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Grottes de Bétharram: A Subterranean Journey
Discover a stunning cave system in the Pyrenees: walk through vast chambers, glide on an underground river, and ride a unique cave train.
Explore the Grottes de Bétharram, a remarkable cave system near Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre, France, offering a unique underground adventure. Discovered in 1819, these caves feature stunning geological formations, an underground river, and a memorable train ride through a man-made tunnel.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Grottes de Bétharram
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
9 am-6 pm
Tuesday
9 am-6 pm
Wednesday
9 am-6 pm
Thursday
9 am-6 pm
Friday
9 am-6 pm
Saturday
9 am-10:15 am
Sunday
9 am-12 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Lourdes, take bus line 535 towards Pau. Get off at the Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre - Place des Cloutiers stop, a 4-minute walk from the caves. The bus ride is approximately 25 minutes and costs around €2. From the bus stop, walk along Chemin Léon Ross to the Grottes de Bétharram.
Driving
From Lourdes, drive west on the D937 towards Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre. At Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre, turn south onto Chemin Léon Ross. The Grottes de Bétharram will be on your right. Free parking is available. Parking for campervans is also available, but overnight parking is prohibited. Parking is located at de Bétharram, 2205 Rte des Grottes, 65270 Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre.
Local tips
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Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs. The tour involves approximately 300 steps.
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Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cave temperature remains a constant 14°C (57°F) year-round.
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Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues.
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Arrive 30 minutes before your tour time to allow for the shuttle ride from the parking area to the cave entrance.
Discover more about Grottes de Bétharram
The Grottes de Bétharram, located near Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre in the French Pyrenees, offer a captivating journey through the depths of the earth. Discovered in 1819, the caves weren't significantly explored until 1836 when Professor Mermet brought them to the attention of naturalists. In 1903, Léon Ross, an artist and photographer, opened the caves to the public, pioneering the use of electricity to illuminate the subterranean wonders.The adventure begins with a shuttle ride from the parking area to the cave entrance. The 1.5-hour guided tour takes you through a series of chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Descend 250 steps to the underground river, where you'll embark on a boat trip. The tour concludes with a unique train ride through a 400m man-made tunnel back to daylight.The caves maintain a constant temperature of 14°C (57°F) year-round, so dressing warmly is recommended. The Grottes de Bétharram showcase the natural beauty sculpted by water over millennia, offering a memorable experience for all ages.
A brief summary to Grottes de Bétharram
Use Grottes de Bétharram as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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