A Visit to the Osselle Cave: Immersing Yourself in an Underground Gem
Located just a 35-minute drive from our
hotel in Besançon, the
Osselle Cave invites you to step into a fascinating subterranean world.
With its ancient history, spectacular formations, and soothing atmosphere, a visit here is the perfect way to enrich your stay in the
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.
One of the World’s Oldest Show Caves
Unassuming on the surface yet impressive in its depths, the
Osselle Cave is one of the oldest caves open to the public.
Known since the 13th century, it has endured through the ages while retaining remarkable
scientific and historical significance.
Designated a protected natural site in 1912, it now attracts
visitors from all walks of life, eager to discover this
exceptional heritage site.
Over the centuries, it has also drawn the interest of prominent figures such as
Voltaire and the naturalist
Georges Cuvier a testament to its importance in the history of science.
A Unique Paleontological Site
The Osselle Cave is distinguished by more than just its beauty; it is also a major
paleontological site in Europe.
It houses a significant
cave bear necropolis, containing thousands of bones dating back tens of thousands of years.
The discovery of the first complete skeleton in 1826 played a major role in establishing the site's scientific renown.
Visitors can still see some of these remains today, making for an experience that is both
entertaining and educational for all ages.
Spectacular Natural Scenery
From the very first steps, visitors are immersed in a world shaped by time and water.
A specially designed
1,200-meter path allows you to explore various chambers adorned with
stalactites, stalagmites, and columns in a variety of colors.
These natural hues ranging from white to red, as well as green and orange come from minerals present in the rock.
The tour also allows you to see an underground river and a
remarkable dry gallery.
The constant temperature of around 13°C makes
exploring pleasant all year round.
Practical information for planning your visit
The Osselle Cave is
easily accessible and presents no particular difficulty; the entire route is fully developed for visitors.
📍 Address: 42 route des Grottes, 25410 Roset-Fluans
⏱ Duration: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
📅 Opening period: April to early November
💶 Prices: Adults €11, students €9, children (ages 4–12) €7
🚗 Access: 35 minutes from the hotel; free parking and picnic area
🐕 Pets allowed
🛍️ Mineral shop and dining area on-site
Stay at our 3-star hotel in Besançon city center
Ideally located just 5 minutes from the historic center and right next to the Besançon-Viotte train station, our
3-star
Hôtel Foch offers a
comfortable, welcoming
atmosphere at an affordable price.
After visiting the
Osselle Cave, relax in one of our
24 rooms some of which offer a pleasant view of the
Parc des Glacis.
Make the most of your stay to discover
Besançon and the surrounding area at your own pace.
Book your stay at our 3-star hotel in Besançon now and enjoy the perfect base for exploring the region!
