GROTTES DE SARE

Discover one of the many caves forming part of the immense limestone massif in and around Sare. The third most visited site in the Basque Country, the Grottes de Sare offer a 1-hour guided tour suitable for young and old alike, covering a range of themes: a fascinating and atypical geology, the temporary occupation of the cave by man, not forgetting a piece of our history through mythology, but also an approach to the origins of the Basque people and their culture. This tour is based on the work and writings of José Miguel de Barandiáran, one of the greatest anthropologists of Basque culture. You will always be accompanied by a guide who will provide you with additional information, all along a fully equipped and safe route. To the rhythm of the txalaparta, you'll admire the extraordinary work of water over millions of years. You'll see one of the largest porches in the Basque country, and wander through the galleries to discover meanders, tubulures, gours and other concretions, not forgetting the prehistoric habitat site where Man lived temporarily over 20,000 years ago. An original approach to the "first home of Sare", where you'll feel the bond that has united man and nature since the dawn of time!

The Grottes de Sare are also a protected area: the commune of Sare has entered into a partnership with the CEN Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels) and the GCA (Groupe Chiroptères Aquitaine), in order to better understand and conserve the natural heritage of the Grottes de Sare and the surrounding area. The Grottes de Sare are part of Natura 2000, an area protected for its flora and fauna, some of which are endemic. The site is also listed as a habitat of international interest for the many species of bats that live there. A protected gallery, not open to visitors, is dedicated to their protection.

Before or after your visit to the caves, you can take two self-guided tours: the Parc Mégalithique, built by Doctor Blot, is a genuine reconstruction of the various monuments erected by man during the protohistoric period (2,800 BC), and the museum, which presents man's occupation of the caves from prehistory to the present day. An area is also devoted to bats and Basque mythology. Hiking trails, accessible from the site, allow you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the area and explore the Xareta valley!