The Basque Country boasts several prehistoric caves open to the public. Among them, Grotte de Sare is renowned for its megalithic park and museum. Discover it for yourself!
Visit the cave
In Sare, a typical Basque village awarded the “Most Beautiful Village in France” label, the Sare cave or “Lezea” (which means “cave” in Basque) can be visited as it was two million years ago. Hidden away on the slopes of the Atxuria mountain and occupied during prehistoric times, the Lezea cave is famous for its gallery, which plunges 30 metres underground, and its entrance porch, one of the largest in Aquitaine. It is the main cave of a site that includes four others: Urio Gaina, Urio Behera, Leze ttiki and Faardiko harria.
After a short introduction to the caves, a guide takes you into the depths of the “Bear Cave” for a guided tour lasting around an hour. The tour covers two levels of galleries and is 900 meters long. A sound and light trail leads to the prehistoric settlement site and the lower gallery at the far end of the cave. The lighting of the cave, supported by musical accompaniment, is a great success. The guide covers topics as varied as geology, the life of prehistoric man, cave-dwelling animals (cave bears and bats in particular), mythology and Basque culture.
The megalithic park
In addition to a guided tour of the cave, the megalithic park offers a reconstitution of monuments representative of the region’s protohistory, from the Neolithic to the Metal Age. Dolmens, tumuli and cromlechs are presented at life-size, accompanied by explanatory panels on the funerary rites practiced in the Basque mountains.
The museum
Immerse yourself in the prehistoric era! The Musée des Grottes de Sare traces the evolution of mankind from prehistoric times to the present day. It features a large collection of archaeological artefacts discovered during excavations on the site: flint, scrapers, arrowheads, reindeer antlers, human bones, funerary urns, ceramics, bronze axes, etc. It’s also an opportunity to delve deeper into some of the topics covered during the guided tour, such as geology, the early Basques, myths and legends, and the role of bats in the local ecosystem.
DID YOU KNOW? 10,000 years ago, the caves at Sare were occupied by cave bears during hibernation. Today, the caves are home to 13 species of bat, protected by the Conservatoire Régional d’Espaces Naturels d’Aquitaine. Two cameras installed in the galleries transmit images in real time to two screens in the reception building and museum.
Practical info
– The Sare caves can be visited all year round.
– Access: 64310 Sare, on the D306. In Sare, follow signs for Col de Lizarrieta.
– Prices range from €6 to €10. Admission includes a guided tour of the cave, as well as access to the site museum and megalithic park.
– The number of people per tour is limited. Tickets should be purchased in advance from www.grottesdesare.fr. Tel. 05 59 54 20 14.
– Bring closed shoes and warm clothing, as the temperature in the cave is 14°C. Picnic tables nearby.
Things to see and do near Sare cave :
– The village of Sare: its traditional Basque houses, pelota court and Saint-Martin church have earned it a place among France’s most beautiful villages.
– Le Musée du gâteau basque: find out all about this typical Basque pastry filled with black cherry jam or custard.
– Le train de la Rhune: an authentic cogwheel train takes you to the summit of the Basque country’s mythical mountain.
– Read also : Which caves to visit in the Basque Country? Discover the caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya!
photo: grotte de Sare Porche © Grottes de Sare (AADT Béarn Pays Basque)
