Grotte des Demoiselles - "The Grotte des Demoiselles is a large cave located in the Hérault valley of southern France, near Ganges, about 60 km (37 mi) west of Nîmes. Its entrance is located on the territory of the commune of Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois.
Many legends and stories have been linked with the cave, the existence of which has been common knowledge in the Languedoc region since time immemorial. The best known legend tells of a shepherd looking for a lost lamb who wandered into the swallow hole that marked the entrance to the cave. He heard the lamb but could not see it, and so he continued deeper and deeper into the cave, until he reached the chamber now known as the cathédrale (cathedral). With only a torch for light, he slipped and fell to the bottom of the chamber (a 60-metre plunge between stalactites and stalagmites). Knocked senseless by the shock, he noticed—just before passing out—a group of young ladies dancing and singing around him. When he woke up, he was back on the surface with his lamb. The modern name of the cave, Grotte des Demoiselles (“maidens' grotto”) reflects this legend; previously it had been known as the Grotte des Fées (“fairies' grotto”)."
This place was magical. I could imagine the fairies dancing through it. It also reminded me of the Cango Caves in South Africa, but there the similarities end. At Cango they have raised wooden boardwalks so you are far away from everything, whereas here at the Grotte, they encourage you to touch everything. The guide (who spoke English and translated for us) also played acoustics with some of them.
It is best to wear shoes that have a good grip such as trainers or hiking boots, as the paths are wet and very slippery. It can also get very cool the deeper you go.
The walkways have been very well laid out and blend into the surrounds as you walk amongst the stalagmites and stalactites.
They used to hold concerts in the main section but stopped doing this about 20 years ago. I can imagine with the acoustics it must have made for incredible music.
Our little camera did not do justice to the place...unfortunately.
Many legends and stories have been linked with the cave, the existence of which has been common knowledge in the Languedoc region since time immemorial. The best known legend tells of a shepherd looking for a lost lamb who wandered into the swallow hole that marked the entrance to the cave. He heard the lamb but could not see it, and so he continued deeper and deeper into the cave, until he reached the chamber now known as the cathédrale (cathedral). With only a torch for light, he slipped and fell to the bottom of the chamber (a 60-metre plunge between stalactites and stalagmites). Knocked senseless by the shock, he noticed—just before passing out—a group of young ladies dancing and singing around him. When he woke up, he was back on the surface with his lamb. The modern name of the cave, Grotte des Demoiselles (“maidens' grotto”) reflects this legend; previously it had been known as the Grotte des Fées (“fairies' grotto”)."
This place was magical. I could imagine the fairies dancing through it. It also reminded me of the Cango Caves in South Africa, but there the similarities end. At Cango they have raised wooden boardwalks so you are far away from everything, whereas here at the Grotte, they encourage you to touch everything. The guide (who spoke English and translated for us) also played acoustics with some of them.
It is best to wear shoes that have a good grip such as trainers or hiking boots, as the paths are wet and very slippery. It can also get very cool the deeper you go.
The walkways have been very well laid out and blend into the surrounds as you walk amongst the stalagmites and stalactites.
They used to hold concerts in the main section but stopped doing this about 20 years ago. I can imagine with the acoustics it must have made for incredible music.
Our little camera did not do justice to the place...unfortunately.
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| Me and our guide |
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| view from the entrance |
