Grottes de Bétharram — Attraction in Argelès-Gazost

We had the most wonderful time with our two little boys (2 & 4). Our guide, Thomas, was very kind and patient and very cheerful. We were always a little slow because of our boys, but he was so patient with us, very funny, and often stopped to have an informal chat about the different aspects of the cave in English. The tours are in French, but audio guides are available in many European languages. We never felt rushed and the caves are incredible - there is so much to see! It's a long way down to the boat ride and the subterranean river, but this was great fun. We loved the boat ride and the train - great fun! The cafe was also excellent, in a beautiful orangery, over looking the mountains, and the gift shop very interesting so I could take the boys around it and explain the difference between all the rocks and stones. Don't hesitate to take small children here - it's exactly the right amount of time and information. If I came again, I might take a carrier for my smallest boy (as he tends to run off) but it was pretty easy to carry him in my arms and then let him go down the many many steps holding my hand (to tire him out!) It was a fantastic experience and we'll definitely be recommending it to all our friends. (final tip - bring a few coins to tip your guide at the end of the tour - we didn't and I felt bad about that!) Merci, Thomas, we had a wonderful time and I hope this review makes you smile - we...

Just a quick 20 minutes ride from town, there is this one site that you shouldn't miss when you visit Lourdes. The ticket price is EUR 17 as of 2024.

Accessed by 2.8 km underground walk, the cave was carved by subterranean rivers for millions of years. The underground rivers created 3 levels inside the mountain.

1st level is a huge chamber with beautiful pillar formation. In the first chamber, very interesting rocks and calcite formations can be found.

The 2nd level is accessed through stairs descending deep downwards, in this level we witness how old underground water flows carved deep ravines inside the earth. Pretty claustrophobic.

Another descent and we arrived at the 3rd level, where the current water levels are. A boat and a train ride wait for us near the exit after around 80 minutes, around 2 km walk inside the mountain. The train ride was installed in 1973, so it is already 50 years old. Interesting and creative fun way to wrap up this detour in Lourdes. The souvenir shop is also interesting, selling all kinds of minerals with fair prices. The guide was also friendly and able to explain in several languages. I think this is a must visit for everyone...

A very good experience. However their website does them no justice!

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...