Ardèche · about 4 km from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
Source de Vanmale
- Max depth38 m
- CertificationFull cave
- Water temperature≈ 12–13 °Cestimated, no reports yet
- SpecialSidemount
Diving and fills
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The dive
After S2 comes a 90 m dry gallery; in 2013 another 100 m of passage was found beyond S7, with two 3 m climbs and a 10 m shaft. The limestone is rotten and very sharp, and clay and silt-outs ('touille') have been reported.
Profile and sections
After S2 comes a 90 m dry gallery; in 2013 another 100 m of passage was found beyond S7, with two 3 m climbs and a 10 m shaft. The limestone is rotten and very sharp, and clay and silt-outs ('touille') have been reported.
The Source de Vanmale is the resurgence of the Goule de Foussoubie (dye traces 1970, 1976, 1979). It has been explored since 1962; the latest known pushes were by J.-P. Baudu (1995, 2008, 2013).
Practical: check the water level before going (vigicrues.gouv.fr).
- Depth and profile
- S1 30 m + 20 m (large air bell between) · S2 100 m / avg -12 · S2bis 105 m / -25 (also reported 180 m / -38) · S3 5 m · S4 -4 (passed free-diving) · S5 15 m / -2 · S6 20 m · S7 110 m / -16 · S7bis not dived. Max -38 m (S2bis, 1995).
- Configuration
- Many short sumps with dry sections and climbs: light sidemount. Backmount or CCR only worthwhile up to S2/S2bis (estimate).
- DPV: Not DPV-suitable (estimate)
- Short sumps with dry sections and climbs: no scooter.
Who can dive where
- At least Full cave
- Configurations: Backmount / twinset / Sidemount / CCR / Small cylinders / no-mount (speleo sumps)
- Goes down to 38 m (trimix or deco may be needed)
- Experienced divers only
This is how the planner decides who in your team may dive this cave. Rules your own trip adds (organizer, a mail, the AI) show with your trip.
How to get there
Right bank, ~900 m downstream of the Pont d'Arc, ~1 m above low-water level; three openings close together on the slope. Easiest via Camping de la Rouvière (left bank): ask at reception for permission to pass and cross the Ardèche swimming or by boat/canoe. Alternative: steep path over the Pont d'Arc or from the Évent de Foussoubie.
Around Source de Vanmale
FillsNo fill station known nearby
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