Padirac Cave

The site features a monumental pit cave entrance with a diameter of 33 meters and a depth reaching 103 meters. This dramatic chasm leads to a vast network of underground passages and a subterranean river that has carved more than 58 kilometers of galleries. A portion of this system is accessible to the public, featuring a navigable river and chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Discovered in 1889 by Édouard-Alfred Martel, the cave is recognized as a significant natural underground heritage site. It is a major destination for subterranean exploration, ranking as one of the most frequently visited facilities of its kind. The geological formation was created by the continuous action of the underground river over time.

Guided tours are available and consist of a combination of walking through the galleries and a boat ride on the subterranean river. The journey explores the natural beauty and historical significance of this extensive cave system, which includes monumental passages and unique geological features.