The beauty of the depths illuminated by underground lakes shaped by light, the Coranche caves have also been the cradle of a strange creature : the « Olm salamander ». This miniature dinosaur reaches a length of 35 cm. It's nicknamed the « living fossil » because it belongs to one of the oldest species in the world and has kept most of its original characteristics. There are no risks of running into one; in addition to its antisocial behavior, this intriguing little amphibian prefers an aquatic environment. You can, however, still catch a glimpse, if you wish, in one of the aquariums at the entrance of the cave.

Do not miss the surroundings, especially if you are a rock climbing aficionado: with more than 300 meters of verticality and more than 300 equipped routes, the Presles cliffs surrounding the site of Choranche are supposed to be amongst the nicest in all Vercors. And if you are less bold by nature, you can always walk on the footpaths around the caves, and discover the essences which impart this specific Mediterranean fragrance and, why not, carry on till the Gournier waterfalls? You can devote a full day and even more to this activity!

Contact and information: www.choranche.com

Good to know: the Gournier restaurant is worth visiting for its panoramic terrace, as well as for its specialties. Located at 300 m from the caves. Lunch only (follow the link).

Photograph: Choranche caves

Kept private for a long time, the family residence, which the painter Ernest Hébert (1817-1908) cherished returning to after his trips to Italy, reveals its treasures. It is now possible, in either open or guided tours, to explore the 19th century academic painter's renovated atelier, with the drawings from his collection displayed by rotation in the painting room. The rare furniture, the 17th century Italian earthenware, the Murano glassware, the old fabric and suits of an artist who had a passion for bargain-hunting are also displayed.

Contact and informations:

Musée Hébert
chemin Hébert
38700 La Tronche/Grenoble  (locate)
Tél. +33 (0)476 42 97 35
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Free entrance.
Open every day except tuesdays from 10h to 19h.

Created in 1987 by Christian Abric, who in this way accomplished his childhood dream, the Rail Park of Chatte en Isère combines a passion for the miniature with functional model-making. Reconstructed to a scale of 1.22/5th - one locomotive measures between 20 to 50 cm - the 1,100 km outdoor rail system allows for 30 miniature trains and 250 miniature coaches.

In his father's footsteps, rekindling his dreams, Jean-Philippe Abric entrusted Joseph Grimaldi, (a former collaborator of Erick Borja, designer of the «Zen Gardens»), with the creation of an amazing garden through which his trains could meander. Mission accomplished: after three years of work, the bonsai garden, with its shrubs and conifers, aged and miniaturised according to different Japanese techniques, is open to the public.

This summer, the public will be able to discover yet another garden, temporary this time, dedicated to music. A little corner of paradise created by Etienne Favre, who displays musical instruments made out of recycled material in a playful and educational manner. An opportunity that could well be unique, listening to a rubber boots symphony, an aluminium tubophone concert or to hum the melody of a percussion wheel.

Perched on a cliffside, this former mine train unveils breathtaking landscapes overlooking the turquoise waters of the Drac river. An ambitious construction of 1888, “The most beautiful line in the Alps” will take you on the discovery of 2 of the 7 wonders of the Dauphiné, Mount Aiguille and Pierre Percée. The 30 km of rails cross 142 bridges, the Abeille Museum and the mystery tunnel. Possibility of visiting the underground galleries that portray the adventure of the “black faces”.  Don’t miss the events organized on board, as for example “The first train holdup”, The crime of the Mure Express or The Hallowen train.

Contact and informations: