Grotte des Canalettes

The Grotte des Grandes Canalettes are part of a large underground river which has been explored for several kilometres. Situated on a spur of the Pyrenees, the Grotte des Grandes Canalettes, has intercepted several powerful rivers. The underground rivers have hewn passages out of the solid rock, sculptured the walls and created vast chambers.

Visitors to the Grotte des Grandes Canalettes are taken back to the distant history of the earth. Pathways have been built in the cave to allow the visitors to fully appreciated the wonderful formations which are to be found there. Chambers rich in speleothems, interspersed with helictites, which defy gravity and huge rooms filled with immense pillars and wonderfully coloured columns are a feature of this cave. Pot holes and lakes recall the presence of the underground river system which is ever near.

Finally, the beauty of the minerals can be further appreciated by a son et lumiere in the Auditorium. The works of various composers and artistes are included in this concert: Strauss, Bach, Casals, Pavarotti, etc.

Text by Tony Oldham (2003). With kind permission.