If you love natural wonders off the beaten path, the Grotte des Moidons near Molain in the Jura region of eastern France should be on your travel list. This limestone cave system was discovered in 1966 and opened to the public in 1989.

Every year tens of thousands of visitors walk through its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy a sound and light show that highlights the cave’s textures and colors.

Practical Entry Info: Tickets & Opening Hours

Before we explore the amazing interior, here’s the practical part: what it costs and when you can visit.

Ticket Prices:

- Regular (17+): about $13

- Teenagers (13–17): around $10

- Children (4–12): around $9

- Under 4: Free

Opening Dates & Times:

- April–June: Multiple guided departures per day, typically around 11:15 AM, 12:15 PM, 2:15 PM, 3:15 PM

- July–September: Open daily from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM with last entry about an hour before closing

- October–November: Reduced hours, typically 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

- Closed: Winter months (December–March) for safety and maintenance

Tip: Arriving early helps secure your preferred tour time and avoid crowds.

Inside the Cave: What You’ll Experience

Once inside Grotte des Moidons, the temperature stays around 10°C (50°F) year‑round, so wearing a light jacket is smart even in summer.

The tour includes:

- A guided walk through impressive limestone formations shaped over millennia

- A sound and light show in the final chamber that brings the cave textures to life

- A bat zone where we quietly observe native bats without disturbing them

- A children’s maze for families with young explorers

Kids in strollers can usually be accommodated as the cave paths are mostly even.

How to Get There & Transportation Costs

By Car:

- The cave is located at Route d’Arbois, 39800 Molain, deep in the Jura forest

- On-site parking is usually free or included in the visit price

By Public Transport:

- There is no direct train to the cave; the nearest town is Molain

- From larger train stations like Arbois or Dole, a taxi can take you to the cave, costing around $27–$54 one way depending on distance

- Renting a car is often more flexible if we want to explore nearby Jura attractions

Tip: Renting a car also allows us to visit lakes, hiking trails, and local villages around Arbois and Poligny.

Best Time to Visit

- Peak Season: June–August offers full daily hours, warm weather outside, and family-friendly travel

- Shoulder Season: May & September bring fewer crowds and mild weather, ideal for quieter tours

Avoid rainy periods only if planning outdoor activities around the cave, as the cave itself is not affected by rain.

Dining Options & Typical Prices

After the underground adventure, nearby towns offer good meals:

Casual & Mid-Range:

- Le fer à cheval – Local French cooking with mains ~$22–$33

- La Finette Taverne D'Arbois – Regional dishes ~$22–$33

- Aux Platanes – Simple French meals in Poligny

Upscale:

- Restaurant Maison Zugno – Fine dining with prix-fixe menus around $110+

Quick Bites:

- Local cafés and bakeries offer sandwiches, pastries, and drinks for $6–$11

Dining Tip: Arbois and Poligny are within ~20–30 minutes by car and have multiple cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants perfect for a lunch or afternoon break.

Comfortable Places to Stay Nearby

Mid-Range Hotels:

- Hotel Restaurant Les Caudalies (~$125–$130)

- Logis Hôtel des Cépages (~$115)

- Hotel En Tilleul (~$108)

Upscale & Boutique:

- Maison Zugno - Hôtel 5 étoiles (~$300)

- La Closerie des Capucines (~$360)

Cozy B&Bs:

- Chambres d'hôtes La part des anges Jura (~$115)

- La Rotonde (~$120)

Tip: Book ahead in summer to ensure availability, as the region gets busy.

Final Travel Tips

- Clothing: Light jacket or fleece, sturdy shoes for uneven paths

- Photography: Non-flash photos allowed

- Weather: Cave visits are fine in rain; outdoor trails may be slippery

- Language: Tours are mostly in French, but staff can often assist in English

Why We Can’t Miss Grotte des Moidons

Lykkers, Grotte des Moidons is a magical underground world perfect for families, adventurers, and nature lovers alike. From striking stalactites and stalagmites to immersive sound and light shows and a playful bat zone, it’s a full sensory experience. With clear ticketing, predictable schedules, nearby dining, and flexible accommodation, planning a visit is easy. Don’t miss this hidden gem of Jura—it’s one of eastern France’s most unforgettable experiences!