Cave Bedeilhac, Pyrenees Travel Guide

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Explore prehistoric art and WWII history in the vast chambers of the Cave of Bédeilhac, a unique cultural landmark in the Ariège region of France.

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Cave Bedeilhac

The Cave of Bédeilhac, located in Ariège, France, is a remarkable site blending prehistoric art with a unique WWII history. Explore vast chambers adorned with 16,000-year-old paintings and engravings, and discover how this monumental cave served as an underground factory during the Second World War.

A brief summary to Cave Bedeilhac

Grotte de Bédeilhac, Bédeilhac-et-Aynat, 09400, FR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cave Bedeilhac.

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the cave tour is about 2km long and can be slippery in places.
Bring cash, as it may be needed for payment.
Arrive 15 minutes before your guided tour.
Note that the cave is poorly suited for those with motor disabilities.

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Explore Cave Bedeilhac on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Cave Bedeilhac, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

From Toulouse, take the A61 and A66 autoroutes towards Foix. Exit at Foix and follow the D117 towards Tarascon-sur-Ariège, then follow signs to Bédeilhac-et-Aynat. The cave is located on the side of the mountain. Parking is available near the cave entrance. Expect a drive of approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes from Toulouse. Parking is free.
Public Transport

From Toulouse Matabiau station, take a train to Tarascon-sur-Ariège. From there, take a local taxi or bus to Bédeilhac-et-Aynat and the cave. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes. Train tickets range from €16 to €40. A taxi from Tarascon-sur-Ariège to the cave will cost approximately €20-€30.

Discover more about Cave Bedeilhac

The Cave of Bédeilhac, or Grotte de Bédeilhac, is nestled in the commune of Bédeilhac-et-Aynat, approximately 15 km south of Foix, in the Ariège region of France. This isn't just another cave; it's a journey through time, where prehistoric art meets the echoes of World War II.The cave's history stretches back to the Magdalenian era, around 16,000 years ago, when Cro-Magnon people decorated its walls with paintings, engravings, and unique clay models. These artworks depict a range of animals, including bison, horses, and reindeer, and even feature human handprints. The technique of modeling clay is particularly rare, found only in a few Pyrenean caves.In more recent history, the cave took on a new role during World War II. Due to its massive entrance (17 meters high), it was used first by a French aircraft manufacturer and later by the German military as an underground factory. This industrial period led to the flattening of the cave floor and the destruction of some Paleolithic artifacts. In 1972, a pilot even landed a small plane inside the cave for a film, and a replica of this plane is now on display.Visiting the Cave of Bédeilhac offers a unique experience. The guided tour takes you through immense chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, while your guide illuminates the prehistoric art and recounts the cave's fascinating history. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear as the tour involves walking about 2 km, and some areas can be wet and slippery.