Arpea’s Cave, A Place Full Of Legends

Arpea Cave is one of those magical places that nature has given us. We are talking about a place that exudes beauty in the form of streams, mountains and valleys accompanied by a very capricious geology at the time of originating this peculiar underground cavity full of legends. Do you want to know its charms better?

Located in the Navarrese Pyrenees, straddling Spain and France and at 950 meters above sea level, the Arpea cave is under the protection of mountains covered by a dense and intense green that covers everything in its path. It is a truly breathtaking place, dotted with animals, legends and great silence. All this offers the tourist a landscape that is etched on the retina.

Too capricious geology

This place represents a very appetizing destination, because in the surroundings of the Arpea cave there are also some of the most impressive corners of the Pyrenean mountain range. Its proximity to places such as the Orbaitzeta arms factory, the Irati Forest or the historic town of Donibane Garazi (San Juan Pie de Puerto), make this enclave even more attractive.

Beyond that, it is important to mention geology, as this place is even more impressive if we discover that the cave is formed thanks to the folds that different layers of limestone rocks experienced during the last great orogenesis in the Tertiary era.

In this way, this peculiar “anticline” was formed, which is the way in which the convex folds of the different sheets that make up the rocky substrate are called in geology. This substrate was formed on the seabed during the Secondary era and gave rise to this imposing mountain range after the subsequent collision of tectonic plates.

Route to the cave of Arpea

There are multiple routes to get to the Arpea cave, but some of them involve certain dangers or difficulties only suitable for mountaineering experts.

Either way, there is an affordable alternative that only offers a walk of about 15 minutes through a simple path, although narrow and with a certain slope. On the other hand, the itinerary and the entrance of the cave can be appreciated from the first steps of the route.

The trail starts from the platform located at the end of road 64220 in Estérençuby, France. From here, it loses altitude until it reaches the interior of the ravine in which the cave is located. There we find a small stream that will accompany us to the Arpea cave in this idyllic place.

The interior of the cave testifies to the function that it has fulfilled throughout history. And it is that its interior, of small dimensions, was used to keep cattle during cold nights.

The Legends of Arpea Cave

Beyond the livestock uses, the Arpea cave has a great mythological load. One of those legends tells that it was inhabited since prehistoric times by both people and animals. There is also talk of the so-called lamiak , a being half woman and half animal that is very present in the mythology of Euskal Herria.

Legends say that, thanks to their long hair and great beauty, these mythological beings dazzle their own and strangers. Among them, the shepherds of the Pyrenees. The lamiak have traditionally been related to spaces such as rivers, fountains or other places where there is water.

In this case, one of the streams that flows into the river Nive is born in the depths of this environment. It is a channel, which, surrounded by prehistoric dolmens and chrome, endows this cave with a mystery and charm never seen before.

The charms of the Pyrenees

In this site all the large massifs and valleys are located, as well as extensive forests and an infinity of small lakes and high mountain meadows. Here you can discover the beauty of its spectacular landscapes, peaceful walks through stone villages and ancient heritage. The possibilities for practicing mountain sports and hiking are endless.

The Pyrenees is an essential destination for the traveler. Places with a special charm like this cave of Arpea complete a journey that can turn out to be magical and legendary.