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Meschers-sur-Gironde

Les Grottes de Matata

Address

67 boulevard de la Falaise
17132 Meschers-sur-Gironde

How do I get there?

About

The Caves of Matata are located on two floors on the side of the cliff. The museum housed in ten caves invites you to go back in time through a reconstruction of the troglodyte habitat from prehistory to the present day.

Prehistoric men probably found in these caves a refuge against ferocious beasts. In addition, several living conditions were met there: sources of drinking water, fish that could be caught in the rich waters of the estuary...

You will also discover the fossilized richness of the Cretaceous seabed: rudists, ammonites, nautiluses, sea urchins, corals, oysters...

In aquariums, you can observe some species of fish frequenting the waters of the estuary, among others, the famous caviar producer: the sturgeon...

In one of the caves, you will discover the reconstruction of a typical Saintonge habitat of the 19th century: bed, kitchen utensils, collection of old regional earthenware, traditional costumes, headdresses and dressers.

The lives of the poor people who occupied the caves improved considerably with the arrival of tourists who indulged in the brand new fashion of “Sea Baths”. Indeed, the constant temperature, the brightness, the breathtaking view of the estuary, as well as the microclimate of the south-facing terraces made it a place for walking. We then saw the appearance of refreshment bars, guinguettes, restaurants, the best known and most popular of which was that of the Grottes de Matata.

An interior staircase gives access to a lower cavity, that known as the “Lovers”. You will be surprised by the wild character of the place. Half open the secret door carved into the rock wall; it is here that according to legend, Charlotte de La Trémoille, Princess of Condé, came to hide her unfaithful love with her young page, Permilhac de Belcastel...

A reconstruction of the troglodyte habitat and a unique point of view make the caves a real tourist and cultural interest.

Duration of the visit: 45 min.

We speak: English, Spanish

Location details

  • Panoramic view
  • Troglodyte site

Opening

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Opening hours from April 01 to September 30, 2024
Monday Open
Tuesday Open
Wednesday Open
Thursday Open
Friday Open
Saturday Open
Sunday Open
Open from 9 a.m. to 19 p.m.
Opening hours from October 01 to November 03, 2024
Monday Open
Tuesday Open
Wednesday Open
Thursday Open
Friday Open
Saturday Open
Sunday Open
Open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 14 p.m. to 18 p.m.

Prices

Prices Min. Max.
Adult
6.5 € -
Kids
4.9 € -

Free for less than 5 years.

Payment method

  • Cheque
  • Bank / credit card
  • Cash
  • Contactless payment

Services

Equipments

  • Restaurant
  • Bar

Services

  • Shop

Activities on site

  • Recreational leisure
  • Tourist cave / Other developed natural sites

Home animals

Pets are not accepted.

Accessibility

  • Adapted services for hearing loss
  • Adapted benefits for mental impairment

Linked offers

On site

Crêperie des Grottes de Matata

Online availabilities

Hôtel Grottes de Matata

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