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Grottes de Bétharram: A Subterranean Journey

Discover a stunning subterranean world in the Pyrenees, explored by foot, boat, and train. A unique geological adventure awaits!

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Explore the Grottes de Bétharram, a stunning cave system on the border of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Hautes-Pyrénées. Discovered in 1819, these caves offer a unique subterranean adventure through diverse geological formations, traversed by foot, boat, and train.

A brief summary to Grottes de Bétharram

  • Monday 9 am-12 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-12 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-12 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-12 pm
  • Friday 9 am-12 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-12 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket, as the cave temperature remains a constant 14°C (57°F).
  • Arrive 30 minutes before your tour time, as a shuttle takes you from the ticket office to the cave entrance.
  • Consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues.
  • Be aware that strollers are not permitted due to the steps; baby carriers are recommended for young children.
  • Photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Lourdes, the Grottes de Bétharram are accessible via the Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Réseau Interurbain 64 bus line 535. The bus departs from Gare SNCF (Lourdes train station) and arrives at ST PE DE BIG - Grottes. The journey takes approximately 24 minutes, and tickets cost €2. Services operate six times a week, Monday to Saturday.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Lourdes to the Grottes de Bétharram. A taxi ride takes approximately 16 minutes and costs between €29 and €35. Taxi services can be found near the Lourdes train station and other central locations.

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Discover more about Grottes de Bétharram

The Grottes de Bétharram, located on the border of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Hautes-Pyrénées departments, present a captivating journey into the depths of the earth. Discovered in 1819, the caves were among the first to open to the public, offering visitors a unique exploration of a multi-level cave system. The adventure begins with a guided tour through the upper galleries, showcasing vast chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Descend 80 meters into the Gouffre (shaft) to reach the underground river, where you'll embark on a boat trip. The tour culminates with a ride on a small electric train through a 400-meter tunnel back to the surface, completing a traverse of the mountain. The caves feature a constant temperature of 14°C year-round, so dressing accordingly is advisable. The entire tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and is available in multiple languages. Throughout the tour, guides provide commentary on the cave's history, geology, and the fascinating processes of erosion that have shaped the caverns over millennia. The Grottes de Bétharram offer a comprehensive look at cave formation, displaying five levels that were carved out at different times.

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