Grottes de Vallorbe
Vallorbe-Groto 071.jpg by Dietrich Michael Weidmann/wiki commons
The Vallorbe Caves, or Grottes de Vallorbe, are natural limestone caves filled with an unusual and impressive assortment of formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, cauliflowers, drapes, and much more. Dripstone processes create caverns of fantastical landscapes that often glow in light hues.
Located in the Jura Mountains near the village of Vallorbe, the caves are also popular for the Orbe River that runs through them. The nearly 100% humidity caused by the river perpetuates the precipitation of the limestone to form columns, spires, bulbs, and other fairyland architecture. These features have earned the caves the nickname “Natural Cathedral.”
The caves are home to an exhibit of more than 250 minerals from across the globe that celebrate the diversity and richness of geological elements offered by Mother Nature.
One of the caves is used as a “cheese cave,” in which its ideal temperatures and humidity are utilized to help cheese mature in a natural setting. The cheese is sold at a gift shop at the end of the caves, along with a variety of minerals.
Located in the Jura Mountains near the village of Vallorbe, the caves are also popular for the Orbe River that runs through them. The nearly 100% humidity caused by the river perpetuates the precipitation of the limestone to form columns, spires, bulbs, and other fairyland architecture. These features have earned the caves the nickname “Natural Cathedral.”
The caves are home to an exhibit of more than 250 minerals from across the globe that celebrate the diversity and richness of geological elements offered by Mother Nature.
One of the caves is used as a “cheese cave,” in which its ideal temperatures and humidity are utilized to help cheese mature in a natural setting. The cheese is sold at a gift shop at the end of the caves, along with a variety of minerals.
