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The municipal caves of Regulus are a must-see if you are touring in Charente-Maritime. Located 12km from Royan on the right bank of the estuary of the Gironde. Meschers-Sur-Gironde might be one of the least documented sites in the Charente-Maritime. While the blue-green beaches are a sight to behold, that is not the only attraction this site is known for.
The erosion and infiltration of water formed the troglodyte’s cave and the white cliffs for many years. Currently, the caves are the main attractions that bring in about 70,000 visitors per season.
It is believed that the name Regulus comes from a French ship which was scuttled in front of Meschers. In 1814, under Napoleon, Captain Jacques Mathieu RÉGNAULD received orders to keep the British from entering the mouth of Gironde. Three brigs accompanied him Captain RÉGNAULD set off for his mission. With the firepower of the English fleet, the French were in a desperate situation. Having received instruction from a higher authority, Captain RÉGNAULD decided to scuttle his fleet instead of abandoning them at the approaching English fleet. The ship’s crew arranged for combustible materials and strategic places for the vessels to be lit on fire. It is said that it burned for three days and nights.
These originally natural caves were restored and enlarged in the 19th century. In 1980 it was decided to open the site for the public, and between 2002-2003 with the purchase of the adjacent Fontaines’ caves, they built a reception area and a few other amenities to enhance the experience of the tourists.
The municipal caves of Regulus are a must-see if you are touring in Charente-Maritime. Located 12km from Royan on the right bank of the estuary of the Gironde. Meschers-Sur-Gironde might be one of the least documented sites in the Charente-Maritime. While the blue-green beaches are a sight to behold, that is not the only attraction this site is known for.
The erosion and infiltration of water formed the troglodyte’s cave and the white cliffs for many years. Currently, the caves are the main attractions that bring in about 70,000 visitors per season.
It is believed that the name Regulus comes from a French ship which was scuttled in front of Meschers. In 1814, under Napoleon, Captain Jacques Mathieu RÉGNAULD received orders to keep the British from entering the mouth of Gironde. Three brigs accompanied him Captain RÉGNAULD set off for his mission. With the firepower of the English fleet, the French were in a desperate situation. Having received instruction from a higher authority, Captain RÉGNAULD decided to scuttle his fleet instead of abandoning them at the approaching English fleet. The ship’s crew arranged for combustible materials and strategic places for the vessels to be lit on fire. It is said that it burned for three days and nights.
These originally natural caves were restored and enlarged in the 19th century. In 1980 it was decided to open the site for the public, and between 2002-2003 with the purchase of the adjacent Fontaines’ caves, they built a reception area and a few other amenities to enhance the experience of the tourists.
The municipal caves of Regulus are a must-see if you are touring in Charente-Maritime. Located 12km from Royan on the right bank of the estuary of the Gironde. Meschers-Sur-Gironde might be one of the least documented sites in the Charente-Maritime. While the blue-green beaches are a sight to behold, that is not the only attraction this site is known for.
The erosion and infiltration of water formed the troglodyte’s cave and the white cliffs for many years. Currently, the caves are the main attractions that bring in about 70,000 visitors per season.
It is believed that the name Regulus comes from a French ship which was scuttled in front of Meschers. In 1814, under Napoleon, Captain Jacques Mathieu RÉGNAULD received orders to keep the British from entering the mouth of Gironde. Three brigs accompanied him Captain RÉGNAULD set off for his mission. With the firepower of the English fleet, the French were in a desperate situation. Having received instruction from a higher authority, Captain RÉGNAULD decided to scuttle his fleet instead of abandoning them at the approaching English fleet. The ship’s crew arranged for combustible materials and strategic places for the vessels to be lit on fire. It is said that it burned for three days and nights.
These originally natural caves were restored and enlarged in the 19th century. In 1980 it was decided to open the site for the public, and between 2002-2003 with the purchase of the adjacent Fontaines’ caves, they built a reception area and a few other amenities to enhance the experience of the tourists.
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