Kategorie: News
Divers explore the underwater world of the Douix spring
Châtillon-sur-Seine is not a classic holiday destination. However, it exerts a magical attraction on cave divers.
Text by Erik Hesse
After a short drive through the picturesque alleyways of the historic centre of Châtillon-sur-Seine, we have reached our long-awaited destination: the Douix spring. The 180 metre long Douix River rises here in a small park at the foot of a hill, then presents itself to the observer with a tiny waterfall before flowing into the Seine shortly after passing a natural stone bridge.
As we move, we receive astonished looks from visitors to the park from outside the area. To them, it looked as if a group of mentally disturbed divers were going diving in one of the two knee-deep rivers. After we tell them that the real diving paradise is not in the river in front of the hill, but in the cave in the hill, our activities are followed with great interest. Fully equipped, we cover the short distance through the park and wade through the river until we reach the beginning of the cave under the rock on the opposite side of the river.
| Dives in the Source de la Douix are subject to authorisation. Authorisations are issued by the municipal administration at contact@mairie-chatillon-sur-seine.fr |
After the usual checks, we dive through the rocks and reach the first restriction at a depth of fifteen metres. I am travelling backmount and have to lie on my stomach in the gravel bed to pass. With the help of the attached chains, I can pull myself under the rock and continue my dive.
A favourite photo motif
Fortunately, there hasn't been any heavy rain recently. The Source de la Douix is supplied with water by the Ource, among others, which partially seeps into the ground in the eastern valley. After heavy rainfall, there is a very strong current, especially at the restrictions, making it difficult or impossible to pass.
At a depth of 17 metres, we dive through the shallow passage and follow the line to a shallower region. This is the cave's most popular photo motif, the second restriction. It is an almost circular hole in the rock through which a diver with a double scuba can just fit.
Now we wind our way past the rock behind the restriction to dive through the last passage at a depth of 11 metres until we reach the end of the cave after 180 metres. Provisional lines show that a continuation of the cave is still being searched for here. It's time for the return journey, on which we visit one of the two air domes at the second restriction.
Shortly before the exit, we can see the daylight filtering through the rocks. Back in the Douix, we are surprised to see some legs in the river. Visitors to the park have decided to cool off and are surprised at the sudden appearance of divers.
After dinner in one of the small restaurants, we enjoy the romantic walls of the old town before heading to our hotel in the neighbouring village of Montilot-et-Courcelles.
More Informationen:
Source de la Douix Position (Google Maps)
Bourgogne Tourisme - Source de la Douix
Source de la Douix on Taucher.Net