Sights in Le Bugue — 3 of Our Favourites

Filled with impressive crystal formations, it has been spectacularly lit and visitors are treated to a light and sound show. It is possible to descend into the cave using the old-fashioned horse-drawn basket which was used before the tunnel entrance was created. Audio guides are available in several languages, including English, german, Spanish, Italian and Japanese.

Outside the cave there are also plenty of children's activities, such as a playpark, picnic areas, water features and animal park.

The first part of the cavity has been accessible for some time, however, the deeper part of the cave containing the engravings and paintings, was discovered in April 1951 by the famous French caver, Norbert Casteret and his daughter Maud, who was the first to recognize the parietal engravings.

Guided tours are available in both English and French.

The church is actually dedicated to Thomas Becket. The story goes that Becket was trying to arrange a marriage between Henri le Jeune (heir to the English throne) and Marguerite (eldest daughter of the King of France). When Henri died, the marriage of course did not happen, and so Becket lost favour with both kings. He was murdered by four knights loyal to the English king and it is now said that as atonement for their parts in the murder, the Kings of England and France jointly had three churches built and dedicated to Thomas Becket. One of these is the Chapelle Saint Martin.