Grottes de Médous, Natural cave system in Asté, France
The Médous cave system features two main sections: a lower Dry Gallery and an upper Wonder Gallery filled with mineral deposits and rock formations. An underground river flows through the passages and connects to the broader Adour river system below the surface.
Local speleologists discovered the system in 1948 behind the Médous springs, leading to its development and public opening in 1951. This early exploration made it one of the first underground formations in the area to be developed for visitors.
The name comes from Latin meaning sweet honey, possibly referring to the spring water or sacred significance once attributed to this location. This naming reflects how people historically connected natural water sources to qualities they valued or revered.
Visits require a guided tour since the passages are complex and safety measures must be followed throughout. The underground temperature stays cool year-round, so bringing a jacket is wise regardless of the season outside.
A boat journey on the underground river takes visitors through hidden chambers accessible only by water, adding an unexpected adventure element to the tour. This water route reveals parts of the system that walking alone cannot reach.
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