Les Grottes de Betharram, France

When you are vacationing in the south west of France and find yourself pondering what to do on a rainy day you won't go wrong choosing to visit these wonderful caves.  They are situated 15 km from Lourdes and 23 km from Pau.  

These grottos are vast, the photos here don't do them justice.  They boast a large variety of formations, and also they were the first caves in the world to have electric lighting installed.  However, they only switch the lights on during visits and flash photography is not encouraged as  this can cause photosynthesis which could result in the growth of lichens.  

There are, I think, 6 levels - only the top level is accessible by wheelchair - but if you are feeling really adventurous you can travel in a boat along the underground river.  

I must thank Erick for these photos - the caves are so immense, his sister kindly pushed me around in a wheelchair while Erick took charge of my camera.