Gouffre Lépineux, Pit cave system in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France
Gouffre Lépineux is a cave system in the Pyrenees near the Franco-Spanish border with branching underground passages through limestone formations. The cave sits between 1500 and 2100 meters in elevation and contains remarkable underground chambers and waterways.
The entrance shaft was discovered in 1950 by Georges Lépineux, which sparked dedicated exploration efforts. These works revealed a deep underground network with a vertical descent of over 300 meters.
The cave draws researchers from around the world who study its geology and underground waters. For speleologists, this location has become an important meeting point for international collaboration.
Visitors can explore the cave only with professional guides, as safety infrastructure requires careful management. It is recommended to bring warm clothing and sturdy footwear, as underground conditions are cool and slippery.
A large underground chamber houses an underground river that is used for power generation. This rare combination makes the site an example of how cave systems can serve practical energy purposes.
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