Regulus Caves Unusual guided tour near Royan

Located 12 km from Royan, the Grottes du Régulus, a municipal troglodytic site, will be open to the public from spring 2025.

Overlooking the Gironde estuary and carved into limestone cliffs, the "holes" of Meschers welcome you to an exceptional setting. Originally natural, the caves of Meschers were enlarged by man to become a troglodytic dwelling in the 19th century.

In 2022, the municipality decided to undertake major safety and restoration work on the caves. That same year, the site was enhanced with a new museum display.

The name Régulus comes from a French ship which, under Napoleon, was scuttled off Meschers while being pursued by the English. Themes covered during the visit include: the site's role as a refuge for Protestants during the Wars of Religion, geology, the estuary, fishing, 19th-century tourism, fishing huts on pontoons, the history of the Régulus, the legend of Cadet the wrecker, and troglodytic dwellings.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening dates

• Opening 2025: from April 5 to November 11, 7 days a week from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm (from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm in July and August).

Prices

• €8.70/adult (16 years and over), €6.10/child (6-15 years)
• Please contact us for group bookings.

Animations

1. The Night : meet the most famous troglodytes in the flesh! Every Tuesday evening in July-August (by reservation).
2. The Snail Rally for groups of children aged 3-12. Learn while having fun! (reservation required).
3. Minidik the Little Shrimp's Scavenger Hunts ! Scavenger hunts for adults and children, available at reception. Many prizes to be won in a prize draw at the end of the year!
4. Strolls from 9pm every Thursday evening in July/August. A self-guided walk for a special moment at sunset. Ideal for families. No reservation required.
5. Participation in the European Heritage Days in September. No reservation required.

Services

• Touchscreen tablets available for deaf and hard-of-hearing people
• Souvenir shop
• Cash, Cheques, ANCV, Credit Card.
• Dogs kept on leashes