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thejohnsmith
Now I have visited a number of Caves in the US. All were reasonably easy to traverse without danger to the patrons with the walkways paved so as to be smooth enough for just about anyone to handle. However, these grottoes at this location in France did not have a paved walkway, the ground is uneven, with water flowing over them in many locations and otherwise slick surfaces. There were 2 tours one into the 1st grotto and followed by a tour into the second grotto. These are Not recommended for elderly folks nor anyone how has difficulty walking, easily turned ankles, etc. Unfortunately we were a group of 5 English Speakers and not a French Speaker among us so the tour was held in French and very little translation was done for us. While the caves had been quarried out over the past 500 years or so and subsequently filled as a result of water dripping and flowing into them over time leaving deposits of limestone. They have posted small items within the flow of the limestone water which deposits a few millimeters of stone covering the small items like a "rubber duckie", small figurines, and the like which they then "harvest" after about a year's time and then sell this schlock in the "gift store" between the 1st grotto tour and the 2nd grotto tour. The second grotto has stuffed animals that have been placed a distance away from the tour path, which over time have been covered with limestone deposits from the water dripping from the ceiling and can barely be seen much less photographed by the tourists. There in the 2nd grotto is a large room which has a number of dinosaur figures none of which either inhabited the region, much less those caves. When you come upon them, it looks very much like a bad Sci-fi Horror movie set. When asked why these dinos were down there, we were told it was make the tour a bit more exciting for the kids. Oh Really. If you look at the pictures below you will barely be able to see the stuffed animals which were set there to be covered with limestone about 15 years ago if I recall the time frame correctly. There is a room with a Bar and bottles of wine available for tasting at the furthest reaches of the 2nd cavern tour. There is also a room just beyond which had been roped off, with tables and chairs which is used for New Years Eve parties and the like. It was very humid down there as you can imagine plus if you go you need to be sure to wear a sweater, sweatshirt or jacket as it is about 50F down there. The lighting is very limited, which they turn on as they go and off as they leave the various rooms. Take your flashlight so that you can properly illuminate your pathway especially for those with difficulty walking. Oh and watch your head. The ceiling is very low in many places and if you are over 5'8" you are going to brain yourself. No problem is you are not quite tall. While the website makes these grottoes seem extremely user friendly, well lighted and interesting, in the long run the attraction is not up to it's billing. I would not have wasted my time had I known what a schlocky attraction this is having seen caverns located in the US in different States and all much better cared for and more user friendly. We were not told to not touch the stalactites and stalagmites which elsewhere are protected from the public because touching them can cause them to "die" and stop their growth. This did not seem to worry the management much less the tour guides so it was not even covered.
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Fibenton
These caves have been used to quarry limestone from the middle ages - lots of the Chateauz in the are are made from rock form these caves!The caves are now used for petrification of objects. To my eye it all seemed to be messing about with a culturally significant site but hey, they had been doing if for hundreds of years so that makes it European History and worth preserving right? Having said that i hypocritical bought a couple of petrified artifacts! Well worth the money - fascinating and cool!
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joco1964
A one hour worthwhile tour. Do use good sturdy shoes with a good grip as the floor is very slippery. There are a couple of slopes which are very arduous and not recommended for the elderly. The guide was knowledgeable and the tour can be conducted in English providing there are enough English speakers. Within a French group you will get a shorten version of explanation on a brochure. Early morning is the best time to visit, 10.00 opening time, you might benefit from a private visit as I did. There are discount in most places for people with disabilities with proof.I found the artifacts for sale a bit expensive.
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Isa_J_L
We came upon these caves as we were cycling our way from castles to castles, and decided to take a chance and go on the 1h guided tour. As it turns out, it was well worth it! Had I known beforehand what was awaiting in these caves, I wouldn't have hesitated so much before signing up for the tour (tours leave every half hour). The petrification process is really interesting to see, and our tour guide did a really good job of explaining the history of the caves. The wine tasting at the end also was a nice surprise! So if you find yourself in Savonnières on your way to Villandy Castle, make sure to stop at these caves and why not bring home a piece of petrified art work!
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915jasonm
Bit overpriced really at about 25 euros for a family of four. The caves themselves are small, and are full of items that the owners are in the process of calcifying, everything from smurfs to dolls and vegetables! It spoilt it somewhat. The tour (of the two main caverns) is split halfway though when you go back outside and are marched into a store to view the previously calcified items, which even if they are your thing are overpriced, before you go into the second cavern.Not hugely impressed really, seen many better caves for a lot less. My 8 year old loved it though.
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Creme-Bun
We have visited the caves several times - mostly on hot days! Make sure you take a jumper as it can feel very cold in them, especially when it is very hot outside (the caves stay at the same cool temperature all year round) ! Also make sure you wear sensible shoes as the path can be slippy. These caves have a fascinating history (for example, the Resistance used them as a base during WW2). There is also allegedly a secret tunnel to the nearby Villandry, but where they think it was, it has collapsed so is unsafe for excavation to prove or disprove the myth. You cannot wander round by yourself but have to wait for a group to form (or another group to finish!) and they show you round. The talk is in French but you are given an English translation to read. Basically, there are two caves that have been formed by water wearing away the limestone. This limestone is "dissolved" into the water, settling out to form very impressive stalactites and stalagmites - even stone waterfalls! You can try the water - it is VERY cold! There are model dinosaurs dotted around - they are not from the area, but were alive when the limestone was laid down millions of years ago. You can see items being petrified (and can buy them from the shop - not your normal keepsake!). There is also the obligatory wine tasting! It is NOT suitable for people if they are not sure of their footing as the floor is not smooth and can be slippy, or for pushchairs - and it is a long way to walk if you are carrying a toddler!All in all, it is perfect for days that are too hot, too cold, too "grey" or rainy!
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Callum_Mac88
Definitely an interesting little stop off if you're in the area, a guided tour around some relatively recent underground caves that are now used to petrify objects in limestone (?) The tour guide is French and speaks little English which was a shame as on this particular visit all tourists were more comfortable in English. Luckily I was visiting with a local friend who translated the majority of info for the benefit of the group. In all fairness to the guide toward the end she tried her hardest to explain some things in English and her effort should be commended. Interesting cave system, a little slippery in places so if you have a balance problem do be aware of this, the dinosaurs were a bit random but actually were a really fun addition!
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rolandpacteau
An interesting cave complex with limestone deposits used to "petrify" articles placed under the dripping cave walls. An excelllent commentary ( in French only - no English). Worth a quick visit.
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WhiteShirt76
Certainly an odd attraction but thoroughly enjoyable! You are taken on a tour of 2 caves and given a talk on the history of the caves, the use of the material quarried from the caves and given geological pointers. The tour is in French but you have an English written version to help you along - our guide was happy to offer an English summary at certain points.As with previous reviews we found the ornaments moulded in the cave very kitsch (but interesting) and the dinosaurs were a baffling part of the tour. However it was a fascinating way to spend a couple of hours!
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hhsol
stalactite cave, with other stuff like wine and dinosaurs. nice.
