Le camping Royan Océan Vacances invites you to discover the Matata caves in Charente-Maritime. Located 6.2 km from the family campsite, the Matata caves are located in the commune of Meschers-sur-Gironde. They are carved into the heart of the limestone cliffs. It's a unique troglodyte lookout point overlooking the Gironde estuary that you absolutely must visit during your stay!
What are the Matata caves?
10 km from Royan, in the Charente Maritime region, you will find the Matata caves. These are natural holes, the result of the usual dissolution phenomena in limestone, and are a must-see when you're out and about. romantic weekend in Royan.
Expanded over the centuries by man, they have been home to a number of prehistoric ancestors, During the Wars of Religion, it was a meeting place for the poor, the Saracens and the Protestants, who gathered here to worship. Tradition has also made it a haunt for pirates and shipwreck robbers.
It wasn't until XIXth century that they have become private homes. Today, they are 10 caves converted into museums that retrace the past of the cliffs and their occupants. Balconies in front of the Matata caves offer breathtaking views over the whole estuary, from the Cordouan lighthouse to the Pointe de Grave. If you'd like to continue your exploration on the ocean side, you'll find that there are boat trips near Royan are also available.
The legend of Matata
In 1588, Henri 1er of Bourbon-Condé, The owner of Château Bardon in Meschers, died suddenly. There was talk of poisoning and all eyes were on his wife, Charlotte de la Trémoille who was imprisoned for six years.
Legend has it that she had an accomplice, a man called Permilhac de Belcastel. Rumour had it that they were lovers. Permilhac had to go underground to escape from prison and found refuge in these caves.
So he stayed out of sight for a long time, alone with the surf and the cries of the seagulls, wandering in the caves. The locals thought he was mad. One day, a curious man asked him his name and he replied: matuta, morning... This word, misunderstood, was then transformed into «...".« Matata »and gave the name« Matata caves». Panic-stricken, the inhabitants buried him alive.
The ecomuseum
Until 1995, the site was home to a gourmet restaurant. Since then, an ecomuseum has been set up to take you back in time: a exhibition space «on a human scale local heritage and the nature of the Gironde estuary. In one of the 10 Matata caves, A reconstruction of a 19th-century dwelling will plunge you into troglodyte life at the time.
Some of the caves are used by Matata Caves Hotel. Its rooms offer breathtaking views of the river. Another part is used by the Grottes de Matata creperie.
The aquarium will introduce you to the fossilised riches of the seabed. You'll learn all about the famous sturgeon that used to frequent the waters of the estuary, and which was once hunted for its caviar.
Prices, opening times and practical information
Before scheduling your visit to Matata caves, Here's some useful information you need to know.
Timetable
- From 1 April to 30 September: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- From 1 October to 5 November: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Rates
- Children under 5 : free of charge
- Children aged 5 to 15: €4.90
- Adults: €6.50
- Groups of more than 10 people: €5.90 / adult and €4.30 / child.
Practical info
Here is some additional information:
- The ecomuseum is free to visit, but is inaccessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs (bring a baby carrier).
- Access is via the boulevard de la falaise de Meschers.
- Each visit lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Dogs on a lead are welcome.