the essential
The Labouiche underground river, located in Baulou, near Foix, is open for the first time during these end-of-year celebrations. Reporting
“For the first time in its history”, as it is indicated on its website, the Labouiche underground river is open for the end of year celebrations. Usually, it remains closed from mid-November to the end of March. The operators of the cave, located in Baulou, have decided to offer visits for Christmas 2024 and the February 2025 holidays. “This is a test phase. We will then do a debrief to analyze the data,” explains Hugo Delpech, executive assistant.
If at the start of the experiment, the influx of visitors “started timidly, we had quite a few people on December 25 and 31. We had to turn people away,” announces the employee. This is also the case on the first of 2025.
“I don’t think we could have come at any other time.”
Fortunately for them, Cathy and Stéphane were able to take advantage of the boat trip 60 m underground, to discover stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and other types of concretions. The couple came specially from Toulouse to visit the cave. “We were looking for an original activity for January 1st. We saw on the river's website that it was open, it made for an original walk. Plus, the weather is nice, we take advantage of it because the visit doesn't last long “, he says.
The opening slot during the holidays suits them well. “It was the opportunity. I don’t think we could have come at another time,” adds Stéphane.
As for the visit, the two lovers are delighted. “The guide is great, very explicit. It discusses the subjects fluidly without it being too much information. And it also establishes moments of silence so that we can enjoy the moment.”
The two Toulouse residents had “Spaniards and Moldovans” as boat companions. For this test opening, foreigners are there, as Hugo Delpech notes: “We have a lot of French as usual, but also a lot of Spaniards. This morning, Maltese visited the site but this nationality is quite rare.
Entrance target surely achieved
The management team of the classified site had counted on the presence of tourists in Ariège during the Christmas period, particularly powder enthusiasts. Communication has been put in place to promote this exceptional opening. “In the end, it had an impact.”
Indeed, the targeted number of entries should “generally” be reached. And especially since if the cave closes this Friday, it will still welcome the public on January 4 and 5. Before sleeping until the February holidays.
In addition to these good figures, visiting in winter allows you to discover the site differently. “When we think of a cave, we think of coolness in summer. So, it’s quite nice to show people that in winter, you can warm up in the cave which displays a stable temperature of 13°C,” notes the employee.
