Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay stuck in the cave?
No, La Verna is one of the widest caves in the world and we reach the chamber using a tunnel with no low-roof or narrow passage. The river flood is not a hazard, the waterfall will only be more beautiful!
What should I wear in La Verna?
Warm clothes! La Verna is much colder than most caves. The temperature there is between 5 and 6°C all year round. That's the temperature of a refrigerator! The thermal shock can be striking in summer. So make sure you cover your feet (closed shoes), legs (long trousers), arms and torso (fleece). Some visitors like to wear gloves, especially on Exploration tours and Caving Adventures.
What to do if I missed the shuttle bus / the tour departure?
First, you should call the reception desk the earlier you can (+33 (0)6 37 88 29 05). We will try our best to find a solution, but with no guarantee, since it might cause trouble for the other visitors. As the case may be, your booking will be lost : it is best to plan visit with enough time !
Can I take photos or videos?
Yes. You are allowed to take as many photographs as you like and to publish tem on social networks if you want. Nonetheless, the visit will not be overly slowed down for the photos.
Can dogs enter the cave?
For their safety pet animals are not allowed inside the cave.
Can children under 5 years old visit the cave?
No. For safety reasons, the minimum age to enter the cave is 5 years old.
Can I go to the cave with my car?
For some of the tours, the access is exceptionally open to private vehicles. Only small cars are permitted (motorcycles, utility vehicles and campervans are not permitted). Visitors are encouraged to carpool to limit the number of cars going up.
All vehicles must follow the shuttle bus or the guide's car (both going up to and down from the visit). The road is 7 km long, with 4 km on a mountain concrete road.
All vehicles must follow the shuttle bus or the guide's car (both going up to and down from the visit). The road is 7 km long, with 4 km on a mountain concrete road.
Is the parking lot adapted to campervans?
Yes, but you can only use it for the duration of the tour, since the number of parking spots is limited.
Are all the tours with a guide?
Yes. We can not afford to lose visitors in this huge cave. Only licence-owning cavers can enter the cave under their sole responsibility (see the procedure to follow on this page).
Is there a picnic area? And a fast food restaurant?
Yes. At the reception, you can sit on the grass or under the roofed terrace using the picnic tables. Visitors who choose to hike up to the cave (access by foot) will also find roofed picnic tables at the cave entrance. If you need sandwiches, you can order them at one of the two restaurants close by.
Can I buy coffee and cool drinks?
Yes. You can buy coffee and cool drinks at the reception of La Verna.
Can we come without booking first?
No. Booking is required to guarantee a place in the tour. Surely enough, luck exists and there may be tickets available even if you decide to come at the last minute. But don't count on it too much and rather book a tour !
Can we buy souvenirs?
Yes, you will find a variety of items at our giftshop (books, minerals and other souvenirs).
Do you have audio guides for foreign visitors?
Yes, download it to your phone in Spanish and English on this page
How long does take to go to the reception of La Verna from : Pau? Bayonne? Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port? Oloron? Capbreton? Laruns?
If the traffic is normal, with no congestion, you may need :
- 1h30 from Pau
- 2h from Bayonne
- 1h30 from Saint Jean-Pied de Port
- 50 min from Oloron
- 2h from Capbreton
- 1h30 from Laruns
Note that the itinerary includes narrow and windind roads, in particular towards the end.
