The Caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya are an emblematic site in the Basque Country, classified as a Historic Monument since 1953. If you stay at a campsite near the Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves, you can easily visit them and discover the fascinating prehistory and history of the region. Located near Espelette, these caves are a must-see for tourism and archaeology enthusiasts. Just a few kilometers from our campsite, you can explore these prehistoric caves and their geological treasures.
Discover the caves of
ISTURITZ and OXOCELHAYA
The Grottes d’Isturitz and Oxocelhaya are exceptional archaeological sites, offering a journey back in time. Isturitz lies 20 km from the Atlantic Ocean, in an exceptional natural setting. It is packed with archaeological layers spanning two major periods: the Middle Paleolithic and the Upper Paleolithic. These caves were inhabited by the first humans and are one of the oldest traces of human activity in the region.
The Oxocelhaya cave, just below, is a veritable geological sanctuary, with magnificent concretions and remnants of rock art. Here you’ll find engravings and clay veneers depicting mainly horses, revealing a great deal of
The Isturitz cave
It occupies a privileged position in the foothills of the Western Pyrenees, just a short distance from the current shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean (around 30 km) and the first foothills of the Pyrenees (the first peaks over 1000 m are only 20 km away).
Overall, its main geographical advantage is that it lies at the crossroads between the Aquitaine plain on the one hand, and the Basque-Cantabrian coast and the Ebro valley on the other, the latter being accessible to the south via a series of passes less than 30 kilometers apart.
The stratigraphic section is made up of more than ten archaeological layers spread over two periods (Middle Paleolithic and Upper Paleolithic).
The Oxocelhaya cave
Oxocelhaya lies 15 metres below. It’s a magnificent cave sanctuary with a succession of highly concretioned chambers; the time scale is counted in millions of years, a textbook case for a geological reading of a magical underground world.
Prehistory is present in the form of rock art, with signs, engravings and clay veneers scattered throughout the depths of the galleries. Horses are the main feature. The Laplace gallery is visited once a week for conservation reasons.
Guided tour (French) of the 2 caves – duration 1 hour (allow 1 h 30 on site)
Guided tours of both caves are available in French and last around an hour. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the treasures hidden underground, thanks to the detailed explanations of specialized guides. We recommend that you allow around 1h30 on site, between visiting the caves and exploring the museum and store.
Credit card required for Book, but payment on site (credit card, cash, vacation vouchers, etc.)
To make changes to bookings, please call 05 59 29 64 72.
The caves are open – 7 days a week
OPENING HOURS
- March – April – May – October – November: daily visits from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (last visit)
- school vacations and public vacations: 11:00 am and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (last visit)
- June – September: daily tours at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. (last tour)
- July – August: daily tours from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last tour)
Cro-mignons ” visit (6 to 10 years accompanied, 3 days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4.40 pm) and during school vacations at 4.30 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (booking required).
Rates
- Adults: €12.50
- Children (4/11 years): €6.00
- Teenager (12/17 years): €8.50
- Student / jobseeker / disability card: €10.00
Family special
2 adults & 3 paying children (4-11 years): € 37.00
Prepare
your excursion
How to prepare your departure
from the campsite for the ISTURITZ and OXOCELHAYA caves?
- Cave temperature: 14°C.
- Length of visit: 1 hour.
- Minimum time on site: 1 h 30.
- Arrive ¼ hour before tour time.
- 15 min walk from parking lot to reception.
- Strollers: yes outside, no inside caves.
- Ideal baby carrier.
- Warm clothing and closed shoes.
- Free parking.
- Outdoor picnic area.
- PRM-accessible sanitary facilities in parking lot.
- Nature and prehistory store.
- Museum space.
- Beverage and confectionery vending machine.
- Snack bar with local produce, to take away or eat-in, July and August.
- Defibrillator.
- The caves can be visited in all weather conditions.
Visit the Grottes d’Isturitz and Oxocelhaya and discover a fascinating historical site, just a few kilometers from our campsite in Espelette. This subterranean adventure is another must-see visit to the Basque region!
