Trou qui souffle, Natural cave in Autrans-Méaudre-en-Vercors, France
Trou qui souffle is a cave system in the Vercors mountains with multiple entrances connected by an intricate network of underground passages. The site can be reached via a road in Méaudre and features natural rock formations throughout.
The cave system was discovered in 1936 and became a source of natural ice that was extracted and transported to nearby towns. This ice harvesting remained an economic activity in the region for some time.
The name comes from the distinctive whooshing and whistling sounds that echo from the entrances. This natural phenomenon has shaped how locals and visitors understand and remember this place.
You can explore the site on foot but should be prepared for uneven underground floors and narrow passages. Bring warm clothing since temperatures remain cool throughout the year in the underground passages.
Two rock cracks at the entrance continuously release cold air, producing the distinctive whistling and whooshing sounds that give the cave its name. This natural ventilation system distributes cool temperatures throughout the entire underground network in a remarkable way.
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