Grottes de Bétharram: A Subterranean Journey

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.