Caves of Folx-les-Caves

Caves of Folx-les-Caves is an underground quarry network stretching across six hectares and descending about 15 meters below the village. Stone pillars support vaulted ceilings throughout the system, creating a structured underground world beneath the surface.

The site served as a tuff stone quarry starting in Roman times and continued as a mining location for many centuries. During World War II, the underground chambers provided refuge for people seeking shelter from conflict.

The cave walls display inscriptions and marks left by various occupants across centuries, showing how people used this space and documented their presence. These scratches and carvings offer a direct window into how different generations experienced the underground.

Visitors enter through a narrow staircase leading to underground chambers where guided tours explain the mining operations and historical uses. Wear sturdy shoes and prepare for uneven ground and cool underground temperatures.

In 1965, the caves served as a filming location for the Flemish television series 'Johan and Alverman', giving the site an unexpected role in entertainment history. This production brought the underground spaces to the attention of a wider audience.

Location: Orp-Jauche

GPS coordinates: 50.66826,4.94033

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:26