Caves in Padirac, Lacave and Lascaux

Gouffre de Padirac

The Gouffre de Padirac is also located in the Dordogne - Lot region and is one of the most spectacular caves in France. It is a huge gorge (43 meters wide and 75 meters deep) that leads to an underground network of rivers and hiking trails of up to 42km long. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region and is considered one of the greatest geological attractions in France. The Gouffre de Padirac can be viewed partly on foot and partly by boat. You can take a boat trip over the underground lakes with beautiful light and sound effects. The boats are moved by gondoliers with a large oar. The water is incredibly clear and the trip is enhanced with beautiful lighting and sound effects, the boat trip is a spectacular experience. A guide will take you to beautiful, big caverns. The highlight of the excursion is a massive cavern, the Grand Dôme, a gigantic space with a ceiling that is 94 meters high. The basin with clear water looks like a mirror. You will also see the Grande Pendeloque: a very large rock with a height of 60 meters. After half an hour you are back at the gondolas and the return journey begins. Along the way, you will see stalactites and stalagmites, impressive limestone formations that have been formed over many years.

Lascaux Caves

The caves of Lascaux in Montignac-Lascaux are undoubtedly the most famous and popular caves in the Périgord-Dordogne. It is world famous for its prehistoric paintings. Although the original cave is no longer open to the public, visitors can admire an accurate replica of the impressive prehistoric paintings in 'Lascaux IV'. Lascaux II was a smaller replica whilst Lascaux III was a movable exhibition. Children will be impressed by the realistic depictions of animals such as horses, deer and bison.

Grotte de Rouffignac

The Grotte de Rouffignac is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an important part of the rich prehistoric heritage of the Dordogne. The Grotte de Rouffignac, also known as the "cave of the hundred mammoths" is located in the Dordogne, France, near the village of Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac. This huge cave stretches over almost 8 kilometres of galleries spread over three levels, making it one of the largest caves in the region. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable ride through the cave by electric train, which makes the visit particularly child-friendly. The cave of Rouffignac is known for its:

• Prehistoric art: The walls are decorated with more than 250 animal figures, including 158 mammoths, horses, bison, ibex and rhinos.
• Geological formations: Some corridors are tens of meters high or more than ten meters wide, formed by an underground river that dried up many years ago.
• Bear dens: There are numerous traces of prehistoric bears, including claw marks on the walls and sleeping cavities in the ground.

A visit to the Rouffignac cave can be combined with other activities in the Dordogne such as a visit to other caves such as Lascaux or Grotte du Grand Roc, castles such as Château de Castelnaud or Château de Beynac or national parks such as Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin.

Grottes de Lacave

The Grottes de Lacave is an impressive underground attraction located in the Dordogne region of France. These caves were discovered in 1902. Visitors will have a unique experience seeing the spectacular rock formations in the caves, including huge stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear underground lakes. You will enter the Grottes de Lacave with a small electric train that takes visitors 400 meters deep into the cave. Once inside, a guide will lead visitors through 12 different halls, each with its own unique characteristics. Highlights of the tour include:

• The Salle du Chaos, where concerts are held in high season
• The Salle des Merveilles (Hall of Miracles), beautifully lit to accentuate the impressive formations
• The Salle des Lumières Noires, known for its black light effects that light up the rock walls.

The tours are not only impressive, but also interesting and educational. Guides will provide detailed explanations of the geological processes that shaped the cave and the history of its discovery and use. There is also a light and sound show that gives the cave a certain atmosphere and highlights the most beautiful rock formations during your holiday.

Grotte de Domme

The Grotte de Domme is a cave located below the bastide town of Domme in the Dordogne, France. The entrance is located under the 17th-century covered market hall in the square. The cave is the largest regulated cave in the Périgord Noir and is known for its colonnades, stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and water mirrors. The cave is 450 meters long. Inside the cave, the temperature is between 13 and 15°C.  The cave has a rich history and served as a shelter for the inhabitants of Domme during conflicts. In 2021, the cave was renovated with new lighting and a redesigned path. In 2022, light effects and music were added to support the end of the tour. After visiting the cave, you can take a panoramic elevator back up, where there is a view over the Dordogne valley. After exiting the cave, you will walk through a souvenir shop selling minerals, jewelry, souvenirs, books and toys. A visit to the cave takes about 45 minutes.

Tips

Tips for a successful cave visit with children

• Plan in advance and book tickets online to avoid waiting times.
• Choose caves with interactive elements or workshops to make the experience more engaging for kids.
• Combine cave visits with other activities, such as canoeing or swimming, for a varied day.
• Visit caves on warmer days for a pleasant, cool experience.
• Many caves are child-friendly and offer activities for children.
• Some caves, such as the Cave of Tourtoirac, are wheelchair accessible.
• Keep in mind that the temperature in the caves is often around 13°C, so bring a sweater or cardigan.