Everyone who comes here should realise just how lucky they are.
Unlike the facsimile of Lascaux, the Pech Merle Cave is the real thing, as are its 70 representations of animals and humans : mammoths, horses, bisons, stags' heads, hands…
1 km of galleries, 7 caverns, crystalline formations, prehistoric paintings and engravings - it's easy to see why Pech Merle is considered as one of the major painted caves in France.
Two young lads, André David and Henri Dutertre, discovered this amazing place in the Célé Valley in 1922. It's been open to the public since 1926.
From February to November, group size limited to 25 people maximum, our guides are here to tell you the story of this cave.
Please note : to ensure its conservation, the number of visitors to the cave is limited to 700 people per day in July and August. It's therefore wise to reserve a visit in advance. Tickets must be collected from the ticket office a quarter of an hour before your allotted visit time.
So that you can better analyse this waking dream, the same ticket enables you to visit the cave, to watch the film about it and to visit the exhibitions in the Prehistory Museum located on site.
What makes the visit special/fun ?
The Lot's character is formed by its 'causses' (limestone plateaux) through which the Lot, Dordogne and Célé valleys have carved their way. It is studded with major tourist attractions and beautiful villages such as Rocamadour, Cahors, Figeac and Saint Cirq Lapopie…. Man and Nature have both left their imprint on the Pech Merle cave and Padirac Chasm. When you're rambling or cycling, the unspoiled, authentic nature of the Lot is plain to see. Home to excellent local produce and fine food and wines, the Lot has many treats to offer your taste buds, including truffles, foie gras, lamb and melons from Quercy, and Cahors Malbec Wine.
