The Gouffre de Padirac is a spectacular natural cave located in the Lot department, in the Dordogne valley, a stone's throw from the picturesque village of Rocamadour.
Discovered over 130 years ago, in 1889, by Edouard Alfred Martel, it is now run by a family business and has welcomed over 25 million visitors from around the world since its opening. The Gouffre de Padirac is listed as a natural monument and site due to its geological significance and spectacular beauty.
The entrance shaft to the sinkhole measures approximately 35 meters in diameter and is 103 meters deep. At its bottom, it provides access to a 20-kilometer-long network of underground rivers winding through flowing galleries. Today, only 500 meters of the underground passage are open to the public, a route highlighted by subdued lighting from 600 bulbs.
The tour's length is 2 meters, 200 meters underground, with an ambient temperature of 103°C and a humidity level of 13%. Visitors begin by descending into the chasm via one of three elevators built into the rock or via an Eiffel-inspired staircase of 98 steps. They can then take a walk and a kilometer-long boat trip, guided by experienced boatmen, to explore part of the underground river and admire the impressive geological formations, sculpted by millennia of erosion.
Among the highlights of the visit are the Lac de la Pluie, above which appears the majestic Grande Pendeloque and the Lac des Gours with water at 12° all year round, its natural pools decorated with stalactites and stalagmites in the shape of stacks of plates (formed by the fall of water drops crashing and spreading on the rock) and its Salle du Grand Dôme, an immense cavity with a ceiling reaching 94 meters high.
In addition to traditional guided tours, the chasm offers immersive experiences and special events, such as nighttime tours and life-size light shows, featuring theatrical scenes where spectators participate alongside fictional and historical characters. This unique site also plays an educational role, raising visitors' awareness of caving, geology, and the preservation of natural sites.
The Gouffre de Padirac is an extraordinary natural site, a fascinating window onto the underground world. A must-see destination, combining adventure, scientific discovery, and natural beauty, for nature and geology enthusiasts.
An hour and a half of geological and historical adventure at the center of the Earth, for fans of Jules Verne!
Learn more about:
www.gouffre-de-padirac.com
Photos and report: Patrick Koune
