Water caving in Vau cave (Doubs)

Description

Located in the upper Loue valley, at the bottom of a typical Jura "reculée", the  Vau cave contains one of the longest underground rivers in the département. Highly prized by cavers for its imposing galleries and aquatic passages, it promises an unforgettable experience. Let's explore it together and discover an incredible underground world!

From the village of Vuillafans, the day begins with a 15-20 minute approach walk along a steep path, roped up together for safety. Once we reach the entrance to the cave, we will put on our wetsuits and head up the river (with a few easy climbing steps in places) to an 8-meter-high waterfall. At this point, we will take time to eat our picnic lunch in the dry before the rest of the adventure. Beyond that, the gallery narrows but remains human-sized: this is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the cave and you will be able to see some very fine concretions.
For your information, some passages will require swimming (water temperature: around 8°C).

The day begins with a 15-20 minute approach walk along a steep path that runs alongside the Reculée de Vervaux: we will be roped up together for safety. At the entrance to the cave, we put on our wetsuits and climb up the riverbed (a few easy steps in places) to an 8-meter-high waterfall. As we progress, we cross the famous "gours crevés" gallery, moving from basin to basin, crossing or skirting their ledges, some of which have been slowly corroded by the water. After climbing up to the waterfall, we take the time to eat our picnic in the dry before continuing our adventure. Beyond the waterfall, the gallery narrows but remains human-sized: this is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the cave, and we will be able to observe some very beautiful concretions (multiple stalactites and other "draperies") before stopping in front of a siphon marking the end of the visit.
For your information, some passages will require swimming (water temperature: approx. 8°C).

Equipment to bring:

• Closed-toe, notched, flexible shoes (high-toe if possible).
• Soft sports trousers or running-type tights.
• A light micro-fleece jumper.
• Something to tie back long hair.
• A change of clothes and shoes in the car.

If you fancy other underground adventures in the Doubs departement, I also offer:

• vertical caving in Ordons chasm,
• caving discovery in the Cavottes cave in Montrond-le-Chateau,
• and an introduction to caving in the "faux monnayeurs" cave in Mouthier-Haute-Pierre.

Program

• Meet at the Vuillafans church parking lot, about 40 minutes' drive from Pontarlier and Besançon.
• Suit up and get dressed with the appropriate equipment.
• 20-minute walk to the cave entrance.
• Exploration of the Vau cave.
• Picnic in the cave. For each participant: a flask/bottle of water (maximum 1 litre) and a light snack (no crisps please). These will be packed in canisters provided.
• 15-minute return walk to the car park.
• In total, approximately 6 hours of activity.

The price includes

• Supervision by the caving instructor.
• Caving wetsuit (please state your height and weight when registering).
• Neoprene wetsuit and socks for extra warmth in the water.
• Helmet and LED lighting.
• Harness with lanyards.
• Collective equipment (ropes, carabiners, anchors, backpacks, water bottles, first-aid kit, etc.).

The price does not include

• Return transport to Vuillafans.
• Picnic lunch.
• Snacks.
• Drinks.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

• Share on twitter
• Share on Facebook
• Send by e-mail