Lifestyle

Discover the Gouffre de Padirac, a large stalactite cave in Dordogne

Written by Alizé
03 Mar. 2025
Discover the Gouffre de Padirac, a large stalactite cave in Dordogne

It's impossible to visit the Dordogne without taking a tour of the beautiful caves in this corner of south-west France. During your vacation at our Slow Village Saint-Cybranet or Slow Village Séveilles open-air hotels, plan an underground visit to discover a stalactite cave in the Dordogne. stalactite cave in the Dordognesuch as the Gouffre de Padirac.

The Gouffre de Padirac a past buried in the rock

For over one hundred and fifty years, the Gouffre de Padiracthis stalactite cave in the Dordognehas been gradually revealing the secrets of its history. Excavations at the base of the cave have unearthed a wealth a multitude of objects fragments of vases, kitchen utensils, iron weapons... so many relics testifying to an ancient ancient occupation.

Analysis of these artifacts places them around the 14th centurya period marked by the conflicts of the Hundred Years' War. It's highly likely that the inhabitants of Padirac took refuge in this natural chasm to escape the English soldiers who laid waste to the village. Faced with the destruction of their homes, these survivors had no choice but to to hide in the depths of this mysterious cavity.

Much more than a simple geological site, the Gouffre de Padirac is a veritable witness to the tormented history of the Dordogne..

L'exploring the Gouffre de Padirac an exciting dive into the depths

The descent to the depths of this stalactite stalactite cave in the Dordogne can be made either on foot or by elevator. À 103 meters below grounda new journey begins: aboard a boat guided by a boatman, visitors glide along an underground underground riverdiscovering a landscape shaped by thousands of years of erosion. Thousand-year-old concretions, calcite cascades and stone candelabras unfold before their eyes, creating an enchanting, timeless atmosphere. and timeless atmosphere..

At the bottom of the Gouffre, two galleries face each other.

  • The Galerie de la Grande Arcade, still partially unexplored, retains the mystery of its depths.
  • The Galerie de la Source leads directly to the Rivière Plane, the starting point for a boat trip offering a unique perspective on this underground world.

Among the natural wonders to be seen, some impress by their size and singularity. The Grande Pendeloquea stalactite over 60 metres high, seems to hang in the void above Lac des Gours. Further on, Lac de la Pluie and the Grand Dômeculminating at 94 metres, reveal the full splendour of this underground world.

Focus on the Grande Pendeloquethe stalactite in this Dordogne cave

Among the underground wonders of the Gouffre de Padirac : the Grande Pendeloque. This is without doubt one of the cave's most spectacular gems.

Suspended with impressive impressive verticality above Rainy Lake, this monumental monumental stalactite fascinates visitors from the moment they enter the depths of the chasm.

With an estimated length of 60 metersit seems to float in the darkness, like a decoration sculpted by time. Formed over thousands of years by the flow of water and the gradual deposition of calcite, it forms a natural natural chain of mineral waterfallsgiving the site an almost unreal atmosphere.

Exploration by boat in this Dordogne cave with stalactite allows you to admire its sparkling reflection in the waters of the lake. It's a mesmerizing spectacle!

A true symbol of the Gouffre de Padiracthe Grande Pendeloque illustrates the beauty and richness of the Dordogne's underground formations.

Practical information visit the Gouffre de Padirac

With some 480,000 visitors a year, we recommend that you to book your tickets in advanceespecially during peak periods.

Prices vary according to age:

  • Adults: €19.50
  • Children over 12: €18
  • Children aged 4 to 12: €14.50
  • Free for children under 4.

Discounts are available for adults and children aged 4 to 12 with valid proof of age, at €18 and €12.50 respectively. Special offers are also available for disabled visitors and their carers. It is also possible to privatize the site for special occasions.

Opening times vary from day to day, between 8am and 9:30pm or between 10am and 4:30pm or 6pm.

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