Grottes de Thouzon

LoginSave

Following the course of a vanished underground river, this 230m-long cave was accidentally discovered in 1902 during mining works. Marvels include a mound of 5000-year-old bat poo, thousands of ‘macaroni’ stalactites, odd mineral formations like folds of waxy skin, and a 40-tonne flint boulder suspended from a limestone thread. Access is by a 45-minute guided tour, which runs every hour.

The cave is 2km outside the village of Le Thor on the D16, about 15 minutes' drive from L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Inside the Orange Amphitheatre (Théâtre antique d'Orange).

    Théâtre Antique

    15.73 MILES

    Orange's monumental, Unesco-protected Roman theatre is unquestionably one of France's most impressive Roman sights. It's one of only three intact Roman…

  • 638607842 European, French, Mediterranean, Languedoc Rossillon, Bridge, Gardon, World Heritage, Destination, Colour Pont Du Gard, roman bridge over crossing the Gardon river

    Pont du Gard

    22.66 MILES

    The extraordinary three-tiered Pont du Gard was once part of a 50km-long system of channels built around 19 BC to transport water from Uzès to Nîmes. The…

  • Palais Des Papes, Avignon, France. (Photo by Marka/UIG via Getty Images)

    Palais des Papes

    9.09 MILES

    The largest Gothic palace ever built, the Palais des Papes was erected by Pope Clement V, who abandoned Rome in 1309 in the wake of violent disorder after…

  • The Avignon Papal Palace (Palais des Papes) and the Avignon Bridge (Pont d'Avignon or Pont St-Bénézet) illuminated at night under the deep blue sky reflecting in the still waters of Rhone river. ; Shutterstock ID 609704714

    Pont St-Bénézet

    9.2 MILES

    Legend says Pastor Bénézet (a former shepherd) had three visions urging him to build a bridge across the Rhône. Completed in 1185, the 900m-long bridge…

  • Site Archéologique de Glanum

    Site Archéologique de Glanum

    14.71 MILES

    It might lack the scale and ambition of some of Provence's better-known Roman monuments, but for a glimpse into everyday life in Gaul, this ancient town…

  • Amphitheatre in Arles.

    Les Arènes

    25.91 MILES

    In Roman Gaul, every important town had an amphitheatre, where gladiators and wild animals met their (usually grisly) ends. Few examples have survived,…

  • Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque and lavender fields.

    Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

    9.96 MILES

    If you're searching for that classic postcard shot of the medieval abbey surrounded by a sea of purple lavender, look no further. This sublime Cistercian…

  • The red rock formations at Colorado Provencal in France.

    Colorado Provençal

    25.67 MILES

    Named after its fiery red and orange landscape (which locals likened to Colorado), this former ochre quarry is one of the best places to appreciate the…

View more attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Campredon Centre d'Art

3.69 MILES

This 18th-century riverside mansion is a venue for seasonal contemporary art exhibitions. Opening hours may vary slightly according to exhibitions.

2. Collégiale Notre Dame des Anges

3.7 MILES

In the very heart of the old town, the stately exterior of the Collégiale Notre Dame des Anges shows no sign of the baroque theatrics inside – 122 gold…

3. Partage des Eaux

6.29 MILES

A country lane runs riverside from the old town 2km east towards the serene partage des eaux, where the Sorgue splits into the channels that surround the…

4. Maison de la Rose

7.02 MILES

The façade of this eye-catching hôtel particulier dating from 1900 is pure romance. Sitting pretty in pink on the left as you walk from the car park to…

6. La Fontaine de Vaucluse

7.47 MILES

Beneath the limestone cliffs an easy 1km walk from the village, the magical spring after which the village is named gushes forth at an incredible rate –…

7. Cathédrale St-Siffrein

7.84 MILES

Carpentras’ cathedral was built between 1405 and 1519 in meridional Gothic style, but is crowned by a distinctive contemporary bell tower. Its Trésor d…

8. Arc Romain

7.86 MILES

Hidden behind Cathédrale St-Siffrein, the Arc Romain was built under Augustus in the 1st century AD and is decorated with worn carvings of enslaved Gauls.