Padirac Cave

Padirac Cave (Gouffre de Padirac) is a major karst chasm and show cave in southwestern France noted for its deep sinkhole entrance and an underground river. The site has been open to the public since the late 19th and early 20th centuries following exploration by early cave archaeologists and speleologists.

The visitor experience starts at the surface chasm and continues with a descent into the cave system where a guided route combines a short boat ride on the underground river with walks through large caverns and vaulted galleries. Interpretive displays and lighting reveal stalactites, stalagmites and large carved chambers along the route.

Exploration of the Padirac chasm and its cave system took place in the late 19th century by pioneering cave explorers; after these early explorations the site was developed for public visits. Since then it has remained a popular show cave with managed tourist infrastructure.

Located in the Lot department region of southwestern France, the cave is sited near small villages and is accessible by road from regional towns and tourist routes in the area.

• Visitor route: Visits are by guided tour only; part of the route includes a short boat trip on the subterranean river followed by walks on formed pathways and staircases.
• Seasonality and access: Tours are seasonal and timetabled, with visitor facilities at the site entrance; check opening dates before travel.

What to See #

• Chasm and subterranean river: A deep chasm leading to an extensive underground cave system with walkways and boat access on an underground river.
• Caverns and galleries: Large caverns and vaulted galleries further into the cave that are reached on a guided visitor route with stairs and pathways.