The Grottes du Regulus, or Regulus caves in English, a troglodyte site, are located 12 km from Royan. These Meschers “holes” are carved from limestone cliffs, providing a stunning backdrop overlooking the Gironde estuary. Originally formed naturally, the Meschers caves were expanded by humans in the 19th century to create troglodytic dwellings.
In 2022, the local council took significant measures to improve safety and caves. During the same year, the site also underwent a new display arrangement. The Les Fontaines and Le Régulus municipal caves attract over 75,000 visitors each season. They offer a remarkable setting and play a crucial role in tourism for the Charente Maritime region.
Why are they called grottes du régulus?
In 1814, Jacques Mathieu Régnault, the captain of the ship Régulus, which had two bridges and three masts, was given the command to monitor the entrance of the Gironde to prevent the British from entering. He was joined by three brigs (the Malais, the Sans-Soucis, and the Java) to carry out this mission. They anchored in the bay of Verdon and soon encountered a British squadron. Consisting of around ten vessels, they were attempting to regain control of the mouth of the Gironde.
The French placed shelters in front to protect Meschers’ fort from the powerful English fleet. The situation was dire. Captain Régnauld, following his superiors’ instructions, intentionally sank his fleet instead of letting it fall into English hands. During the night of April 7th to 8th, 1814, the crews were taken ashore. The officers strategically placed combustible materials on the ships. In the middle of the night, they set the vessels on fire.
According to legend, it is said that the Régulus burned for 3 days and nights. Since that night in April 1814, the people of Michelaix have used the name of régulus for the caves.
Visiting Caves of Regulus
There are guided tours lasting around 45 minutes. Written translations are available in English, German, Dutch, Spanish and Italian. Touchscreen tablets are available for deaf and hard of hearing.
When we visited, we walked around the different caverns independently, reading the translations in each cave. We learned about the interesting modern history and the municipal troglodyte site. The visit covers topics such as the use of the site as a refuge for Protestants during the Wars of Religion, the geological features of the area, the estuary and its importance for fishing, the development of tourism in the 19th and 20th centuries, the significance of the plaice on the pontoon, the history of Regulus, the legend of Cadet, and the existence of troglodyte habitats. Children can participate in an interactive experience, the minidik treasure hunt. They assist a curious shrimp named Minidik, who has many questions about the habits of the peculiar two-legged creatures inhabiting the Régulus caves’ cliffs.
Lucas enjoyed seeing how things would have been laid out in the rooms at the time, and it really brought history to life for him.
The Caves of Meschers are in an exceptional setting. The views are just incredible. I wish we had planned the visit better, as there is a restaurant which I am not sure is classed as underneath or next door in the Matata Cave. The Creperie at the Grottes de Matata looked absolutely beautiful, but it was fully booked, so we couldn’t try it. There, you can have a meal whilst enjoying panoramic views of the Gironde estuary (Estuaire de la Gironde).
Grottes du Regulus opening times
The grottes de regulus are open from Easter to All Saints’ Day. It is free for under 6 year olds, €6 for 6-15 years and €8 for over 15s. The Grottes de Régulus are open for night-time visits in July and August. Just as dusk sets in, you can enjoy a unique and extraordinary experience by opening their doors on Thursday from 9 pm to 11 pm. As the daylight diminishes, the caves are engulfed by shadows, creating an enigmatic ambience.
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