11 Facts About Norbert Casteret

Norbert Casteret was a famous French caver, adventurer and writer, and is one of the most recognisable names in caving worldwide.

Norbert Casteret was born in Saint-Martory in Haute-Garonne on 19 August 1897.

Norbert Casteret's father, Henry Casteret, was a lawyer in Toulouse.

Norbert Casteret's brothers were Roger, who died at the age of four, Jean and Martial Casteret, a physician who accompanied his brother on some of his explorations.

An all-round athlete and accomplished mountaineer, Norbert Casteret began caving in 1912, spanning the era of matches and candles into the age of electric lights.

Unlike de Joly, who made caving his profession, Norbert Casteret was more the amateur adventurer.

Norbert Casteret served in the French infantry for three years during World War I, serving in his brother Jean's regiment.

Norbert Casteret kept the helmet and lamp he used in the trenches for future use in caving.

Norbert Casteret later accompanied Casteret on many of his explorations, including the expedition to find the true source of the Garonne.

Norbert Casteret died in Toulouse on 20 July 1987, at age 89.

Norbert Casteret's fame began with a bold free-dive in the Grotte de Montespan in 1923, which led to the discovery of prehistoric cave drawings on the far side.