Grottes de Matata, Cave settlement in Meschers-sur-Gironde, France.
The Matata Caves form a two-level network carved into limestone cliffs, rising thirty meters above the Gironde estuary in southwestern France.
During the 8th century, Saracens created storage spaces in these caves, which later became hiding spots for salt smugglers along the coast.
The cave complex includes a museum with mannequins and period objects that demonstrate the daily routines of former cave residents through different periods.
Visitors can explore the caves from April to November, with guided tours available in multiple languages lasting approximately 45 minutes.
The site features aquariums displaying estuary fish species and exhibits Cretaceous marine fossils, including ammonites, nautiluses, and sea urchins.
Location: Meschers-sur-Gironde
GPS coordinates: 45.55560,-0.95833
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:42
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region contains historic and natural sites often overlooked by traditional tourist routes. The area features military castles such as Bonaguil with its seven 13th-century towers, underground churches carved into limestone in Saint-Émilion and Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, as well as caves decorated with Paleolithic paintings like that of Villars. Medieval villages such as Talmont-sur-Gironde preserve their original layout and overlook the Gironde estuary. From Dordogne to the Pyrenean foothills, the region presents rock-hewn forts like Maison Forte de Reignac, Benedictine abbeys established since the 8th century in Brantôme, and Romanesque churches like the Collegiate Church of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat. The Vayres and Roquetaillade castles demonstrate the evolution of fortified architecture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. These sites reflect the military, religious, and cultural history of the region and provide diverse examples of southwestern France's architectural heritage.
Église Sainte-Radegonde de Talmont-sur-Gironde
4.5 km
Grottes de Régulus
0 m
Site gallo-romain de Barzan
6.7 km
Grottes de Matata
160 m
Phare de Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
6.1 km
Fort Suzac
6.4 km
Forêt de Suzac
3.4 km
Le Fâ
6.5 km
Église Saint-Georges de Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
6.1 km
Château de Didonne
7 km
Conche de Saint-Georges
6.4 km
Plage de Saint-Georges de Didonne
4.9 km
Port de Meschers
1 km
Église Saint-Saturnin de Meschers-sur-Gironde
542 m
Port de Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
6.4 km
Port de Talmont
4.7 km
Grottes du Régulus
19 m
Plage des Vergnes
1.6 km
Conche de Royan
3.7 km
Église Saint-Étienne de Semussac
6 km
Conche de Cadet
483 m
Cemetery of Talmont-sur-Gironde
4.5 km
Scenic viewpoint
3.3 km
Plage de Suzac
2.8 km
Scenic viewpoint
347 m
Plage des Nonnes
847 m
Plage de l'Arnèche
2.1 km
Estuaire
3.7 kmReviews
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