Things to see in the Languedoc:  Grottoes and Caves

Languedoc-Roussillon is honeycombed with caves and caverns, forming one of the richest areas of subterranean systems in France. At least 15 of them are open to the public. It's easy to stroll through the labyrinth of halls and galleries, up flights of steps and along lighted passages. Some are even accessible by wheelchair. Other caves are for expert pot-holers only.

These caves contain narrow passages and vast chambers with stunning colours, sometimes lakes and rivers. There are extraordinary shapes that seem to be sculpted from rock, notable examples are the "Hundred-Thousand Soldiers" of the Grotte de Trabuc, or the "Medusa's Head" in the Grotte de Clamouse. Serious potholers, divers and speliologists might be interested in exploring a huge network of underground caverns under the Forêt de Fanges (near Quillan) which have barely been touched. The following is a list of caves in the Languedoc-Roussillon. Most of these can be visited by the general public. Others are for serious pot-holers.

 

 

Click on the following link for information on the famous cave at Niaux in the Ariége.

Learn about animals that evolution has adapted for their specialised dark wet habitats. (This website not specifically about French caves, but will be of interest to anyone interested in caves and caving. It covers bats, amphibians, fish, and crustacea and arthropods). Click on the following link to open a new window to Cave Biota, an Evolving Webumentary.