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Aven Armand
The Aven Armand is a natural chasm opening beneath the Causse Méjean, in Lozère, between Meyrueis and Sainte-Enimie, in the commune of Hures-la-Parade. It owes its name to Louis Armand, a blacksmith from Le Rozier, who was the first to descend into it on 19 September 1897, with Édouard-Alfred Martel and Armand Viré.
The main hall, located about 100 metres below the surface, is 110 metres long, 60 metres wide and 45 metres high on average. It holds a veritable forest of more than 400 stalagmites, one of which reaches about 30 metres, among the tallest in Europe. The stalactites, however, are small, because water seeps quickly into the rock.
The cavity was opened to the public in 1927, through a tunnel of 208 metres. Since 1963, a funicular takes visitors to the great hall, effortlessly, and the gaze plunges over the whole cave from a platform. The site has been listed since 1941. Before you go, check the official website for visiting conditions.
