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A cave offering guided tours of meanders, tubes, gours and other features.
Discover one of the many caves forming part of the immense limestone massif in and around Sare. The third most visited site in the Basque Country, the Grottes de Sare offer a 1-hour guided tour suitable for young and old alike, covering a range of themes: a fascinating and atypical geology, the temporary occupation of the cave by man, not forgetting a piece of our history through mythology, but also an approach to the origins of the Basque people and their culture. This tour is based on the work and writings of José Miguel de Barandiáran, one of the greatest anthropologists of Basque culture. You will always be accompanied by a guide who will provide you with additional information, all along a fully equipped and safe route. To the rhythm of the txalaparta, you'll admire the extraordinary work of water over millions of years. You'll see one of the largest porches in the Basque country, and wander through the galleries to discover meanders, tubulures, gours and other concretions, not forgetting the prehistoric habitat site where Man lived temporarily over 20,000 years ago. An original approach to the "first home of Sare", where you'll feel the bond that has united man and nature since the dawn of time!
The Grottes de Sare are also a protected area: the commune of Sare has entered into a partnership with the CEN Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels) and the GCA (Groupe Chiroptères Aquitaine), in order to better understand and conserve the natural heritage of the Grottes de Sare and the surrounding area. The Grottes de Sare are part of Natura 2000, an area protected for its flora and fauna, some of which are endemic. The site is also listed as a habitat of international interest for the many species of bats that live there. A protected gallery, not open to visitors, is dedicated to their protection.
Before or after your visit to the caves, you can take two self-guided tours: the Parc Mégalithique, built by Doctor Blot, is a genuine reconstruction of the various monuments erected by man during the protohistoric period (2,800 BC), and the museum, which presents man's occupation of the caves from prehistory to the present day. An area is also devoted to bats and Basque mythology. Hiking trails, accessible from the site, allow you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the area and explore the Xareta valley!
Further information
Opening time and information on GROTTES DE SARE
Opening hours: February, March, November and December: Monday to Friday, 2pm to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 5pm. April to the end of the All Saints' vacation period: daily from 10am to 6pm. Details and closing days on https://www.grottesdesare.fr/. Due to the limited number of people per visit, reservations are MANDATORY, either by internet or at one of the 19 Basque Country Tourist Offices. Adults: €10. Children (aged 5 to 13): €6. Teenager (14 to 17) and student (on presentation of card): €8.50. Preferential rates available for people with reduced mobility and groups of 15 or more. See https://www.grottesdesare.fr/horaire_tarif.php. The site is designed to be accessible to as many people as possible. Information at: https://www.grottesdesare.fr/accessibilité.html. Animals, baby carriages and photo/video-taking are not allowed inside the cave. Payments accepted: CB, cheques, paper vacation vouchers, Eusko local currency. On-site: year-round bar, summer catering, store, 3 parking lots, picnic area, hiking trailheads.
Owner's Message
"The caves of Sare where prehistory, tradition and legend meet..."
A one-hour guided tour, along an arranged route, where you will discover the fascinating and atypical geology of the cavity before tackling the origins and mythology of the Basque people. Cross the impressive entrance porch before going up the great meander towards the prehistoric habitat site
After this guided tour, you will visit the site museum which retraces man's occupation from prehistory to the present day before walking through the megalithic park to discover the dolmens, menhirs and other monuments. A site open all year round except in January
For more information : tel 05 59 54 21 88
Website : www.grottesdesare.fr
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Members' reviews on GROTTES DE SARE
merci pour votre message et votre visite.
Bonne continuation,
Fabrice IPARAGUIRRE
Merci pour ce précieux commentaire!
C’est exactement le type de commentaires qui nous motive à donner le meilleur de nous-même chaque jour.
En espérant vous revoir très vite !
Bonne journée
Fabrice IPARAGUIRRE
Merci pour votre avis ! Ravis de savoir que ça vous ait autant plu. En espérant vous revoir bientôt !
Cordialement,
Fabrice IPARAGUIRRE
nos ancètres etaitent effectivement des nomades, chasseurs et cueilleurs. Je vois que vous avez retenu le message de votre guide.
Merci pour votre visite et votre message.
Cordialement,
Fabrice
Dommage qu'il ne soit pas possible de prendre des photos à l'intérieur ou de rester plus longtemps pour admirer les structures en pierre...