Photo : Babobibobu 1 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Grotte des Demoiselles
The Grotte des Demoiselles opens on the Thaurac plateau, in the commune of Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois, in the Hérault, at an altitude of about 370 metres. In this limestone cavity, the temperature stays constant, around 14 °C, whatever the season outside.
The first documented exploration dates from 1780, led by Benoît-Joseph Marsollier, and the speleologist Édouard-Alfred Martel in turn made a major exploration there in 1889. The first developments allowed the cave to open to the public from 1931. A local legend tells that a shepherd, who went down to fetch a lamb that had fallen into the chasm, saw young ladies dancing there before climbing back up with his animal.
The cave stands out for its funicular access, which spares any approach walk: you thus descend towards the great hall called the Cathedral, whose vault and calcite pillars give the impression of a religious building. You can admire in particular a concretion shaped like a Virgin and Child, set on a pedestal of white calcite. The site is close to the Cirque de Navacelle; remember to check the official website before you come.
