[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ bottom_divider_style=”arrow3″ bottom_divider_color=”#ffffff” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_fullwidth_slider _builder_version=”4.27.6″ content_width=”100%” height=”500px” auto=”on” auto_speed=”4000″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_slide _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_color=”#e9ecef” background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/avenarmand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PAGE-SPELEOGARE_11.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_color=”#e9ecef” background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/avenarmand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PAGE-SPELEOGARE_09.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_color=”#e9ecef” background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/avenarmand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PAGE-SPELEOGARE_10.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_color=”#e9ecef” background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/avenarmand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PAGE-SPELEOGARE_08.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_color=”#e9ecef” background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/avenarmand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/PAGE-SPELEOGARE_03.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_color=”#e9ecef” background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/avenarmand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PAGE-SPELEOGARE_12.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_fullwidth_slider][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”2560px” custom_margin=”||100px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” width__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ header_font=”Barlow|300||on|||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#dfa258″ header_font_size=”40px” header_letter_spacing=”5px” custom_margin=”50px||50px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/avenarmand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/AA_SEPARATEUR.jpg” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”Barlow||||||||” text_line_height=”1.8em” link_text_color=”#153961″ header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_2_text_align=”left” header_2_text_color=”#153961″ header_3_text_color=”#153961″ text_orientation=”justified” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
On the occasion of its centenary<\/strong>, Aven Armand opens a new chapter in its history with the inauguration, in early 2026<\/strong>, of the Aven Express<\/strong>, the third generation of its funicular.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Aven Express<\/strong> combines the latest technology in operation with a traditional aesthetic:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n new cabins with both interior and exterior atmospheres inspired by the period<\/p>\n<\/li>\n a new electrical architecture and control electronics<\/p>\n<\/li>\n new machinery and a new control room<\/p>\n<\/li>\n a new \u201cpositive\u201d braking system with multiple levels of safety and activation, including overspeed detection<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n The principle of the rubber-tyred funicular<\/strong>, still highly efficient and later adopted by other funicular systems, has been preserved.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But the Aven Express<\/strong> is not just a means of transport.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is the first thrill of exploration<\/strong>. <\/p>\n From the boarding area, a new lighting design transforms waiting into anticipation. Then the descent begins. The tunnel opens, imagination awakens. Like Louis Armand<\/strong> 130 years ago, the visitor moves toward the unknown\u2026 before discovering the vertiginous immensity of the forest of stalagmites<\/strong>, untouched, monumental, and unique in the world.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Aven Express<\/strong> is not a descent.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is a journey<\/strong>. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ text_font=”Barlow||||||||” text_line_height=”1.8em” link_text_color=”#153961″ header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_2_text_align=”left” header_2_text_color=”#153961″ header_3_text_color=”#153961″ text_orientation=”justified” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To prepare for your journey, next to the departure platform you will find:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n the ticket office<\/strong>, open from 10:00 a.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n the station hall<\/strong>, where you can wait for your departure time while discovering an exhibition about the places, people, and iconic objects from the early days of speleological exploration in the Grands Causses<\/strong> region<\/p>\n<\/li>\n a video space<\/strong> presenting the story of the company through the sites of the ruiniform chaos of La Cit\u00e9 de Pierres<\/strong> and Aven Armand<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n a souvenir shop<\/strong> to extend your journey to the center of the Earth<\/p>\n<\/li>\n the building\u2019s post-modern architectural style<\/strong>, which preserves its distinctive character and makes it an \u201catypical station\u201d<\/strong> in the heart of the Causse M\u00e9jean<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n Before or after your visit, stop by the Sp\u00e9l\u00e9o Caf\u00e9<\/strong> to enjoy a meal, have a drink with friends or family, or simply share a traditional Causses-style platter<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”Barlow||||||||” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”Barlow|300||on|||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#dfa258″ header_font_size=”40px” header_letter_spacing=”5px” header_2_text_align=”left” header_2_text_color=”#153961″ header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#153961″ text_orientation=”justified” custom_margin=”50px||50px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Sp\u00e9l\u00e9o Station: An Atypical Station on the Causse M\u00e9jean<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It all began in 1926<\/strong>, when the first work to excavate the access tunnel was undertaken. In June 1927<\/strong>, the chasm finally opened its doors to the public. Yet, thirty years earlier, in 1897<\/strong>, Louis Armand<\/strong> and \u00c9douard-Alfred Martel<\/strong> had already discovered this unique underground treasure. At the time, only the boldest could access it: a 70-meter vertical descent<\/strong> on a rope ladder, in complete darkness.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In 1963<\/strong>, the installation of the first funicular revolutionized access to the site. To facilitate the descent\u2014and especially the return journey\u2014the tunnel was widened to accommodate the funicular, with a ride lasting just a minute and a half<\/strong>. It became one of the 19 funiculars still operating in France<\/strong>, with two unique features:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n This investment was a success, leading to a significant increase in visitors<\/strong>, and it soon became necessary to expand the station\u2019s capacity.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In 1972<\/strong>, a new welcome building was constructed to replace the very simple original facilities and to increase the funicular\u2019s capacity: a monumental, modern, and bold architectural work<\/strong> by architect E. Pinetre<\/strong>, whose dimensions reflected the importance of the journey into the underground world. This aligned with the development goals and architectural standards of the time\u2014a modern creation alongside a chasm millions of years old<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The building featured a large upper waiting hall<\/strong> for ticket sales, and a slightly lower hall for access to the platforms before departure. A bar with a souvenir shop was installed in a small separate building a few meters from the Sp\u00e9l\u00e9o Station. The inauguration took place on June 17, 1972<\/strong>, in the presence of the Secretary of State for Tourism, Mr. Anthonioz<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
The transition between the world of light and the world of the depths.
A passage suspended in time.<\/p>\n
A passage into wonder.<\/p>\nThe Sp\u00e9l\u00e9o Station: a welcome and information area upon your arrival<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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A Bit of History\u2026<\/h2>\n
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