Dumont d'Urville, the main French base, is located on the shore of Adelie land, 66"south, very close to the polar circle and the south magnetic pole. Temperature in DdU is not bad: around 0 in summer, down to -37"C (-35"F) in winter. But the wind is a killer.
The smooth ground is formed by frozen sea-water seeping through the ground even the huge waves freezes and becomes caves. Some of those caves are very unstable, full of fallen blocks, others smooth and long-lasting. Hiking around on the frozen sea is a common activity in winter. It lets you get away from the routine of life enclosed in the station. It's also a good way to do some sport since walking on snow is not so easy.
