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One of Europe's most spectacular caves, with stalagmite-rich chambers and an underground lake, visited by train and boat.
These caves are among the most beautiful in Europe. Nestling between Pau and Lourdes, they offer an enchanting underground world, sublimated by careful lighting. During a 1h20 guided tour, you'll cross a mountain carved out by water over the centuries, admire astonishing limestone formations, descend 250 steps to an underground river for a boat ride and a return trip on the little train. These caves, open since 1903, are a unique experience! When you emerge, you'll have crossed the mountain and experienced a journey unlike any other in Europe.
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Further information
Opening time and information on BETHARRAM CAVES
Quality Tourism. From 10/02 to 07/03: visits Monday to Thursday at 2.30pm and 4pm, Friday at 2.30pm. From 03/24 to 02/11, visits 7d/7, see schedule on website. Free for children under 3. Adults: €17. Children (aged 4 to 12): €12. Groups (10 people or more): adult: €14.50, child (aged 4 to 12): €10.50. School groups: adults: €14.50, teenagers (aged 13 to 17): €12, children (aged 4 to 12): €10.50, 1 accompanying adult free for every 10 paying children or teenagers. Bring something to wear even in summer, as the caves are cool all year round. Guided tour (duration: approx. 1h20). Catering (terrace snack bar). Gift store. Picnic room. Ample free parking. Strollers not allowed in caves.
Message from Management
Located in Saint-Pé-De-Bigorre, the Grottes de Betharram is a natural site well worth a visit. A visit here is an opportunity to discover an impressive underground world. Rich in concretions and boasting superb chambers, the caves are sublimely illuminated. You're sure to be amazed as you explore the lower part, with a descent of the 80 m chasm and the discovery of the riverbed. Your visit continues with a boat trip, followed by a ride on the little train, to take in the wonders of the caves. Throughout your escapade, your guide will tell you all about the history of this site, first discovered in 1819. Note that only the upper part of the caves is accessible to people with physical disabilities. A restaurant with terrace is also available on site for a gourmet break. There's also a store selling a wide range of souvenirs. A picnic room and free parking complete the site's facilities. A good address for an unforgettable adventure!
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Members' reviews on BETHARRAM CAVES
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Some things to know: They seem to run tours every quarter to the hour. E.g- 10.45,11.45,13.45.
It says they close at 12pm everyday and reopen at 1.30pm. They have a tour starting at 11.45 and I saw a tour begin at 13.45, so I’m not sure about a 12.45 tour.
If you don’t speak French or Spanish, don’t worry! Just ask for an Audio Guide and you can follow right along. So the cave is also accessible for English speakers.
You get a bus from the car park to the cave opening (all free btw) and proceed on your tour from there.
You may see on their website that the boat aspect of their tour is not working, never mind this! The boat is such a tiny aspect of the entire tour, go see it anyways!
I was disappointed at the end when the tour guide, who only spoke in French and did not explain his ‘jokes’ to the English speakers, almost expected a tip from all the guests. Having paid €17 per adult this seemed a little over the top.
An overall great experience and what a fabulous cave!
La grotte est à mon sens loin d'être spectaculaire, en comparaison d'autres sites en France. Cependant on est content de l'avoir fait. Le petit train nous fait sortir de la grotte de façon très originale.
Nul nul nul l’accueil