Discovering the Caves of Médous, near Bagnères-de-Bigorre

In the Hautes-Pyrénées, not far from Bagnères-de-Bigorre, in Astéplus precisely, I decide to stop at the Médous caves. It is a real underground treasure. These natural cavities, shaped by water over the millennia, offer a magical spectacle to visitors. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, draperies... So many geological formations that testify to the patience and beauty of nature.

Preparing your visit to the Médous caves

• The caves are open all year round, but opening times may vary depending on the season. Feel free to check the Médous Caves for opening and closing times.
• The site is easily accessible by car from Bagnères-de-Bigorre. There is a car park nearby.
• Remember to bring warm clothing, even in summer! The temperature in the cave is 13°, it would be a shame to catch a cold...
• The route is simple, but walking shoes are recommended.
• The visit to the Médous caves lasts between 45 minutes and an hour.

An introduction to the underground universe

While waiting for my visit to begin, I can enjoy hot drinks or a soda. I also take the opportunity to admire this somewhat vintage reception hall. The atmosphere is rather calm and conducive to disconnecting. Explanatory panels give us an overview of the formation of the caves and their history.

From time to time, the hall hosts temporary exhibitions on themes related to speleology, geology or nature in general.

Photos are not allowed inside. However, I have been granted special permission to allow you to have a taste of the beauty of the place.

A green oasis before the adventure of the Médous caves

Before diving into the depths of the earth, we are invited to stroll through the lush park. It offers a pleasant and relaxing setting, ideal for relaxing and preparing for exploration.

The park is home to a variety of trees, plants and animals. The visit begins with the presentation of a giant chestnut tree 32 meters high and the resurgence basin discovered on August 8, 1948. Magnificent century-old trees provide shade.

Our guide explains the conditions for discovering the cave and takes us inside.

The Médous caves: the guided walking tour

I see beautiful concretions, small or large, thin or thick. I know that I will see beautiful things just by entering inside!

Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, fistulous… I have all the explanations necessary to understand, discover and rediscover the formation and development of these natural jewels. Imagination always works with concretions. A “Virgin and Child” is hidden among them… Will you be able to find her?

The further I go, the more I hear the water flowing energetically at the bottom. It's quite soothing. It's the Adour, of which I see a beautiful waterfall as I cross the footbridge.

Then I climb a staircase of about fifty steps. I discover new rooms.

The dry gallery

The light is subdued, it brings out the ochre and whitish colors of the concretions. We discover the first geological formations and we begin to familiarize ourselves with the world of caves.

The gallery of wonders

I enter the gallery of wonders where there are more concretions than in the other rooms. This is the heart of the Médous caves which bears its name very well: it is a marvel! There are even eccentrics , which you don't see in all the caves.

The guide gives us explanations about the different colors present : how they were formed and what they indicate. The ceiling is very high, we can make out Mont-Saint-Michel as well as… an elephant.

My imagination works well. I see the same thing as my comrades. I then walk on a huge column 20 meters in circumference and I discover that limestone is therefore non-slip!

This is followed by the discovery of petrified waterfalls, gours (pools), draperies... In short, a natural wonderland that I never tire of!

We pass some scree before arriving at the last room, the largest in the entire cave. We have covered 800 meters on foot, we still have 200 meters to go… By boat. And yes, in the Médous caves, the surprises follow one another and are not alike.

An end to the visit by boat for an unforgettable moment

We stand in front of the pier, nothing happens. We watch, we listen in order to hear the boat arrive. There is a certain suspense that rises and we are all on the lookout for the slightest noise. It is quite amusing ! It is again another world that I am going to discover, a new way of admiring the concretions.

Once on board, the "gondolier" shows us draperies, an exceptional decor that resembles what I saw on foot, but which does not have the same dimension from the water. The boat trip goes by very quickly. I could have stayed for hours on this ride that is both original and fantastic !

I had a lovely excursion to the Médous caves near Bagnères-de-Bigorre. It is a unique and unusual place that you absolutely must see during a stay in the Hautes-Pyrénées ! The originality is found in the boat trip that brings a bit of magic to the visit. It is a moment of escape for 45 minutes and you will not be disappointed!

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