Caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya A major prehistoric site in the Basque Country

Unique caves in the Basque Country listed as HISTORICAL MONUMENTS . Sites & Museums in the Basque Country - ISCA - IFRAO - FFTS - CARP: European Cultural Routes.

*30 minutes from BIARRITZ and 1 hour from Pau, between Lascaux and Altamira.

Discovery of an emblematic prehistoric site, living memory of our Humanity.

A GUIDED TOUR for 2 CAVES :

• "ISTURITZ" - a reference for the history of Man, decorated cave of the Pyrenees-Cantabrian chain.
• OXOCELHAYA » - a sanctuary, a mineral jewel, a vast cathedral of time rich in concretions.

Panoramic view of the “preserved VALLEY of ARBEROUE”.
Two ** stars in the MICHELIN Green Guide.
1 hour guided tours .
Reservation strongly recommended, refer to our website.

Themed visits:

• Sound tour : sound and sensory experience in 4 emblematic rooms of the cave (from 12 years old) 20 people maximum, last visit on Sundays.
• Art & Prehistory conference tour : with a prehistorian for 1.5 hours (from 15 years old) 15 people maximum.
• Photo tour : take your photos with a tripod and your equipment, for 1.5 hours in the cave (5 to 8 people maximum).
• VIP Premium Tour : a special and private tour.

For all information and prices: contact us.

CULTURAL SPACES - Workshops and conferences: refer to the website.

• Access to the Museum Space is free.
• “Nature and Prehistory” Shop - Drinks.
• Hiking : Emilie trail - Ossau Iraty Cheese Route.
• July/August : local snacks.
• Access : A 64 exit 3 or 4 – Michelin map 234.
• Open from March 15 to November 15 - 7 days a week.
• School holidays and public holidays : 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (last visit) + Cro-Mignons visit on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4:30 p.m.
• Cro-Mignon July/August Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4:40 p.m.

FAMILY TICKET PARENTS + 3 CHILDREN (paying) visit + access to the museum; €37

Pets are not allowed inside the Caves.

Hours of operation :

• March - April - May - October – November : Visits every day from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (last visit)
• School holidays and public holidays : 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (last visit).
• June – September : Tours every day at 10am & 11am and 2pm to 5pm (last tour).
• July – August : Visits every day from 10am to 6pm (last visit). "Cro-mignons" visit (6 to 10 years accompanied, 3 days a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4:40pm) and during school holidays at 4:30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by reservation.

Learn more about prehistoric flutes:

The Isturitz flutes are much more than archaeological artifacts, they are a bridge to our past and a glimpse into the musical and spiritual life of Paleolithic men.

These instruments are not only testimonies of prehistoric culture, but also symbols of the deep connection between art, nature and human society, even at its most ancient origins. Today, the Isturitz flutes are a source of inspiration and fascination for researchers and music and history enthusiasts, reminding us that music, in all its forms, has been an integral part of the human experience since the earliest times.

Immersive visit every Sunday, last visit at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. in summer, where Pierre Estève, researcher-composer, composed 5 sound elocutions in 5 emblematic rooms of the caves.

"There are places where the spirit of Man still blows."