Located in the Lower Dauphiné in the village of La Balme-les-Grottes in the cliffs of the Isle-Crémieu plateau, La Balme caves have served many purposes: a dwelling during prehistoric times, a hideaway for smugglers, a place of pilgrimage for King Francis I, a village dance hall and today a popular tourist site thanks to its superb limestone formations: stalactites, stalagmites, pools, columns and drapery-like concretions. Other attractions at the caves are a beautifully decorated domed chamber, the Mandrin maze, lake gallery, desert gallery and a sound and light show.