The Vercors Pages

The major system of the Vercors is the Gouffre Berger/Fromagere system (depth: -1271

metres, length: 31,190 metres) which ultimately collects all the water from the Sornin

plateau which it delivers to the resurgence at the Cuves de Sassenage. The Berger is world

famous for being the first cave to be explored deeper than 1,000 metres (August 11th

1956) and the local people are justifiably proud, not to mention protective, of this world

class cave.

 

The system now has 7 entrances and the most comprehensive survey was included in

Speleo No. 29. The Berger remains one of the "must do classics" for most UK caving

clubs, although access is controlled via a permit system.

 

Click here for information on access and rigging info:  

http://latronche.free.fr/berger.html#recom_en

 

The following UK clubs have produced excellent guides to the Berger:

 

Craven Pothole Club (1994)  

Bradford Pothole Club (1993)  

Crewe Caving and Climbing Club (1983)

Des Marshalls "Caves of the Vercors" also contains loads of useful information.

 

The following French Publications contain a wealth of information although (naturally) in French: Speleo Dans le Vercors Tome 1 (contains accurate rigging info)  Speleo No.3, 29  Scialet No.1,3, 5, 8, 9, 17, 18,

 

Given settled weather, the Berger fully deserves its reputation as a world class cave. A visit to Salle des Treize includes the descent of a superb series of pitches, the traverse of the fantastic Starless River, the enormity of the Great Rubble Heap and the beauty of Salle des Treize (and Salle Germain). Below Balcony Pitch (-650 metres) the cave becomes much more of a serious undertaking and demands greater caution and technique. The entire cave becomes dangerous after prolonged rain.