Grottes de Matata, Cave settlement in Meschers-sur-Gironde, France.
The Grottes de Matata form a two-level cave system carved into limestone cliffs overlooking the Gironde estuary in southwestern France. The complex contains multiple chambers hollowed directly into the rock face and provides insight into centuries of human habitation.
In the 8th century, Saracens created storage spaces in these caves, which later became hideouts for salt smugglers along the coast. The location by the inlet made the caves a strategic site for hidden trade.
The complex displays how people lived here across different periods through mannequins and everyday objects. These exhibits show the daily routines and domestic life of former residents.
The site is open from April to November, with guided tours available in multiple languages lasting about 45 minutes each. Expect stairs and uneven walkways since the caves follow the natural rock formations.
The site features aquariums with estuary species and displays fossils from the Cretaceous period, including ammonites, nautiluses, and sea urchins. This blend of living animals and ancient remains offers a complete picture of the region's geological and biological history.
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