Gouffre de Padirac

At the Gouffre de Padirac, get ready to descend 103 meters underground to explore an underground river, pass through impressive tunnels, and admire chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. The splendor and variety of the underground formations, combined with the fascinating history of its discovery in 1889 by speleologist Edouard-Alfred Martel, will make your visit unforgettable.

This article is designed to provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit to the Gouffre de Padirac. You’ll also find tips on how to make the most of your experience and turn this underground adventure into an unforgettable experience.

Plan your visit to Gouffre de Padirac

If you're dreaming of discovering the Gouffre de Padirac, follow our advice to ensure your visit goes off without a hitch.

Hours of Operation for the Public

Open every day from Easter through All Saints’ Day, including holidays, the Gouffre de Padirac generally welcomes visitors from 9:30 a.m. until between 5:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., depending on the season. Last admission is 1 hour and 45 minutes before closing, and the tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. For specific information, check the calendar on the Gouffre de Padirac’s official website.

The best times to visit

As France’s leading underground attraction, drawing more than 480,000 visitors annually, the Gouffre can get particularly crowded in July and August. For a more peaceful experience, plan your visit during the off-season—either in the spring or fall—or choose to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Booking online gives you priority access, allowing you to skip the lines.

How to get to Gouffre de Padirac

Located in the Lot region of France, 15 km from Rocamadour and 35 km from Figeac, the Gouffre de Padirac is easily accessible.

Here are your options:

• By car : Take the A20 highway, exit 54 or 56, then follow the D90. You'll find two free parking lots for cars and one designated for motorcycles.
• By train : The Rocamadour/Padirac train station is the nearest, at 10 km. From there, a cab or bus will take you to your destination.
• By bus : Regular routes link Le Gouffre with Brive, Cahors, Figeac and Gramat. For timetables and fares, visit the LIO website (Lot interurban transport network).

Ticket prices and tour options

Plan your visit to the Gouffre de Padirac and check out the prices and the various tour options available to you.

Standard rates and discounts available

A self-guided tour of the Gouffre de Padirac, including an audio guide and a boat ride with a boatman, costs €22.50 for adults, €21 for youth over 12 and students, and €17.50 for children ages 4 to 12. Admission is free for children under 4. These rates apply during the high season, from July 1 through August 31.

In low season, take advantage of special rates: €18 for adults, €16.50 for young people and students, and €13 for children.

Preferential rates are available for disabled visitors and their companions, members of the Fédération Française de Spéléologie, guide-lecturers and groups of over 20 people. For further details, visit the official Gouffre de Padirac website.

Tour options: classic tour, guided tour, and more

The standard tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes a descent to the bottom of the chasm by elevator or stairs, a marked walking trail, and a boat ride guided by a boatman. Admire the Lac des Gours, the Salle du Grand Dôme, and other geological wonders, all explained by an audio guide.

For a more personalized experience, opt for a guided tour with a professional. Here are just a few of the options available:

• The €440 VIP tour for groups of 1 to 4 people (€110 per adult and €75 per additional child) offers an exclusive experience with a workshop-guide, priority access and a private tour.
• The "Explorer's Evening," priced at €95 per person, lets you explore the chasm by lantern light, followed by an aperitif and dinner, evoking Edouard-Alfred Martel's original expedition.
• Privatization for customized events (birthdays, weddings, seminars, etc.) with top-of-the-range services, including an underground wine and food pairing. Prices on request.

Buy your tickets: on site or online?

With more than 480,000 visitors per year, we strongly recommend that you book your tickets online to guarantee your visit and enjoy priority access. Purchase your tickets on the official Gouffre de Padirac website by selecting your desired date and time.

A confirmation email with a QR code will be sent to you; please present it at the entrance. Cancellation insurance is also available.

If you haven't booked online, you can purchase tickets on site, but there's no guarantee of immediate admission, especially during peak season. It's therefore best to book in advance.

Tips for a memorable experience

Get ready to explore the Gouffre de Padirac with our essential tips to make your underground adventure unforgettable.

Pack the right gear for the visit

The Gouffre de Padirac, a natural site with specific conditions, requires appropriate clothing to ensure your comfort and safety.

Here are our recommendations:

• Warm clothing: With a constant temperature of 13°C in the galleries, even in summer, a sweater or jacket is advisable.
• Comfortable shoes: The route includes 543 steps, some of them slippery. Choose closed shoes with non-slip soles, avoiding high heels or sandals.
• A camera: Capture the underground scenery without flash during the walking tour. Make sure your battery is charged and that you have enough memory.

Visitor facilities

Gouffre de Padirac offers a variety of services and facilities to enhance your visit:

• Free parking: With two parking lots and one dedicated to two-wheelers. Motorhomes are accepted without draining services.
• A restaurant and a café-bookstore: Enjoy these spaces to grab a bite to eat and relax while immersing yourself in the history of the Gouffre and its discoverer, Edouard-Alfred Martel.
• A gift shop: Find souvenirs, stationery, and other items related to the Gouffre de Padirac and caving, also available online.
• Restrooms: Located at the entrance and exit, but not available in the underground galleries.
• Free wifi access: Share your photos and prints by connecting to the site's wifi.

Important instructions for a safe visit

To ensure your safety and the preservation of the site, please follow these rules:

• Don't touch rock formations: walls, stalactites and stalagmites are fragile and can be damaged or injure you.
• Do not litter or discard objects: Help protect the environment and water quality by using the trash cans provided.
• The site is non-smoking: for reasons of safety and respect for others, smoking and vaping are prohibited.
• Avoid excessive noise: To fully appreciate your visit, it's best to be calm and quiet.
• Flashbulbs and selfie poles are forbidden: for safety reasons, these accessories can be disruptive, especially during the boat trip.

Conclusion

The Padirac Chasm is a true natural wonder, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore a captivating underground world. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, you’ll be captivated by the splendor and variety of the landscapes it offers, not to mention its rich historical past, which was first revealed by Edouard-Alfred Martel in 1889. To plan your visit to the Padirac Chasm, simply book your tickets directly online, select the type of tour that best suits you, and make sure you’re properly prepared for the adventure.

This unforgettable experience—which takes you 103 meters underground to explore subterranean passages and navigate a hidden river—is waiting just for you. Don’t miss this unique opportunity—book your tour now on the official Gouffre de Padirac website. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget!

FAQ

How long does a visit to Gouffre de Padirac last?

The tour of the Padirac Chasm lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This experience includes descending into the chasm—either by stairs or elevator—followed by an exploration of the underground galleries open to the public.

How much does it cost to visit the Gouffre de Padirac?

The cost of admission to the Gouffre de Padirac varies depending on the time of year and the type of tour. During the high season, the price is €22.50 for adults and €17.50 for children ages 4 to 12 for a self-guided tour with an audio guide. During the low season, these rates drop to €18.00 and €13.00, respectively. Special offers, private tours, “Explorer Nights,” and private rental options are also available.

Why is Gouffre de Padirac closed?

The Padirac Chasm is closing its doors for two main reasons: the first is in response to the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an early closure on October 29, 2020. The second reason is the annual winter closure, a period during which the staff prepares for the following season and maintains the site in excellent condition.

How to dress for a visit to the Padirac chasm?

It is recommended that you wear warm, waterproof clothing when visiting the Padirac Chasm, where the temperature remains constant at 13°C and water droplets may fall. Special attention should be given to young children, who are more vulnerable to the cold.

Find out more: the official website Gouffre de Padirac