Grotte de Matarel

This cavity has three entrances, the first and main one being A large walled porch because historically it was A cheese cellar (metal entrance door open), the next two, measuring 1.3x1.4m, are located in A superimposed fault in the cliff about 80 metres from the porch for the first and 150m for the second. These two small entrances are visible from inside the cavity (perpendicular galleries of 20 to 30 metres leading there) and are sealed by an iron gate.

The Matharel cave is A vast meandering gallery 600 metres long, E, NNE then E, measuring on average 15 to 20 metres in height and 20 to 25 metres in width. Multiple and colossal ceiling collapses punctuate the route and are passed either over the top or through passages under the blocks.

The cavity, probably of A much greater development than the 600 metres visitable given its dimensions, ends in A substantial clay plug nearly 15 metres high. Beyond the plug and on the right bank one can observe A 15-metre shaft (height of the cavity). A priori, no continuity behind it, the clogging being too significant.

The cave is very humid and clayey, especially at the end.

The route, well marked on the ground, is supplemented by arrows painted with pink spray paint that are not always obvious.

Spelling error in the name of this cavity, it is the Matharel or Matharelles cave.

Temperature: 8 degrees (11° according to Jeannel). We will confirm the 11° at most at the entrance (cellar sector) during our visit of 04/05/19.

Note that the first 150 metres are occupied by the remains of the cheese cellar where numerous collapsed woodworks line the floor as well as two walls with open doors. Unfortunately, numerous soot tags are found on some blocks of the cavity.