
Naours Caves
Step into a medieval underground city and discover a unique historical record etched by WWI soldiers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cool escape on hot days

Naours Caves
Best Time
Cool escape on hot days

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a medieval underground city and discover a unique historical record etched by WWI soldiers.
"A great family afternoon out, really interesting and kept our 5 year old entertained!"

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking for about an hour through tunnels and stairs. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The caves maintain a cool temperature year-round, around 13°C (55°F). :cloud:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Underground City
Main Tunnel Network
Explore over 300 rooms carved into chalk rock, once a refuge during medieval wars.

WWI Soldier Inscriptions
Designated Tunnel Sections
Discover the poignant graffiti left by soldiers, a unique historical record.

Underground Chapel and Stables
Specific Chambers
See the ingenious design of the caves, including spaces for worship and livestock.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Underground
Self-Guided Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking for about an hour through tunnels and stairs. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The caves maintain a cool temperature year-round, around 13°C (55°F). :cloud:
🎧 Get the Audio Guide
Essential for understanding the history and soldier inscriptions. Available in multiple languages. :headphones:
👨👩👧👦 Great for Families
Kids (even young ones) stay entertained by the self-guided tour and unique environment. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking for about an hour through tunnels and stairs. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The caves maintain a cool temperature year-round, around 13°C (55°F). :cloud:
🎧 Get the Audio Guide
Essential for understanding the history and soldier inscriptions. Available in multiple languages. :headphones:
👨👩👧👦 Great for Families
Kids (even young ones) stay entertained by the self-guided tour and unique environment. :child:
⏳ Allow About 1 Hour
The self-guided tour covers the main areas and takes approximately 60 minutes. :hourglass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Naours Caves for its fascinating history, particularly the medieval refuge aspect and the poignant WWI soldier inscriptions. The self-guided tour with audio guide is highlighted as excellent for all ages, making it a great family activity. The cool temperature makes it an ideal escape on hot days, though some may find the historical context a bit somber.
"Visiting the underground tunnels of Naours is like stepping into a forgotten world beneath the surface of northern France. Carved out in the Middle Ages, this remarkable network of galleries served as a refuge for local populations during times of war and unrest—but surprisingly, not during the more recent global conflicts of the 20th century.
The underground city is vast, with over 300 rooms spread across nearly 2 kilometers of tunnels. As you walk through the dimly lit passageways, it’s easy to imagine the lives of those who once sought shelter here during raids and invasions centuries ago. The ingenuity of these early engineers is impressive: the tunnels include chapels, stables, wells, and ventilation shafts—an entire hidden village carved into the chalky rock.
Despite its strategic depth and size, the site was not used as a shelter during World War I or World War II. In fact, during WWI, the site became more of a curiosity than a refuge—thousands of soldiers, particularly from Australia and other parts of the British Commonwealth, visited and left their names etched into the walls, creating an extraordinary collection of graffiti that still exists today.
The visitor experience is both educational and atmospheric. Information panels and guided tours provide context about the origins of the tunnels, how they were used, and why they eventually fell out of use as a place of refuge. The story of the soldiers’ inscriptions adds a touching, human dimension to the historical narrative.
Overall, the Naours underground city is a hidden gem that offers a unique perspective on medieval life, wartime memory, and how spaces can evolve in meaning over centuries. It’s a must-see for history lovers and curious travelers alike."
Brian De Coster
"We came here on a rainy day, as something to do with the kids out of the rain. It was a great afternoon out.
We all (age 5-adult) enjoyed the self guided tour, using individual audio handsets. It was really interesting and kept our 5 year old entertained for well over an hour.
We didn't visit any other parts of the site (I believe there was also mini golf and tree climbing as well as listened bar).
This was a really great family afternoon out."
esther ralph
"Full of history, great self guided tour and to have audio guide in many languages and that you can move at own pace around. Information about WW1/2 soldiers who visited the caves and left their marks is worth a visit on its own, great display and the soldiers treated with respect."
Martyn Dickson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Naours Caves are located near the village of Naours in northern France. Driving is the most convenient way to reach them, with parking available on-site. Public transport options are limited, so check local bus schedules if you're not driving.
Yes, there is parking available at the Naours Caves site, making it easy for visitors arriving by car. :car:
Public transport to Naours Caves can be challenging. It's best to check regional bus routes or consider a taxi from the nearest town if you are relying on public transport. :bus:
The most straightforward way to travel from Amiens to Naours Caves is by car, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes. If you don't have a car, you might need to combine train and bus services or arrange a private transfer. :car:
Absolutely! Naours Caves make for an excellent day trip, especially from nearby cities like Amiens. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the caves and then return.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but typically an adult ticket is around 11 euros, as of October 2024. Family tickets or discounts for children and students may be available. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current pricing. :euro:
While advance booking might not always be strictly necessary, it's recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or if you're visiting with a group. This can help you secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment. :ticket:
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Generally, the caves are open during daylight hours, but it's crucial to check the official Naours Caves website for the most up-to-date information on their operating schedule before your visit. :clock:
Naours Caves offer a self-guided tour experience with the option of an audio guide. The audio guide is highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the site's history. :microphone:
Due to the nature of the underground tunnels, which include stairs and uneven surfaces, Naours Caves may not be fully accessible with strollers. It's best to contact the site directly for specific accessibility information. :wheelchair:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The self-guided tour of Naours Caves typically takes about 1 hour to complete. This allows ample time to explore the 300 rooms and listen to the audio guide. :stopwatch:
Yes, the temperature inside Naours Caves remains consistently cool year-round, around 13°C (55°F). It's advisable to wear a light jacket or sweater, even during the summer months. :snowflake:
Naours Caves were carved in the Middle Ages as a refuge for local populations during times of war. They contain chapels, stables, and wells. Interestingly, they were not used as shelters during WWI or WWII, but became a site for soldiers to leave their marks. :scroll:
During World War I, soldiers, particularly from Australia and the British Commonwealth, visited the caves and etched their names and messages into the walls. This creates a unique and touching historical record of their presence. :writing_hand:
The Naours Caves site may offer additional activities such as mini-golf and tree climbing, though these are separate from the cave tour itself. It's worth checking their website for current offerings. :park_park:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly inside the caves. However, the site may have a snack bar or a small eatery where you can grab a bite or enjoy a drink after your tour. :coffee:
While specific policies can vary, it's generally best to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas, if available, rather than within the historical cave structures. :apple:
The village of Naours and surrounding areas will have local bistros and restaurants offering French cuisine. For a wider selection, you might need to travel back towards larger towns like Amiens. :forkandknife:
Some reviews mention the availability of a snack bar where you can have a snack and a beer, suggesting a small refreshment area is present. :beer:
Typically, snack bars at attractions offer light refreshments, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages. It's a good place for a quick bite rather than a full meal. :sandwich:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Naours Caves, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash, as it can detract from the atmosphere and potentially damage delicate surfaces over time. :camerawithflash:
The dimly lit tunnels themselves offer a unique, atmospheric backdrop. The WWI soldier inscriptions are particularly photogenic and poignant. Look for interesting rock formations and the architectural elements of the underground city. :camera:
Given the low light conditions, you'll likely need to use a higher ISO, a wider aperture, and potentially a slower shutter speed. A tripod can be very helpful if allowed, but be prepared to shoot handheld. :iso_400:
Drone usage is typically prohibited at historical sites and enclosed spaces like caves due to safety and preservation concerns. Always check the official site's policy before attempting to fly a drone. :drone:
Video recording is usually permitted, similar to photography. Again, be considerate of others and avoid disruptive filming. The audio guide commentary might also be interesting to capture. :movie_camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 History Buffs & Curious Travelers
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Naours Caves: From Refuge to Record
What's fascinating is that despite their strategic design and size, the caves were not utilized as shelters during the World Wars of the 20th century. Instead, they evolved into a unique historical archive. During World War I, soldiers, particularly from Australia and other Commonwealth nations, discovered the caves and left their indelible marks. This resulted in an extraordinary collection of graffiti, names, and messages etched into the walls, transforming the site from a medieval sanctuary into a poignant memorial to soldiers' experiences.
Today, visiting Naours Caves offers a dual perspective: understanding the practicalities of medieval life and wartime survival, and reflecting on the personal stories left behind by soldiers over a century ago. The self-guided tour with audio commentary effectively brings these narratives to life, making it a deeply engaging historical experience for visitors.
Navigating the Underground: What to Expect
Be prepared for a walk of approximately one hour. The terrain involves walking on uneven surfaces and navigating stairs, so comfortable footwear is essential. The temperature inside the caves remains consistently cool, around 13°C (55°F), year-round. Therefore, even on a warm day, bringing a light jacket or sweater is advisable to ensure a comfortable visit. The dimly lit atmosphere adds to the mystique, making it feel like a genuine journey back in time.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit