Frochet caves

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The Frochet caves are a cavity where a small lake has formed. Be sure to bring a headlamp to enjoy them. This hike is quick, the lower part of the route is easy, but the end of the route is quite steep on a narrow path.

Details

n°77272814
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.59 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,070 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,070 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,883 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 846 ft
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Photos

Waterfall during the climb
Frochet Caves

Description of the walk

This hike starts at a hydroelectric power station at Pont du Tram in Saint-Laurent-en-Royan.

(S/E) From the car park (field) after the power station, take the path down to the right. Quickly cross a stone bridge before starting the climb. A few hundred metres further on, cross some beautiful waterfalls. Join a forest track.

(1) Turn right onto this track and continue until you reach the sign for "Sous Frochet"

(2) Take the forest road on the left towards "Les Massières".

(3) At the "Les Massières" sign, follow the signs for "Grotte de Frochet" on the left. Be careful, when you reach a small shed, take the steep path on the right. Just follow the penstock to the end. Pass a water tank (start of the penstock) and continue on the path that leads to the cave.

(4) Turn around and follow the same route back to the car park at the hydroelectric power station at Pont du Tram (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 856 ft - Hydroelectric power station at Pont du Tram
  2. 1 : mi 0.51 - alt. 1,188 ft - Fork in the forest track
  3. 2 : mi 0.8 - alt. 1,211 ft - Signpost "Sous Frochet"
  4. 3 : mi 1.23 - alt. 1,325 ft - Signpost "Les Massières"
  5. 4 : mi 1.76 - alt. 1,883 ft - Grottes de Frochet
  6. S/E : mi 3.59 - alt. 856 ft - Hydroelectric power station at Pont du Tram

Notes

The end of the route is on a steep path, so sure footing is required!

Worth a visit

Visit the Séquoia distillery in Saint-Jean-en-Royans.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.