Sainte-Engrâce (Basque: Urdatx or Santa Grazi) is a village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, located in the remote, mountainous Basque province of Soule (Zuberoa).

The village is world-renowned among geologists and cavers and serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Pyrenees, including a massive underground cave system and a deep, verdant canyon.

Sainte-Engrâce is a small, isolated village with a history deeply connected to its 11th-century priory. Its culture is distinctly that of Soule, the smallest and most pastoral of the French Basque provinces. The local economy is driven by agriculture (sheep farming) and tourism, which centres on its unique geological attractions.

The area is part of the Pierre-Saint-Martin hydrogeological system, a vast network of underground rivers and caves, making it a major destination for caving expeditions.

Like other villages in high Soule, Sainte-Engrâce is remote and best accessed by car. The main access is via the D113 road. Roads in the area are narrow and winding, so drive with care.

Map of Sainte-Engrâce

A car is necessary to travel between the village and the main attractions like the Gorges de Kakuetta and the Grotte de la Verna, which are located a few kilometres away. The attractions themselves are explored on foot.

• 42.9841-0.8547021 Gorges de Kakuetta (Kakuetta Canyon) (well-signposted car park off the D113). Seasonal, check locally. A breathtakingly beautiful canyon, often compared to a lost world. A 2-km trail on secure walkways takes you deep into the gorge, alongside waterfalls and lush vegetation, culminating in a cave and waterfall. The site is typically open from spring to autumn and requires an entrance fee. Check opening times as they can be affected by weather. Entrance fee required.  
• 42.979327-0.7961692 Grotte de la Verna (La Verna Cave) (access is from a welcome centre in Sainte-Engrâce, from which shuttles or guided hikes depart). By guided tour only, booking required. One of the largest underground chambers in the world, so vast that it could hold Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is a geological marvel. Access is by guided tour only, with several options available, from accessible discovery tours to multi-hour caving expeditions. Booking in advance is essential. Varies by tour.  
• Église Sainte-Engrâce (Sainte-Engrâce Church), In the village center.. A beautiful and historically significant Romanesque church dating from the 11th century. It was part of a priory on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Note the remarkable carved capitals inside. Free. 

• 42.995529-0.8102291 Auberge Elichalt, Next to the church, ☏ +33 5 59 28 61 63. Simple village inn located in the centre of Sainte-Engrâce. 

• Larrau - A nearby village, home to the spectacular Holzarté Suspension Bridge and another great base for hiking.
• Iraty Forest (Forêt d'Iraty) - Drive further into the mountains to explore one of Europe's largest beech forests.
• Oloron-Sainte-Marie - The nearest large town, located to the north, at the entrance to the Pyrenean valleys.