Gouffre de Proumeyssac
Explore a breathtaking underground world of crystal formations, illuminated by dramatic light shows, with a thrilling gondola descent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, immersive experience
Gouffre de Proumeyssac
Best Time
Fewer crowds, immersive experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a breathtaking underground world of crystal formations, illuminated by dramatic light shows, with a thrilling gondola descent.
"Simply unbelievable! A must-see natural wonder in the Dordogne. "
🎯 Book Gondola in Advance
Limited spots for the gondola descent! Book early to secure your spot for this unique experience.
🧥 Bring a Jacket
Cave is cool year-round (14°C/57°F). A sweater or jacket is a must for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gondola Descent
Entrance to the cavern
Experience a thrilling descent into the abyss via a suspended gondola for breathtaking views.
Light and Sound Show
Main cavern chamber
Witness a dramatic spectacle of lights and music illuminating the stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Guided Cavern Tour
Inside the cavern
Explore the vast underground world with informative guides, available in multiple languages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Gondola Descent Early
Dress for Cool Cave Temperatures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Gondola in Advance
Limited spots for the gondola descent! Book early to secure your spot for this unique experience.
🧥 Bring a Jacket
Cave is cool year-round (14°C/57°F). A sweater or jacket is a must for comfort.
🎧 English Headsets Available
Don't miss details! English guide headsets are offered for the tour.
🚗 Free Parking
Ample and free parking is available on-site for visitors arriving by car.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Gondola in Advance
Limited spots for the gondola descent! Book early to secure your spot for this unique experience.
🧥 Bring a Jacket
Cave is cool year-round (14°C/57°F). A sweater or jacket is a must for comfort.
🎧 English Headsets Available
Don't miss details! English guide headsets are offered for the tour.
🚗 Free Parking
Ample and free parking is available on-site for visitors arriving by car.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Features a playground and water features, making it great for kids.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Gouffre de Proumeyssac for its stunning natural beauty, dramatic light and sound shows, and the unique gondola descent experience. It's considered a great family outing with engaging history and well-managed tours. Some find the French-language focus of the introductory film a slight drawback, and the commercial aspect can feel intense for some, but overall, it's a highly recommended attraction in the Dordogne.
"The tour starts with a movie that explains how it was discovered. Great for families. The tour is then guided down into the cavern and English guide headsets are available. Overall it's very well done with lights and dramatic music. The English guide was less entertaining and informative than the French tour guide who worked the crowd."
Pam Baillie
"We visited this cave with our family. It is off season so we did not need to make reservations. Please note that there are limited places to enter the cave.
We came by car. There was plenty of parking and free.
There are time slots that you can enter the cave under supervision. So keep that in mind. But if you have to wait for your lock you don't have to be bored. There is a playground, water attributes and a terrace, inside you can get something to drink.
Before you enter the cave you first watch a movie where the history of the cave is playfully depicted, it was in French when we were there.
Then walk to the cave. It is a lot cooler inside the cave though, keep that in mind.
Inside the cave you walk down a path then you arrive at the top of the cave and you can look down. At this balustrade you first watch a light and sound show inside the cave. Then you get a tour of the cave and are told all kinds of things. As a finale, you get to see another show with music.
It's a nice outing to do if you're in the area."
Coen den Haan
"Disneyland is less commercial than this. It's just one single space where you are stuck between your group of 50 and the next. You have to watch the same light show twice. Not worth it."
Eric Tom Hazenberg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gouffre de Proumeyssac is located in Audrix, in the Dordogne region of France. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available on-site. Many visitors combine a trip here with other attractions in the Périgord Noir.
Public transport options directly to Gouffre de Proumeyssac are limited. It's best to travel by car, or consider organized tours if you are not driving. Some visitors fly into Toulouse and rent a car.
There is plenty of free parking available at Gouffre de Proumeyssac, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Gouffre de Proumeyssac is a popular stop on many day trips in the Dordogne, often combined with visits to nearby castles, gardens, and other caves.
The site is well-signposted in the local area, making it relatively easy to find. GPS navigation systems will also guide you directly to the entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary for adults and children. It's recommended to check the official website for the most current pricing and to book tickets in advance, especially for the popular gondola descent.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, particularly for the gondola descent which has limited capacity. This ensures you get your preferred time slot.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official Gouffre de Proumeyssac website for the most up-to-date information on operating times before your visit.
Yes, there are different tour options. The standard tour includes a guided walk and a light and sound show. For a more adventurous experience, you can opt for the gondola descent.
Refund policies typically depend on the terms and conditions set by Gouffre de Proumeyssac. It's advisable to review these policies when booking your tickets or contact their customer service for specific inquiries.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside Gouffre de Proumeyssac remains consistently cool, around 14°C (57°F) year-round. It's advisable to wear a jacket or sweater.
The guided tour through the cave typically lasts about an hour, offering a comprehensive exploration of its geological wonders.
Yes, it's a great family outing! There's an introductory film, a playground, and water features, making it engaging for younger visitors.
While waiting for your tour time, you can enjoy a playground, water features, and a terrace where refreshments are available.
The light and sound show is a highlight, dramatically illuminating the cave's formations with music and visual effects, creating a memorable spectacle.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the cave, but be mindful of other visitors and the lighting conditions. Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the formations.
The main cavern chamber with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, especially during the light and sound show, offers fantastic photo opportunities. The view from the gondola is also spectacular.
Yes, it is quite dark inside the cave, as the lighting is designed to highlight the formations. You may need to use a tripod or a camera with good low-light performance for clear shots.
While tripods might be cumbersome in crowded areas, there are usually no strict restrictions on standard camera equipment. Always check with staff if unsure.
Expect dramatic shots of geological formations, illuminated by colored lights, and potentially unique perspectives from the gondola.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Opting for the gondola descent can add an extra layer of excitement for older children, though it requires advance booking. The guided tour is informative and paced well for younger attention spans, making it a memorable educational outing.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1Consider visiting during the last tour in the late afternoon to potentially enjoy a less crowded experience, allowing for a more immersive exploration.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for low-light conditions inside the cave. A camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be beneficial for capturing clear, detailed shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Discovery and History of Gouffre de Proumeyssac
This incredible natural wonder was found by chance, revealing a vast underground world filled with stunning geological formations. The family's dedication has preserved and enhanced the site, making it a significant tourist attraction in the Dordogne region. The cave's exploration and development have been a continuous process, aiming to showcase its beauty while respecting its fragile environment. Early visitors were amazed by the sheer scale and the intricate stalactites and stalagmites. Today, visitors can experience this history through an introductory film that playfully depicts the cave's discovery, setting the stage for the awe-inspiring journey ahead.
This commitment to heritage is evident in how the site is managed, blending historical preservation with modern visitor experiences. The ongoing maintenance, including lighting upgrades, ensures that the Gouffre de Proumeyssac remains a captivating destination for generations to come.
Experiencing the Gouffre de Proumeyssac: Tours and Activities
The main attraction is the guided tour through the cavern. You'll walk along a path that leads to a balustrade overlooking the vast chamber, adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Here, you'll witness a spectacular light and sound show that dramatically illuminates the natural formations.
Beyond the cave itself, the site offers amenities for visitors, including a playground and water features, making it a pleasant stop for families. The cool, constant temperature inside the cave means bringing a jacket is essential for comfort during your hour-long exploration.
Gouffre de Proumeyssac in the Dordogne Landscape
Many visitors combine their trip to the gouffre with other nearby attractions. Popular pairings include the Jardins de Marqueyssac, known for their sculpted boxwood hedges, and the charming medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. Other notable nearby sites include the Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle and the cliffside village of La Roque-Gageac.
+1The gouffre's location also makes it an excellent stop for those exploring the Vézère Valley, famous for the Lascaux IV cave (a replica of the prehistoric Lascaux caves). This concentration of natural and historical wonders makes the Dordogne a highly sought-after destination for tourists seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
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