Sare caves: a journey to the heart of the Basque prehistoric heritage
Sare is a charming village at the foot of La Rhune, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its Natura 2000 caves are famous for their historical, archaeological and geological importance.
During your vacation in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, at our Erromardie campsite, take time out for a family visit to the Grottes de Sare, a tourist attraction that will appeal to children and parents alike!
Prehistoric caves and atypical geology
The commune of Sare, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region of France, is home to an immense limestone massif containing numerous caves. The Grottes de Sare were formed by the action of water on limestone rock, a process that took millions of years. A visit to the caves reveals impressive stalactites, stalagmites and other rock formations.
These caves have provided refuge for man since prehistoric times. Numerous objects and remains have been discovered, testifying to human presence during this period. But the caves also provided a hibernation cocoon for cave bears .
Lezea Cave
The central cavity of the Sare caves, Grotte Lezea is thought to have remained unchanged for over 2 million years. So when you visit it, you’re visiting a place steeped in history! During your visit, Grotte Lezea will reveal its vast, majestic rooms, one of the largest entrance porches in Aquitaine, and a room that served as a dwelling place for prehistoric man.
The 900-metre-long trail is both scenic and illuminated. You’ll see gours (geological water basins in the rock), concretions, a well, fossils and a water mirror. The 45-minute tour is guided and includes information on the cave’s unique geological formation, prehistoric habitat and Basque mythology. Children and parents alike will be captivated by the beauty and mystery of these caves !
The megalithic park
The Grottes de Sare also contain a megalithic park reproducing various monuments and funerary rites. These monuments and rites were erected during the Protohistoric period, i.e. 2800 BC. During your visit, you’ll learn more about burial and cremation. You’ll discover dolmens (or “megaliths”) and dolmen chests. In the Basque country, they can be found on the plains, or on mountain slopes. You’ll learn all about the rite of cremation, which consisted of burning the body of the deceased and preserving a few remains in a circle of stones.
The Grottes de Sare megalithic park was created in partnership with Basque archaeologist Dr. Jacques Blot.
A museum on Homo Sapiens, bats and Basque legends
In addition to the caves and megalithic park, the Grottes de Sare are also home to a museum. This provides information on the evolution of man, from prehistory to the present day. You’ll learn all about Homo Sapiens, Homo Habilis, Homo Erectus and Neanderthal Man, where and how they lived, as well as their tools and working techniques. You’ll see flints, burins and stone axes, as well as human bones, funerary urns, ceramics and arrows.
In addition, part of the tour introduces bats, an animal inseparable from the caves, and their role in the environment. The Grottes de Sare are home to over 10 species of bat!
Finally, like many ancient and mysterious places, the caves of Sare are surrounded by local legends and myths. Some stories evoke supernatural creatures and other strange phenomena associated with the caves. The museum offers an introduction to Basque mythology, based on the work of José Miguel de Barandiaran, a Basque prehistorian and ethnologist with a passion for popular beliefs and myths.
- Adult price: €10
- Children’s rate (5-13 years): €6
- Group rate (minimum 15 people): €8/person and €5 for children
The guide is included in the price of each tour, as is access to the museum and megalithic park. Tours last from 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Information and reservations at https://www.grottesdesare.fr/
If you’re looking for ideas for family activities around our campsite in the Basque Country, don’t miss a visit to the Grottes de Sare, just 20 km from Saint-Jean-de-Luz! Come and enjoy a unique tourist experience, discover the beauty and majesty of these underground formations and learn all about the geological, historical and cultural aspects of the Grottes de Sare! Tripadvisor reviews are very positive.
And for cave enthusiasts, there are other caves to visit in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques or on the Spanish border: Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves, Arrikrutz cave, Urdax caves and Zugarramurdi cave.