Clinging to the cliffs and surrounded by forests of oak and pine, Meschers is a typical fishing village that has become famous for its ancient caves (Grottes troglodytiques) created by the sea weathering away the white calcium cliffs.

The caves have an interesting modern history, having been a place of hiding since the Middle Ages, first for pirates and ship wreckers, then protestants during the Wars of Religion. The most visited caves are those known as the Grottes de Régulus. These are named after the French warship Le Régulus, that was deliberately set alight and scuttled off these rocks on 7 April 1814 to avoid capture by British ships.

There are 15 different caverns stretching for more than a hundred metres, and visitors can go on guided tours. You can find out about the ruthless ship wreckers who used to work here, plus ‘Guicharde’, the last inhabitant of this place, who lived here until the beginning of the 20th century. There are also night-time visits and activities for children – reservations are required for all of them.