Located in the heart of the village of Rauzan, just 15 minutes from Saint-Émilion and about 40 kilometers from Bordeaux, this immersive visit in a spelunking style allows you to descend 13 meters underground to discover a spectacular natural setting shaped over millennia.
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Célestine, the unique underground adventure in Gironde
The Célestine Cave is a rare site: it’s the only underground river open to the public in the entire department, as well as the only cave with formations arranged for visits in Gironde.
Here, it’s not just a simple tourist stroll. Visitors put on rubber boots, helmets, and headlamps (provided on site) before descending 80 steps into this extraordinary cavity carved into the limestone. For 45 minutes, the walk takes place right in the bed of the underground river, amidst stalactites, stalagmites, columns, draperies, and cascades of calcite.
A Michelin Star in 2026
The story of this place begins in 1845 when a village grocer digs a well… and discovers this huge underground cavern stretching 2.5 kilometers. Long forgotten, the cave remains inaccessible for decades before being revitalized by the town in the 1990s, and then transformed to welcome the public in the early 2000s. Its name honors Célestine, the owner at the time, who helped make its public opening possible.
Since this year, the Grotte Célestine has reached a new milestone by earning a star from the Michelin Green Guide, a distinction that honors remarkable tourist sites. The recently modernized lighting enhances the rock formations without disrupting the natural environment, making the experience even more magical.
A "caving" style visit
The temperature remains constant all year round: 14 degrees in summer and winter. So, it’s a good idea to bring a sweater, even in spring! Visits are only by reservation, with groups limited to 18 people to help preserve the site. Children are welcome from a height of 1.20 meters.
Address: 48 Lansade, 33420 Rauzan, France