Grottes de Gargas: le petit Lascaux des Pyrénées

Visit the Gargas Caves: the little Lascaux of the Pyrenees

Prehistory fan? After your stop at the Aurignacian Museum, head to the Gargas Caves. Even if you’re ready to play prehistoric explorer, don’t forget to bring a sweater: the temperature is only 11 degrees inside!

Immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the Gargas Caves

Follow in the footsteps of Cro-Magnon humans by entering the maze of the Gargas Caves, one of the sanctuaries of rock art… As you venture deeper into the bowels of the earth, you will discover numerous cave drawings: some are over 27,000 years old! In the first part of your visit, you can admire silhouettes of ibex or bison reminiscent of Lascaux, but it is truly once you pass the great hall that you will approach the treasure of Gargas.
Have you noticed the many stenciled hands? In fact, there are currently more than two hundred representations of negative hands at the Gargas Caves. There is much talk about certain drawings with missing phalanges and all interpretations are possible! Mutilation? Folded finger? Disease? The mystery remains complete, and that is surely what contributes to the mystical atmosphere of these caves like no other…

visit the gargas caves hand on gargas walls

Visit Nestploria to become an expert in decorated caves

After your leap into Prehistory, return to the present at the Nestploria interpretation center! To complete your visit, this museum space offers a whole range of activities centered around the caves and their former inhabitants! Thanks to interactive devices, you can pretend to be an artist and draw a mammoth (almost) as well as a Cro-Magnon human, or discover the history of Gargas through a 3D film shown on a spectacular screen. Before you leave, leave your virtual print: your hand will join those of other visitors on the huge digital fresco!

♥ Our favorites at the Gargas Caves ♥

  • These are the only decorated caves open to visitors in the Hautes-Pyrénées. You’ll feel truly privileged during your visit!
  • The guided tour of the caves is done in small groups to preserve the site; it’s ideal for taking your time and properly enjoying such a special place.
  • Coming as a family? Many workshops are offered during school holidays—take the opportunity to enjoy a fun moment with the kids.
visit the gargas caves. hands
visit the gargas caves. inside the cave
visit gargas caves. Nesploria museum

Plan Your Visit

Opening hours at Nestploria:

  • From May to August: Open every day and non-stop: From 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM from May 1 to July 4 and from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM from July 5 to August 31.
  • From September to April: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Closed on Mondays.
    Open on public holidays except December 25 and January 1.
    During Zone C school holidays (Winter, Easter, All Saints, Christmas): open from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day and non-stop.

Tour times for the Gargas prehistoric caves:

The Gargas prehistoric caves are subject to daily visitor quotas to preserve their treasures. For this reason, and regardless of the season, it is recommended to book your cave tour by phone at 05 62 98 81 50

prices

  • Adult: €12.50
  • Child (6 to 16 years old): €7.50
  • Teenager aged 12 to 16: €5.50
  • Other rates: contact the site

Practical Information

  • On-site parking
  • Arrive at Nesploria at least 30 minutes before the cave tour
  • Bring warm clothes as the cave temperature is 11°C year-round
  • Group and school tours by appointment only
  • Our dog friends are not allowed.
  • Photos and videos are strictly prohibited in the Gargas Caves but allowed at Nestploria.

The Gargas Caves Nesplori@

Route départementale 261 65660 Aventignan
Tel: 05 62 98 81 50
Website: grottesdegargas.fr