The Régulus caves
In Meschers-sur-Gironde, the Régulus caves form an exceptional site not to be missed during an stay in Charente-Maritime. These strange cavities in the cliffs, known colloquially as the «holes of Meschers», are of natural origin. But they have been exploited and transformed by humans throughout history. In the 19the In the 19th century, they were used as troglodytic dwellings. The caves were enlarged and passages built into the cliffs early in history. It is known that they were used as a refuge by Protestants during the Wars of Religion. They take their name from a ship that was voluntarily scuttled in 1814 by French troops so as not to be surrendered to the English, during a gruelling battle on the coast of Brittany. Gironde estuary. The Régulus caves are now municipal. If you visit them during your holiday in our Royan campsite, The caves have a dual interest: historical and aesthetic. The setting of the caves, with their luminous limestone cliffs overlooking the water and the carrelets, is simply breathtaking.
Useful information for visiting the Meschers caves
The site is open to the public every day from early April to mid-November. Guided tours are offered, with three to six departures in low and mid season, and every 30 minutes from 10.30am to 6.30pm in July and August. Guided tours last around 45 minutes. The tour covers the geological history of the cliffs, the recent history of the caves and the legends associated with them. Admission is €8.50 for adults and €6.00 for children aged 6 to 15. There are plenty of activities and fun tours on offer for visitors of all ages. Régulus caves, In the summer, there are night-time events every Tuesday evening, a treasure hunt for children, and night-time walks every Thursday evening in the summer, when you can simply stroll around the site to enjoy the sunset. Our campsite in Saint Georges de Didonne is about a 10-minute drive from the caves.
Do you love unusual geological sites? Visit the Matata caves, a place steeped in history not far from here.