Grottes de Bétharram

Grottes de Bétharram is a cave system with passages extending across multiple levels and featuring mineral deposits illuminated throughout. The network includes natural pools and is crossed by an underground river that visitors can explore by boat.

A former soldier discovered the caves in 1819, but extensive exploration came about 70 years later and revealed the underground levels and river. These later expeditions greatly expanded understanding of how large the system truly was.

The cave passages are named after the shapes visitors recognize in them, like the Chandelier Room and the Naiade Basin. These names show how people connect the underground chambers to familiar objects and ideas from above ground.

The visit combines different ways to explore: walking paths, stairs, a boat ride on the underground river, and a short train journey. Comfortable shoes and a comfortable pace help you enjoy all sections without rushing.

The cave system spans two French departments, with the entrance in one and the exit in another. This geographical split is not immediately obvious to visitors as they move through the passages.

Location: Hautes-Pyrénées

Phone: +33562418004

Website: https://betharram.com

GPS coordinates: 43.10200,-0.18793

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:41