Grottes de Jonas
A medieval cave village carved into a volcanic tuff cliff. It has more than 60 chambers and a rock-cut chapel with 11th-century wall paintings.
The Grottes de Jonas are one of Auvergne's largest cave settlements. In the Middle Ages, people carved the soft volcanic rock cliff into multi-level dwellings, including living quarters, stables, a bread oven, spiral staircases, and a chapel decorated with 11th- and 12th-century paintings. Several hundred people once lived here. You can visit on your own or with a guide. Tickets cost about €8, and the site is open roughly from April to November. The steps between chambers are steep and narrow, so wear non-slip shoes. The caves are about 6 km south of Saint-Nectaire and can be combined with Besse and Lac Chambon.
Opening hours
About 10:00–18:00 (open season)
Nearby sights
- Saint-Nectaire
- Château de Murol
- Besse-en-Chandesse
- Lac Chambon
- Lac Pavin
- Vallée de Chaudefour
- Puy de la Vache & Puy de Lassolas
- Lac de Guéry