Cave-system of all superlatives

Underneath the la Pierre Saint-Martin high karst hides one of the largest cave systems on earth. 435 kilometers have so far been explored, but every year some more is added. Nearly 2,000 cave-pits, some of which rank amongst the deepest in the world, perforate the lime stone. A few lead all the way down, where 13 major underground rivers run through the dark. One of them ends in La Verna.

As part of an ARSIP (International association for speleological research at La Pierre Saint-Martin) initiative, every year hundreds of speleologists continue exploring at La Pierre Saint-Martin. The first expeditions date from the 19th century. Many discoveries are still to be made.

To see Alexis Frespuech photographs: click here

Cross-section diagram

Flux Rss