The Subterranean Ghost Village You Can Cycle Through

"Head down that way", says the cycle hire guy, "there's a route that takes you through some old caves". Well, that sounds like fun! But what I don't know yet is that I'm about to ride what might just be the world's creepiest cycle path...
Half Asleep Chris: / halfasleepchris
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FACE - / thetimtraveller

[@Soonjai]

I love how you always make an effort to tell us how accessible the stuff you show is for people in Wheelchairs is.

[@SievertSchreiber]

+1 for noticing that!

[@zilfondel]

Yeah, I'm thinking he's the Rick Steves of accessible walking paths of northwestern Europe! Tim, make sure you compile a book at some point.

[@vinnyavalanche]

Ya cause you know people in wheelchairs are Gung-ho for a trail ride.

[@tomservo5007]

wheelchair access, walking difficulty level, and restroom availability , should be apart of every KZbinr travel video

[@shiteguides]

Damn man, mountain people living in caves in the year 1000 had better living conditions than me and my shoebox room costing 75% of my wages. Screw this, I'm telling my boss I'm quitting to go live in a French cave system.

[@benoitbvg2888]

@Phil Weatherley You do have a point. Well, several points actually. But don't forget our friend will be able to grow Champignons de Paris in his cave. I bet he can't grow Champignons de Paris in his current studio appartment. You can also age your wine/cheese perfectly in those caves. "Qui se couche avec les fesses qui grattent, se réveille avec les doigts qui puent" as *we* say over *here* .

[@jordanherkowski5052]

You're lucky to have a shoebox, I used to live in a rolled up newspaper.

[@shiteguides]

@@benoitbvg2888 There's a couple of champignons growing in the corner of my bathroom. Another couple of weeks of lockdown and they'll be going in the pot.

[@maiaallman4635]

Do it! What an adventure.

[@falcychead8198]

@@jordanherkowski5052 Ahh. We used to dream of living in a rolled up newspaper. I and my fifteen brothers had to share a discarded bottle cap.

[@apainintheaas]

Darn it Tim. Yes I'm Dutch. Yes I like cycling content. And you're absolutely justified in saying that this is something for your Dutch viewers. I just don't like how right you are.

[@MickPlays6680]

Waddup bradda

[@blitzn00dle50]

I live in St. Louis and since our bike infrastructure is pathetic I'm jealous that you don't have to put up with hills. I really only hate the hills because I often don't get to reap the benefits of climbing them because the sidewalk is too thin

[@OP-1000]

@@blitzn00dle50 One word: E-bike.

[@DaPanda1980]

@@blitzn00dle50 Uhh bro, we do have hills in the Netherlands, some are pretty steep especially in the eastern part. We don't have mountains. It's a big misconception that the country that i live in is as flat as a pancake. My village is built on a hill so everytime i want to go to the supermarket it takes me 10 minutes to go up there and about 5 to get back home. There is about 350 meter hight difference between the highest and the lowest point of the Netherlands.

[@blitzn00dle50]

@@DaPanda1980 damn lol I've really only seen the coastal areas which are indeed flatter than a pancake. Hills here in St. Louis are probably worse or something, maybe not, we have a lot of ultra steep hills, long and shallow ones and the unholy street known as Macklind that has a super steep slope for 1.5 kilometers

[@timderks5960]

I laughed out loud because of the psychopath / cyclepath joke. Just one minute in, I can already tell this is going to be a good one.

[@sourcererseven3858]

Yeah man, I'm still laughing 🤣 "World's creepiest..." "psychopath!"

[@Phaios95]

Me: „I think those caves and tunnels look beautiful and stunning“. The music: „You‘re not supposed to do that“.

[@ericvaninwegen6384]

Wouldn't the Dutch need mountain bikes for such steep grades? :-)

[@Nynke_K]

I saw that turnoff into the first cave and thought, right, that's me getting off my bike and walking!

[@anoniem9379]

We Dutch can do almost anything on a single speed granny bike.

[@tijmen131]

I live close to the 3 landen punt (Tim made a video about that on this channel), I'm used to hills kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHO9hoSVoZiEldE

[@lzh4950]

My university is built on a ridge & that's where I realised the value of having electric motor-assisted bicycles/microscooters

[@Ominous89]

I've been cycling to Paris all the way from Holland with 40 kg of stuff on a regular bike with 3 accelerations left. No mountainbike.

[@HalfAsleepChris]

The house at 1:54 sort of looks like a skull. Those audience members have a very cute cat. Great video Tim!

[@nexo_.]

Hi! I love your videos they’re really fun and interesting! Edit: I can’t believe you got to go the Bude tunnel it’s such an amazing piece of art

[@gitgut4977]

I love how you british KZbinrs work together. Thats so solidaric of you. btw I love your cats!

[@StayFrostee_]

Loved your cameo. It worked waaaaay too well. Ralph is too cute for this video, it doesn't work for a dark and scary video, or at least it's meant to be. He's too fluffy, I want to hug him.

[@scrappy00001]

I think Tim’s channel showed-up on my feed because I started watching Chris. It has come full circle.

[@nomadMik]

Thanks, Chris, but how were you able to see our cat? 😉

[@leelundgren600]

“...but needs more cats...”

[@philvanderlaan5942]

Everything needs more cats

[@leelundgren600]

Absolutely!

[@LukeIdontKnow]

Yes

[@renatoherren4217]

Not creepy at all. I find this very romantic, interesting and fun. Nothing is cooler than special paths and shortcuts for cyclists. 😍😍😍😍

[@Varksterable]

Yes, seems fascinating to me too. And I don't 'cyclist.' I think he was just playing on the Halloween theme. That or he really found something down there he couldn't broadcast... Dum dum duuum!

[@ohnononowhydidi344]

What if it's night?

[@renatoherren4217]

@@ohnononowhydidi344 That would make it even more romantic. Imagine all the candles and lanterns everywhere, and imagine the smell of all the delicious dinners that are served. 😍😍😋😋😋

[@P747]

@@renatoherren4217 I agree that on one hand it sounds really nice and romantic, but at the same time I can't help myself and think that those lit candles and smell of dinners could be something more sinister... In daytime it is safe to walk around (as long as you don't venture too deep into the tunnels of course), but do not stay there after dusk when the candles starts to light up in the windows. Aah yes, I would love to go there and just make up tales of horror and despair and just about scare the shit of myself. XD

[@lorenzoblum868]

Sometimes on a bicycle, a short cut can be a longer one far from the traffic...

[@hierismilan8614]

Video about cycling: exists The Dutch (including me): intense clicking

[@phineas7423]

As an american I am envious.

[@mats7492]

I bet videos about reclaiming Land from the ocean are popular too..

[@lordsjaak]

same here :D

[@zork999]

@@mats7492 How do you think Tim got to 1000 viewers? One video about the Afsluitdijk and KZbin seeming to tell everyone in the Netherlands about it...

[@rogerwilco2]

Dutchies represent!

[@ordinaryorca9334]

Honestly this village could star in both a horrormovie and a romcom, I really want to go there. Usually I think that the places you visit are neat and worth a watch, but this is the first place that goes on my bucketlist!!!

[@Snaakie83]

Yep, saw cycle path, clicked immediately... Dutch

[@mennonis]

zelfde hier

[@HoLiSchit]

what esle to expect. clicked for bike too, german.

[@Alex-xh1zi]

Troglodyte is one of my favourite insults, but now I want to be one!

[@RonaldMcPaul]

'ass spelunker'

[@sarelito9202]

Hahahaha, agree!

[@gu4xinim]

I would really love to see how some of those houses look like from the inside. Break into one Tim, is for science.

[@kartofff]

An old aunt of mine has one of those semi-troglodytic houses near the Loire. She's always lived there. It is EXTREMELY cozy. All the excavated parts have curvy shapes, and the builder's creativity is not limited by the same rules of structural integrity as with masonry. Lots of alcoves, funny shaped stairs, odd rooms, it's a great place for kids, and very comfy for adults. It is gently silent, this "Tuffeau" limestone gives off little reverberation. And though of course you need good electric lighting, the white stone returns the light brightly but gently. With a few nice wooden handrails and adequately placed thick rugs, it is one of the most comfortable and appeasing places I've ever been.

[@astrolink990]

When you live near Saumur and see this video, are they reasons to not click ? Super video, a good way to learn about my region and English too. Thank you ! A new french fan

[@jonas498]

I've been there last year ... by accident. Made a cycle trip around Saumur and suddenly the cycle route goes through these caves. Very fascinating. Unfortunately it haven't visited the Dolme.

[@MrGreatplum]

The original Dr Who called - they’d like their sets back! Also, never go into caves where spooky piano music is playing!

[@francisboyle1739]

No need. Wookey Hole Caves are still there. At Wookey Hole that is.

[@philvanderlaan5942]

I want the Original Dr Who back and Jelly Babys ' Would you like a Jelly Baby? ' yes please. Also I'm at least 38% sure the piano and possibly the organ music was added in post

[@nialltracey2599]

@@philvanderlaan5942 ...because the live track of accordions wasn't creepy enough and needed overdubbed.

[@philvanderlaan5942]

@@nialltracey2599 at least it's not Wales ( Never been but ) Edmund Blackadder, a man whose opinions I hold in high regard says this about Wales. ' You need half a pint of phlegm just to pronounce the place names and gangs of tough sinewy young men roam the countryside terrorizing people with close harmony singing. '

[@nialltracey2599]

@@philvanderlaan5942 Congratulations! By the authority of the university I hereby confer upon you a degree as Master of Sciences in the discipline of Non Sequitur.

[@Kuro_Reaper]

I love your videos because you don't go to all of the big popular tourist locations. It's nice learn about the smaller, more overlooked/unknown places. A lot more interesting in my opinion. :)

[@terrier_productions]

Yay! A Half-Asleep Chris and Danielle cameo

[@alex97romaniastyle]

@@kjh23gk Tim was in a Jay Forman video? Which one?

[@Pottlps]

@@alex97romaniastyle the one about londons boroughs

[@qwertyTRiG]

@@kjh23gk Chris also appeared on JJ McCollough's channel.

[@oscarrodenburg7078]

4:07 so they even invented the indoor shopping centre!

[@TheZapan99]

Before they invented it again. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Bon_March%C3%A9

[@kattkatt744]

I am sure the troglodytes of Cappadocia would like to have a word ;)

[@hardanheavy]

So these two pieces of black tarmac are sitting in a pub, telling the owner how hard they are. In walks a piece of red tarmac. The black pieces of tarmac hide under a table. After the red piece of tarmac has gone, the owner asks the black pieces of tarmac: 'I thought you two were so hard?' -'yeah mate, but that one is a fookin cycle path!'

[@jonesbugattis]

Love that!

[@FrauWNiemand]

These houses are incredible (the geologist in me is excited). And I also like the music at the end.

[@joshebarry]

Oh wow the Daemon Headmaster theme - haven't heard that since I was a kid.

[@truckerallikatuk]

Loved the accordion rendition of "le dernier vin d'été"

[@MargaretUK]

Moi aussi! 😄

[@rct3nut74]

Damn those houses look so cool, I'd love to live in a cave home. The natural rock plus staying the same temperature would create an awesome living experience

[@-Window-Licker-]

Old European cities are just lovely. I highly recommend going to see them if anyone hasn't. Thanks for this video Tim !!

[@BaalFridge]

Tim are you sure you've not accidentally cycled through a portal to middle earth? Are you sure you're not in Minas Tirith?

[@Faardrill]

I live 35km from that place. I’m totally going there on a bike trip after the lockdown

[@floramew]

If you hadn't put the creepy music and titled the video this way, I would never have thought this was "creepy". I can see your point, but I love caves & caverns, as well as architecture that blends itself with the natural surroundings. Literally, my ideal home is pretty much like this. I'm so in love with the aesthetic you've shown here, aaaaa.

[@Tuning3434]

Tim uses the term "quaint" Vicki Pipe: "squeals in delight"

[@TomJohnson67]

@tom lu I feel as if we all watch the same channels!

[@skyblue0994]

I rode through these caves during a 6 week cycle tour a few years ago. That day was probably my favourite of the whole journey. The caves are part of the Loire a Velo route, which I recommend for anybody that likes wine, chateaux and quaint villages.

[@OmmerSyssel]

Is wild tenting possible for a flexible bicycle tourist? Hate standard overpriced sleeping arrangements... 😑

[@ariesviolent]

While I didn't find it creepy at all...I was still amazed. I'd love to live in a place like that.

[@BluetheRaccoon]

I love this. What a clever means of surviving and thriving!

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

A crossover with Half Asleep Chris? You love to see it

[@kathyhavelka7612]

You mean Grian’s Clone?

[@SievertSchreiber]

The hair is darker but he certainly looks like Grian 😂

[@forzai3612]

Lol i see you on all my favorite channels

[@FharishAhmed]

You mean that guy who copies Grian?

[@user-us6ce7me8k]

You're everywhere these days mate.. good luck 😀

[@radg0090]

I am French living in the UK, watching Tim a Brit living in France. And I am quite enjoying how he show the world his discovery in mainland Europe !

[@wanttoknow135]

That little village looks so adventurous!!

[@iamthesword1180]

There are similar caves in the Seine valley in and around La Roche-Guyon. The village is "famous" for hosting the HQ of the German "Atlantikwall" defences under General Rommel in its château during World War II. And yes, they digged some caves, too - probably inspired by local customs (mainly as bunkers). And if that isn't interesting enough already, Monet lived in Giverney, the next village down the Seine (not in a cave though).

[@embernoble8510]

First of your videos I've watched (sent here by Half-Asleep Chris) and I am instantly subscribing, love the style!

[@grahamdavidcowley]

I have really enjoyed almost all of your videos tonight. I had a blitz on them! Most of them have brought back fantastic memories, particularly those in Switzerland. Keep up the good work.

[@Squidly_Man]

Love the Tim(e) Traveler videos and the sense of humour. Great stuff.

[@kikidee1969]

Whenever I need a pick me up, I know I can trust you to do just that. Thank you for being you and doing the things ❤️❤️❤️

[@TrenchcoatSteve]

Tim, this was the first video of yours that I have seen. I was so impressed that I subscribed right away. Cheers on making such wonderful content!

[@willwitters8587]

Just discovered this channel over the weekend and I'm completely addicted!

[@SievertSchreiber]

Welcome to the club!

[@derauditor5748]

Willkommen im Club! Enjoy!

[@inonehand]

Love your content, always looking forward to more. Hope you are well and safe.

[@patchso]

Another fascinating video. Thanks TTT.

[@sarelito9202]

Wow! Quite amazing, and charming in its own way because of the merging of raw stone and architectural structures.

[@SteveBrandon]

Looks comfy, not creepy, to me but I'd love to live underground anyway.

[@Sebbir]

Yeah i didn’t get creepy vibes either. I think it looks lovely

[@fb1880]

It is ! I entre their 6 years ago. Great place

[@holymags2495]

Always laugh and always learn something new. Wishing you and yours well.

[@PeopleWatchingMarcus]

Your videos are amazing. Impressed that you can make simple topics and locations so engaging

[@TheTimTraveller]

Thank you!

[@wolfgangkranek376]

"There is a nice cycle path with caves..." And another clueless tourist falls victim to the isolated pagan tribes of Europe and their archaic rituals.

[@reuse_or_die]

If you can't quite manage a French holiday yet, why not challenge yourself to a ride along the Netherton tunnel from Dudley to Birmingham. Very dark. Very creepy. Nice cafes at the end in gas street basin

[@josephranker5716]

just love your finds/ideas, beautifully done .. keep it up.. ok.. well when you can, start it again

[@susannabonke8552]

Always leaves me in awe how our ancestors made it so we can live today. The Damp and the cold. Southern France is quite friendly, but the British Isles. ( Except for the Channel ). Shiver.

[@lakrids-pibe]

Danish viewer checking in. Lovely video.

[@michritch3493]

I think it's lovely, evocative, and magical. Wonderful! Thank you!

[@MrINKOMPATIBEL]

I am glad you finally discovered cycling. You should do all your trips on a bike. When you get a foldable 20" (e-) bike, you can take it with you in all busses and trains without extra charge.

[@volkunltd]

The demon headmaster theme really took me back

[@drackar]

...ok you've finally sold me on visiting France.

[@fb1880]

Yep ! Come ! You're welcome. Those cave are gorgeous. But not now. Borders are closed :(

[@jamsdem2311]

Omg it’s half asleep Chris!! Two of my favourite KZbinrs in one video together!!

[@Kapitaen_Flauschbart]

I adore this kind of architecture!

[@thornil2231]

I have to admit you find some really interesting curiosities, out of the typical tourist path. Most french people don't even know about those.

[@spurioustransients]

If they were ever to film a French version of "The Prisoner"...

[@coyoteseattle]

I can't help but feel that a weather balloon bouncing down a bunch of medieval tunnels would give off way more of a Dungeons and Dragons vibe than anything spyish.

[@goqsane]

Love you Tim!

[@davidwelch6796]

I've driven past this village on the road by the river quite a few times but never realised that the tunnels go right through to vineyards. Fascinating. Thank you.

[@AndrewW]

Your videos are awesome and love the cameo appearances. Keep it up.

[@reggiecat7603]

Did I see a cameo from Half Asleep Chris? Good video by the way :)

[@zachegan1950]

adding this to my "to do" once we are out of lockdown in france. how cool!

[@emuxkr]

Wow. Posted 5 min ago. I was never this early 😸. Loved the vid!!! Hello from Vilnius

[@familiecole]

I'm a bit late to the party, Tim, but that was an excellent video. The whole family have just been sat around this morning turning what is normally a rather chaotic time into an impromptu sit on the sofa. Lovely.

[@oz1902]

I’m absolutely amazed. I had no idea this place even existed. Many thanks.

[@robertmcduck6712]

Just love the fact there are atleast two videos from tim about France that feature a Citroën 2cv or something as iconic like a Panhard 24.

[@ldkreationz03]

Always great content.

[@jordanrodrigues8265]

This is unspeakably beautiful and is definitely inspiring some fantasy RPG content.

[@P3x310]

Love the spooky organ variation on the TTT Outro music

[@kaosinc]

Thanks...I always listen right to the end to put another smile on my face and I was not disappointed today! The ending of the video (from 7:07) "Jungfraubahn: The Highest Railway In Europe" is the most memorable though!

[@isweartofuckinggod]

That is literally the prettiest place I've ever seen. How much to live there?

[@Aaronwhatnow]

Great vid. Will definitely put it on the list

[@babbelfisch789]

Lovely video as always

[@Jonathan07ta]

Tim+chris= best youtube video

[@astro-tbo9322]

Inspired by your video, I took a 3-day trip to Saumur and Souzay-Champigny, and it's really worth the trip. Thanks Tim!

[@palantir135]

In Valkenburg and in Maastricht , Sint Pietersberg, there are similar caves. Most of the old town of Valkenburg and the castle ruins were build with the sandstone delved from the caves. Open for public with a guide. There’s also a biking rout through the caves, with guide.

[@TheTimTraveller]

Yes! Someone commented about Valkenburg on one of my other videos, I didn't know about it before but it looks great. Hopefully I'll make it one day...

[@Blockio1999]

This feels like an area from a theme park and I love it

[@jonesbugattis]

I love the sarcastic French accented bits! The best thing about the English, is their distain of the French. I lived in France for four years, so I have some love for it, but I also enjoy poking fun at them!..

[@Disobeyedtoast]

"It's time I do some content for the dutch viewers" lol I was just thinking how I rode my bike today and you said you haven't rode one in forever.

[@phineas7423]

Hi Chris and Danielle! Hope you are enjoying your new home!

[@4050N]

One word to describe the scenery: Spectacular!

[@elcam84]

Super cool place. Also like the little clip of the music from Last of the Summer wine.

[@beachboy0505]

It looks well maintained, clean and beautifully manicured.

[@Darwinek]

Probably the first Tim's video that scared me for a second.

[@cagouille65]

Salut Tim ! Nous sommes actuellement en vacances à Saumur et je voulais te remercier car grâce à toi, nous avons pu découvrir avec nos filles ce magnifique petit village et ces souterrains hors du temps. Une très belle balade 🤩. Merci encore pour tes vidéos qui sont vraiment très sympa 😊

[@soly-dp-colo6388]

I'm French. My father has lived in a troglodytic house for a few years. They're lovely but can get very damp if you don't have very efficient ventilation. Also rats love this tuffeau stone/limestone because it's so easy to dig through.

[@gregoryferraro7379]

Absolutely incredible!

[@helenaheffel7873]

I have now watched all of your videos twice. Love them and would really appreciate some new ones, What the world needs now is to chase the Covid lock down blues away with The Tim Travelers trails, trains, hills, cave, bridge, house, cat, and grass! Wisconsin USA

[@LegendaryKenneth]

1:30 That's the theme from The Demon Headmaster. Loved that when I was a kid.

[@ThePixel1983]

I love those pythonesque interjections!

[@saraben4598]

It’s beautiful but spooky at the same time... it’s beautifully spooky

[@remirms2239]

If you say "Cyclepath" really quickly, it sounds like "Psychopath"

[@steampunknord]

I would love to see some of the houses there. That is awesome.

[@tessjuel]

That was just too beautiful. I want to live there!!!

[@robestivill5438]

Very hole-some content on this channel. It is so matter of fact and informative. I've lived in france for 10 years now, I'm definitely going to go and check it out one day!