Hideaway in France - gîtes in the Pyrénées near Carcassonne

Caves in the Pyrenées

Caves in the Pyrenees

Caves

A large part of the Pyrenees is limestone, so there are a large number of caves and caverns leading into the depths. Many of these are in the hills south of Foix, but there are also interesting visits in the foothills North of the mountains, we've described some of these below:

Niaux (40 mins) - Prehistoric cave painting

Since the closure of the world-renowned caves at Lascaux, Niaux is the principle cave in France for viewing original prehistoric cave paintings. Niaux has some of the finest cave art in Europe with drawings of bison, horses and deer that have been carbon dated at 13,000 years old.

Because of the sensitivity of these paintings, access is closely controlled and you will be part of a group of no more than 20 people, carrying 'one torch between two people'. Pre-booking is essential.

Lombrives (40 mins)

The 'Grotte de Lombrives' is one of the biggest caves in the world, with a main cave 'the cathedral' which is 100m high (although be warned, you have to take the five hour walking tour to get this far into the cave). The shorter 90 minute tour takes in the famous 'mammouth' stalagmite and the cathedral cave in which they hold choral concerts.

Bedeilhac (40 mins)

The grotte de Bedeilhac is a gigantic cave full of stalagmites and with some paleolithic paintings of animals dating back more than 15,000 years. The art is not as impressive as Niaux, but as Bedheilac was also used during the second world war for maintaining German aeroplanes, there are also fascinating relics from this period!

Labouiche (30 mins)

Just North of Foix is the Riviére Souterraine de Labouiche - the longest subterranean river in Europe. You explore the caves by boat deep underground and you are taken on a mile long journey amid stalactities, siphons and potholes.

La Vache (40 mins)

The grotte de la Vache is a small but rich archaological site, with animal bones and artifacts such as fireplaces which can be seen in the onsite exhibition.

Mas d'Azil (60 mins)

The Mas d'Azil is unusual (even in the company of the other remarkable Pyrenean caves), as the 80m high cave is naturally cut through 400m of rock, and now forms part of the D119 route! Off of the road is a small cave which can be explored in its own right, and there are many events held in the area of the cave during the Summer. Bungee jumpers are often seen leaping from a purpose built platform in the mouth of the cave.

Fontestorbes (20 mins)

Only a small cave, Fontestorbes is much more famous for its 'intermittent spring' - the spring lures you into the cave over some lovely stepping stones across the stream, then without warning the flow increases to cover the stones and block off your exit! Fortunately the problem is short lived as the spring returns to normal over 10-15 minutes before repeating 20 minutes later. Great for children, you can almost set your watch by its cycle during Summer months, and there is always the ice cream hut for anyone stranded outside the cave when the water rises...