The caves contain over 300 underground rooms, including chapels and bakeries used by refugees.
During WWI, Australian soldiers left graffiti on the cave walls that remains visible today.
The network was rediscovered in the late 19th century after having been forgotten and sealed for decades.
The limestone extracted from the site was primarily used to build local houses and religious structures in Naours.
The site served as a secret storage area for civilian belongings during the French Wars of Religion.
The Caves of Naours are a massive subterranean network located in the Somme department of Northern France, originally excavated as a limestone quarry during the Middle Ages. The site spans over 2 kilometers of galleries and tunnels carved up to 30 meters underground. During periods of conflict, the local population used these caverns as a refuge, known as a 'muche,' to escape invading armies. The walls feature thousands of historical inscriptions, some dating back to the 16th century, left by soldiers and visitors over the centuries. In the 20th century, the tunnels served as a tactical shelter for Allied troops during World War I and were occupied by German forces during World War II. The site is situated beneath the Parc de Naours, which includes an 18th-century windmill and a museum of local Picardy life. Visitors can explore the labyrinthine passages guided by interpretive displays detailing the defensive history of the region. The temperature inside the caves remains constant throughout the year, independent of external weather conditions.
The entrance to the primary gallery near the restored windmill.
Wear a warm jacket even in summer, as the underground temperature stays significantly cooler than the surface.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear to navigate the uneven limestone floors safely.
Budget extra time to explore the surface park and the traditional windmills surrounding the cave entrance.
Do not attempt to navigate the tunnel network without a map or designated guide, as it is easy to lose orientation.
The site is typically closed during the winter months; check for seasonal reopening schedules in the spring.
Do not touch the walls to preserve the historical graffiti; maintain a quiet voice to respect the acoustics of the tunnels.
