In the south of France, you can go on an underground adventure at a depth of 60 meters. You will find the Rivière Souterraine de Labouïche 6 kilometers from Foix.

A river flows in the Ariège that has been hidden deep beneath the rugged mountains of the Pyrenees for thousands of years: the Labouïche. It is the longest navigable underground river in Europe.

The visit is an ‘incontournable‘ for those with an inner Indiana Jones. You descend more than 200 steps to the quay, where the water flows at a depth of 60 meters. There, you board a small boat that takes you through a system of caves and galleries. The only thing you can hear is the dripping of water and the soft lapping against the bow.

The visit lasts approximately 50 minutes, during which you sail over 1.5 km of the river. In high season, it is advisable to book well in advance. Please note that the underground temperature is always 13°C.

More information and reservations: https://www.labouiche.com/

Viewing tip (also good for practicing your French listening skills): the video on YouTube about a visit to the river.

Photo: Tylwyth Eldar