treasure for the end, as it is the highlight of the visit for children.

Useful information

• Address: Chemin de la Résurgence 1, 1337 Vallorbe (canton of Vaud)
• Official website: https://grottesdevallorbe.ch
• Hours: open according to the seasons, generally from late March/April to late November; in summer (June to August) from 9:30 AM to 5 PM (last entry); check the official website for the day's hours
• Access: CFF train station of Vallorbe; from the Gare du Day, bus 685 towards Vallorbe, Grottes; parking on site (first hours free)

Why we recommend it

It's one of those outings that leave a mark on children: going underground, following a river in the dark, and discovering a treasure of crystals, all without difficulty and at their own pace. Easily accessible from the entire Lake Geneva region, sheltered from rain and heat, it ticks all the boxes for a wonderful family day in the Vaud Jura.

In two words

A spectacular and accessible underground adventure, between river, stalactites, and treasure of crystals, in the heart of Vallorbe.