Han-Sur-Lesse - Grottes de Han

The Grottes de Han were inhabited as far back as the Stone Age by people seeking refuge. Not until 1804 did four young men dare to venture further into the caves. During subsequent explorations over the following years the larger caverns with their stalagmites and stalactites were discovered. The grottos have been open to the public since 1856.

The system as it is known today consists of a series of intricate caverns with a total length of 10km/6mi, only 3km/2mi of which are accessible, some only since 1962. The dirt left on the ceiling in the oldest caves by the smoke and soot from torches is clearly visible but they remain extremely impressive thanks to the skillful illumination. Especially striking are the Salle des Scarabées, the Salle des Renards, the Salle du Vigneron, the Grotte du Précipice, Le Trophée, Le Styx, the Salle des Mystérieuses and the Salle des Draperies, all with superb stalactite formations. In the Salle d'Armes, a beautiful round cave where the Lesse reappears, a son-et-lumière show highlights the most impressive formations. The high point is the last cavern, the Salle du Dome, its vastness (length 154m/505ft, width 140m/459ft, height 129m/423ft) can be appreciated by the torch light provided by an attendant. The exit to the Grottos is reached by boat where a cannon is fired. It is just a few minutes' walk back to the village.

The only access to the grottos is by the train which runs through the beautiful Ardennes countryside and departs from the information and ticket office opposite the local church.

A tour of the grottos takes about two hours.