Cité Souterraine
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Naours Caves

4.5
·3k reviews·Naours, France

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Any day, midday

Cool escape on hot days

CrowdMedium
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Cité Souterraine

Naours Caves

Best Time

Any day, midday

Cool escape on hot days

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(3k reviews)

"A great family afternoon out, really interesting and kept our 5 year old entertained!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Underground City

Medieval Underground City

Main Tunnel Network

Explore over 300 rooms carved into chalk rock, once a refuge during medieval wars.

WWI Soldier Inscriptions

WWI Soldier Inscriptions

Designated Tunnel Sections

Discover the poignant graffiti left by soldiers, a unique historical record.

Underground Chapel and Stables

Underground Chapel and Stables

Specific Chambers

See the ingenious design of the caves, including spaces for worship and livestock.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Underground

Naours Caves are a vast network of medieval tunnels. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking for about an hour. The temperature is cool year-round, so a light jacket is recommended, even in summer.

Self-Guided Exploration

Audio guides are available in multiple languages and are highly recommended for understanding the rich history of these underground shelters and the soldiers' inscriptions. Plan for about an hour to explore the 300 rooms.

Best Times

When
Any day, midday
Why
Cool escape on hot days
Crowd
Medium
When
Rainy days
Why
Perfect indoor family fun
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Esplorazione di caverne abbandonate 😳 #caverne #esplora #maredelnord #pauroso
@oceanomisterioso
184.2K likes • 9.2M views

👟 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:

Mother Shipton predictions as promised #propheticword #prediction #mothershipton #hiddenhistory
@holikela2
101.9K likes • 932.4K views
Prêt.e à relever le défi ? 😉🌳 Réservation au 03 22 93 71 78 📞 #citesouterrainedenaours #somme #naours #thesomme #visite #voyage #france #picardie #souterrain #underground #caves #explorer #explore #insolite #histoire #famille #loisirs #nature #tourisme #accrobranche #minigolf #moulin # windmill #souvenir #defi #challenge
citesouterrainedenaours
68 likes • 1K views

🎧 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:

. 👉🏻 Découverte de la @citesouterrainedenaours . ⛏️ 🗝️ À la recherche d'une escapade près de chez moi (17km d'Amiens), j'ai découvert un trésor caché juste à quelques pas ! La Cité Souterraine de Naours est tout simplement fascinante pour les amateurs d'aventure et d'Histoire, comme moi ! 🏰 Imaginez-vous explorer des galeries souterraines qui ont abrité nos ancêtres, leur offrant refuge et sécu...
la_petite_amienoise
453 likes • 10K views

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

4.5
(3k reviews)

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

Fascinating history
WWI soldier inscriptions
Great family activity

What People Dislike

Can be somber

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

Naours Caves are a fantastic option for a family outing, especially on a rainy or hot day. The self-guided tour with an audio guide keeps children engaged for the full hour, making history accessible and fun. Even younger children (around age 5) can enjoy the experience, as the tunnels aren't excessively narrow and the audio guide provides interesting tidbits. Remember to bring a light jacket for everyone, as the caves are cool year-round, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for the walking involved. :family_fest:

🚶 History Buffs & Curious Travelers

For those fascinated by history, Naours Caves offer a unique glimpse into medieval life and a poignant connection to WWI. The extensive underground network and the stories of its use as a refuge are compelling. The WWI soldier inscriptions provide a deeply personal and moving layer to the visit, offering a tangible link to the past. The audio guide is crucial for a comprehensive understanding, so make sure to utilize it to its fullest. :scroll:

💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors

With an admission price of around 11 euros for adults, Naours Caves offer excellent value for a unique historical experience. The self-guided tour with an audio guide means you're not paying for a separate guided tour, allowing you to control your budget and time. It's a great way to spend a few hours without breaking the bank, especially when combined with packing your own snacks or enjoying a simple meal nearby. :moneybag:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Naours Caves: From Refuge to Record

The Naours Caves are a testament to human ingenuity and resilience, with a history stretching back to the Middle Ages. Carved into the chalky soil, this extensive network of over 300 rooms and nearly 2 kilometers of tunnels was primarily constructed as a refuge for local populations during periods of conflict and invasion. Imagine an entire hidden village beneath the surface, complete with chapels, stables, and wells, offering sanctuary from the dangers above.

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

Exploring the Naours Caves is an adventure into a subterranean world. The experience is primarily self-guided, allowing you to move at your own pace through the extensive network of tunnels and rooms. To truly appreciate the historical significance, the audio guide is highly recommended. Available in multiple languages, it provides detailed context about the caves' construction, their medieval use as a refuge, and the stories behind the WWI soldier inscriptions.

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.

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