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The Caves of Naours: A Subterranean Journey Through Time

Explore the vast network of tunnels and chambers at the Caves of Naours, a subterranean city with centuries of history and resilience.

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Venture beneath the village of Naours, in the Picardy region of northern France, and discover the Caves of Naours, an astonishing subterranean world. This network of tunnels and chambers, carved into the chalky earth, tells a story of refuge, resilience, and remembrance spanning centuries. Explore this unique site that served as a refuge for locals during times of war and conflict.

A brief summary to The caves of Naours

Local tips

  • Book tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak season.
  • Dress warmly, as the temperature inside the caves is significantly cooler than outside.
  • Join a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the caves.
  • Consider bringing a flashlight to explore less-trafficked areas.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Amiens, take the Trans80 bus line to Naours. The bus departs from the Gare Routière (bus station) in Amiens and arrives at the Rue d'Amiens stop in Naours. The journey takes approximately 41 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Caves of Naours. A single bus ticket costs between €1 and €3. Check the Trans80 website for the most up-to-date schedule and fare information.

  • Driving

    If driving from Amiens, take the D933 north towards Doullens. The journey is approximately 15 km and takes about 20 minutes. Follow the signs for Naours and the 'Cité Souterraine'. There is ample free parking available at the site. An alternative parking is available at the Naours stadium, a municipal car park near the caves.

  • Taxi

    A taxi or ride-share from Amiens to Naours takes approximately 18 minutes. The cost is estimated to be between €29 and €35. Taxi fares in Amiens include a base fee of €2.53 and a price per kilometer of €2.30 during the day. Night rates (7:00 PM to 7:00 AM) include a base fee of €1.80 and a price per kilometer of €2.98.

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Discover more about The caves of Naours

The Caves of Naours, also known as La Cité Souterraine de Naours, offer a captivating journey through history. Located 15 kilometers north of Amiens, this remarkable site reveals a vast network of tunnels and chambers carved deep into the Picardy region. Originally excavated as limestone quarries in the 3rd century, the caves evolved into a vital refuge for local villagers during invasions and conflicts. Over time, the network expanded to include 300 rooms and 28 galleries, providing shelter for up to 3,000 people along with their livestock. The underground city featured chapels, town squares, and even a bakery, with chimneys carefully routed to conceal the presence of life below. By the 17th century, it housed a large, settled community seeking refuge from the Thirty Years' War. These underground hiding places are known as "muches" in the Picard language. Rediscovered in 1887 by Abbot Danicourt, the caves became a popular tourist attraction, particularly during World War I. Soldiers on the Western Front visited the site, leaving behind graffiti that remains the highest concentration from that conflict discovered to date. The caves also served as a radio control room for the German army during World War II. Today, visitors can explore the well-lit and maintained pathways on guided tours, immersing themselves in the stories of the past. Knowledgeable guides share historical context and anecdotes, bringing the underground city to life. Beyond the caves, the site includes a museum dedicated to old trades, a Great War interpretation center, and a 10-hectare wooded park with an adventure park, windmills, and farm animals.

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