Caves of Remouchamps

The caves at Remouchamps were used in the Palaeolithic and explored from the seventeenth century, and the visit follows a walking route of about a kilometre through chambers and galleries with stalactites, columns and a large hall called the Cathedral, then returns by water: the Rubicon, an underground river, is navigated for around six hundred metres in flat-bottomed boats poled by a guide, which is described as the longest underground boat trip open to the public in Europe. The river passage is low in places and the boats pass close under the roof. Temperature underground is a constant twelve degrees. The cave is beside the main road and easily reached, which makes it one of the more visited in the Ardennes.

What you actually see

• The Rubicon boat trip - six hundred metres poled along an underground river.
• The Cathedral chamber - the largest hall on the walking route.
• Stalactites and columns - formations along the galleries.
• Low roof passages - sections where the boat passes close beneath the rock.

When to go

April to October for full opening; winter runs reduced tours and the cave closes in some months. Two hours. Tours are timed. Bring a jacket; it is twelve degrees underground year round.

Honest expectations

Tours are timed and in French or Dutch unless arranged. The boat passage is low and can be uncomfortable for taller visitors. There are many steps on the walking section. It is busy in summer and school holidays.

Nearby

Ninglinspo valley is south; Liege lies north.