The Padirac Caves
Camping Soleil d’OC in Corrèze is nestled in an exceptional natural setting and makes the perfect starting point for a variety of excursions during your holiday.
The Gouffre de Padirac is an absolute must-see in the Dordogne Valley and France’s most renowned underground attraction. This remarkable site leaves a lasting impression with its breathtaking subterranean wonders.
source : Official website of the caves of Padirac
A glimpse into the history of the Gouffre de Padirac
The Gouffre de Padirac boasts a history spanning more than a century and a half. Behind its mysterious and often awe-inspiring appearance lies a place that continues to stir the human imagination and still captivates visitors to this day.
Source : Officiele website van de grotten van Padirac
Excavations at the bottom of the chasm have revealed fragments of pottery, cooking utensils, and iron weapons. Research suggests these artefacts date back to around the 14th century. It is believed that the inhabitants of Padirac once sought refuge in the Gouffre to escape English soldiers, as the village was completely destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War.
Discovery of the Padirac Caves
In July 1889, Édouard-Alfred Martel, a trained lawyer with a passion for exploration, decided to investigate the enormous opening in the heart of the limestone plateau of the Causses du Quercy. Accompanied by three companions Gabriel Gaupillat, Emile Foulquier, and Louis Armand along with six other men assisting them, he descended into the impressive chasm to uncover its hidden secrets.
Source : Official website of the gouffre de Padirac
A few months after the discovery, Martel decided to purchase the land surrounding the Gouffre in order to make it accessible to the wider public. He received financial support from Georges Beamish to realise this vision.
Together, they undertook extensive work within the Gouffre de Padirac, and on 10 April 1899, the site was officially opened. Since then, it has welcomed thousands of visitors each year.
Exploring the Gouffre de Padirac: A Journey to the Centre of the Earth
The chasm plunges to a depth of 103 metres and contains an underground river stretching several kilometres.
An unforgettable underground journey where the sky disappears from view.
At the bottom of the chasm, two galleries face each other:
- The Galerie de la Grande Arcade, which remains partially unexplored to this day.
- The second leads to the Galerie de la Source, opening directly onto the Rivière Plane the starting point of the boat tour.
Guided cave tour
Upon arrival at the reception pavilion, visitors receive their equipment. Adults are provided with an interactive multimedia guide.
You descend 103 metres on foot or by lift. From there, the guided boat tour begins, gliding along the underground river. Along the way, you’ll encounter a breathtaking sequence of stalactite formations, calcite waterfalls, and candle-shaped dripstones sculpted by nature over millions of years.
Highlights include the Grande Pendeloque, a colossal stalactite over 60 metres long, suspended above the Lac des Gours, the Rain Lake, and the Great Dome Chamber, whose ceiling rises to nearly 94 metres.
Audio guides are available in several languages: French, English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Dutch. The gallery visit is interactive, and the guide helps bring every detail to life.
Please note: photography is not permitted during the boat tour on the underground river.
Prices and Opening Hours
The Gouffre de Padirac welcomes nearly 480,000 visitors each year. To avoid queues during busy periods, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance.
To make the most of your visit to the Gouffre de Padirac, here are the admission prices per visitor:
- €23 for adults
- €21.50 for children over 12
- €18 for children aged 4 to 12
- Free entry for children under 4
Reduced rates are available for adults and children aged 4 to 12 upon presentation of valid proof: €18 and €12.50 respectively. Special rates also apply for visitors with disabilities and their companions. Private visits can be arranged.
Opening hours vary depending on the day: visits may be possible from 8:00 to 21:30, or from 10:00 to 16:30 or 18:00. For full details, please consult the oficial website: Opening Dates and Times | Gouffre de Padirac
Stay at Camping Au Soleil d’Oc
After your visit, why not extend the adventure by booking a unique accommodation, such as the charming two-room Roulotte at Camping Soleil d’Oc or at Camping l’Eau Vive?
Your stay at Camping Soleil d’Oc is also a wonderful opportunity to explore the nearby tourist attractions, such as the Murel Waterfalls, the village of Collonges-la-Rouge, the Towers of Merle, Lake Miel, and many more.
