Gouffre de Padirac

A huge chasm visited by boat along an underground river. Its entrance shaft, about 35 metres in diameter, opens onto the Causse de Gramat in the Lot. At a depth of 103 metres flows a river that has carved and shaped the galleries over one to two million years.

The underground river was discovered in 1889 by the speleologist Édouard-Alfred Martel, and the first tourist visits took place in 1898. The visitor route alternates walking with boat trips along part of the river, in a cave with a constant temperature of around 13 °C. Padirac is the most visited cave in France and the second most visited in Europe, after Postojna in Slovenia.

For groups : Adult groups are welcome from 20 people, with a reduced rate, free admission for the coach driver and a skip-the-line ticket. The visit comes with an audio guide in seven languages, and a single contact organises both the visit and the meal: lunch indoors or on the terrace at the Auberge du Gouffre, a few metres from the entrance, or a packed lunch in the wooded park. Free coach parking is located near the group reception office. The route, which includes many steps, is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Gouffre de Padirac – Route du Puits au Salvage, 46500 Padirac

On request – preferential group rate (please contact us)