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©Jens Scheibe
Travelling underground

With the via souterrata de La Tune

The Dévoluy massif is a giant underground gruyere where water flows mainly under our feet and to a lesser extent on the surface.
From its geology, the Dévoluy is one of the most favorable French massifs for the practice of caving. Take the plunge and slip into the bowels of the Dévoluy with the via souterrata de la Tune.

Important

Due to security work, the via souterrata de la Tune is closed by city ordinance and closed to access until further notice. View the Order 2023-A017 here

A parallel world

Under your feet

Have you ever traveled underground? The via souterrata de La Tune will surprise you with its environment.

The approach walk to the entrance of the chourum will only take you a short half hour on nice days and a short hour if the snow cover is on the ground. A free parking lot at the entrance of the station in Superdévoluy will allow you to park as close as possible. From there, a sign will take you to the place of the activity.

Have you planned the necessary equipment?
A not too fancy outfit 😉 , a helmet, a harness and a headlamp are the minimum requirements.

In autonomy

Or accompanied

By the light of headlamps, and by a constant temperature of 10 degrees, you progress on a circuit of 300 to 500 meters long. This may seem short, but between catwalks, monkey bridges and rungs, the whole crossing can take you about 1h30.

This sporty and fun adventure can also be shared with professionals who will guide you and provide the necessary equipment. A great opportunity to talk about geology, hydrology, archaeology or cave fauna. Don’t hesitate to ask for their guidance!

The bottom line

Between 8 and 10 degreesall year round

Bring warm clothes and gloves that don’t mind getting dirty or damaged. Some rental companies offer wetsuits.

Slippery and wetfloor

Wear hiking boots or shoes.

Preserve the site,its fauna and flora

Do not throw anything into the cavities and do not leave any waste.

The courses

The via souterrata offers two routes in the heart of the Trous de la Tune. The layout of this via souterrata is light, don’t hesitate to look for and use natural holds in the rock. Playful breaks await you along the way to discover the underground world.

Itinerary

"Chatière"

  • 1 hour of underground adventure for an unforgettable experience!
  • After an initial slightly overhanging pit, the route is essentially traverses interspersed with small narrows, while crossing a footbridge and a monkey bridge.
  • Level : Fairly difficult + (AD +)
Itinerary

"Cathédrale"

  • Extend your crossing with this itinerary set up in 2021, and accumulate 1h30 of underground sensations.
  • This itinerary is meant to be more aerial and will offer you more technicality in your catches.
  • Enjoy new playful passages such as the tightrope walker or the pendulum.
  • Level : Difficult (D)
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Be well prepared

Our recommendations
  • If you are not familiar with the activity and the use of equipment, do not venture into this via souterrata without being accompanied by a professional.
  • Mandatory equipment: headlamp, helmet, double lanyard, safety carabiner, energy absorber, harness.
  • Minimum recommended height = 1.40m.
  • It is highly recommended to use a belay device complementary to the use of lanyards for children (due to their weight being too low for the energy absorber).
  • On the approach trail, you will evolve near various cavities, be careful, do not deviate from the trail (risk of falling).
  • Do not engage in case of risk of storm.
Underground immersion
Focus on

From the shadow to the light

A film by André Borel.

When a child of the Dévoluy decides to share his love for his massif with his grandson, it gives “From the shadow to the light”.
André Borel, author of this film and writer (he has already published 2 books on the Dévoluy), offers us a new way to discover the massif, this time from its bowels, in the heart of the chourums of the Bure country.
This film is an initiatory journey through the earth’s crust of a massif that has not yet delivered all its secrets.

DVD available for sale in the Dévoluy Tourist Offices.

Teaser "Dévoluy, de l'ombre à la lumière" - le film
Teaser "Dévoluy, de l'ombre à la lumière" - le film
Teaser "Dévoluy, de l'ombre à la lumière" - le film
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