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SeeDordogne

Grottes de Lacave, Lacave

Huge underground galleries and lakes

featured in Sights & sites

Accessed today by a small electric train, these caves were discovered in 1902 by Armand Vire and at the time required a descent of over 60 metres. 

The vast cavernous halls, with their rock features and stalactites, reflect in the underground lakes creating a stunning mirage effect. These limestone caves are impressive in size and worthy of a morning's trip

Watch out for

Despite there being a train to take you into the caves, once inside there are a lot of stairs and the terrain is uneven and often wet. It is not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or people with reduced mobility.

Visitor comments

  • "Once in the caves, the sequence of different spaces with their majestic geological formations was absolutely stunning. With outside temperatures of over 30°C, the cool cave temperature of less than 20°C was very pleasant, but I would advise bringing a sweater." - Trip Advisor
  • "Visited these caves at the last minute and were pleasantly surprised. Having spent hours queuing at the gouffe de padriac earlier in the week it was a joy to be travelling on the little train that takes you into the caves with in 5 minutes of arriving. There is a lot to see and as other reviewers have said it means a lot of walking and stairs. However our 4 year old son managed it very well! These are beautiful caves and I wish I understood our french guide although he kindly did explain some parts in English. Our kids loved the cave lit up with ultraviolet lights." - Trip Advisor
  • "This was recommended by a friend and the idea of an electric train taking you into the caves appealed. Wow! Just an amazing visit, staff brilliant and very knowledgeable, nice leisurely paced visit and so different from Padirac. A must see." - Trip Advisor

When to come

Beginning of February holidays to March 31st: 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00
From April 1st to June 30th: 09:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30
July: From 09:30 to 12:30 and from 13:30 pm to 18:00
August 1s to August 25th: from 09:30 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 18:00
August 26th to September 30th: from 09.30 am to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:30
October 1st to November 11th: 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00
December 26th to December 30th: 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00

How to get passes

Tickets are available from the main entrance.

Location

Map of the surrounding area