stairs leading deeper into the cave, dim lighting

view down the stairs in gouffre de padirac

rocks lit up within the gouffre de padirac

a view from the bottom of the chasm, looking up

Gouffre de Padirac, Padirac

Legendary caves & an incredible subterranean boat ride

Imprint: Updated 21 September 2023

The most famous cave in Europe the Gouffre de Padirac is also considered to be one of the most important and interesting geological sites in France.

Inside an underground river flows along these vast caves, which can be visited by a boat trip. There are some impressive rock formations and huge open galleries. The cave itself is reached by descending some 103 metres where you embark on your boat trip and exploration of the cave.

The guided tour will bring you through the cave where you will discover the 'Grand Pendeloque' - a gigantic stalactite that is 60 metres high. You then walk towards the 'Lac des Gours' and the 'Salle du Grand Dome' which reaches up 94 metres above you.

Each guided visit lasts approximately 1hr30. Read our own review of the caves here.

When to come

Open from mid-March until mid-November. Times may vary throughout the year.

In July they are open from 09:00 until 20:00, with the exception of the first when they open from 09:00 to 19:00. In August the caves open from 08:00 to 21:30, except for the last week when they are open from 09:30 to 18:30.

As the times vary so much through the months it is advisable to check the website in advance to avoid disappointment.

How to book

This attraction is worth booking in advance, especially during high season. At other times of the year you may have a slight wait and queue and again if you book in advance then you can by-pass this, and go directly to the entry queue.