Things to see and do , (Пятигорск)

Proval, in Russian, literally means... "crevice". It's a kind of natural tunnel that leads to a small underground lake of sulphurous blue water... beware of the smell! The place is very curious even if the "lake" (actually the size of a pond) is a bit dirty. In front of the entrance stands a bronze statue representing the mythical Ostap Bender, a character from the book adapted by Leoni Gaïdaï Les Douze Chaises, a classic of Soviet cinema. Russian tourists are systematically photographed in front of it.

The starting point of the cable car is on Boulevard Gagarine, a little higher than Le Proval (see below). For the ascent on foot, the path starts behind the Pyatigorsk Narzan Sanatorium, also located on Gagarin Boulevard. From the top, on a very clear day, you can see the Caucasus Mountains with Mount Elbrus. The Mashuk is not very high and can be climbed easily, it is a must do. For the most intrepid, you can descend by paragliding (spring and summer). Professionals accompany you and jump with you.

The park is especially noteworthy for its Lermontov gallery, built at the beginning of the century, which offers a beautiful Art Nouveau architecture that intertwines floral scrolls with the fine wooden panels typical of the "kourort" towns of the late 19th century. The result is absolutely striking. Formerly a place for tasting mineral water, it is now a concert hall. Around the gallery, a very pleasant park allows you to rest, the real dolce vita à la russe.