The Lacave caves in the Lot department
The Lacave caves in the Lot region of France offer a fascinating immersion in a spectacular underground world. Discovered in 1902, these natural caves attract numerous visitors every year, seduced by their unique geological formations and underground lakes. An unmissable visit for caving enthusiasts and lovers of unusual landscapes, during your stay at our campsite in the Lot.
Visit the Grotte de Lacave in the Lot: an underground treasure to discover
Discovery and history of the Lacave cave
Located in the Dordogne Valley, in the Lot département, the Lacave cave is one of the region’s most impressive underground sites. Its discovery dates back to 1902, when speleologist Armand Viré explored its galleries and revealed its geological wealth. Three years later, in 1905, the cave was opened to the public, quickly attracting visitors curious to admire its spectacular mineral formations.
In 1961, a major innovation facilitated access to the cave: an electric train was installed, enabling visitors to travel effortlessly through a 400-metre artificial tunnel to the underground chambers. Since then, this emblematic means of transport has become a real asset, making the visit accessible to a wide public.
Tour: a journey to the heart of the earth
Exploration of the Lacave cave begins with immediate immersion on the electric train. Once at the starting point of the guided tour, visitors continue on foot along a 1.5 km circuit, unveiling an exceptional underground spectacle.
Must-see venues
- The Hall of Chaos: a first immersion in a raw mineral setting, where massive limestone formations rise up in impressive pillars.
- La Salle de la Tarasque: named after a naturally sculpted rock that evokes a fantastic creature.
- The Hall of Mirages: a magical space where underground lakes create hypnotic reflections, playing with light and rock formations.
- The Hall of Wonders: the highlight of the show! This vast 2,000 m² space is famous for its living concretions, which become phosphorescent under the effect of ultraviolet lighting. A striking visual experience that gives the impression of a landscape from another world.
Practical information for organizing your visit
Grotte de Lacave opening times
Timetables vary according to the season:
- February – March: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- April – June: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- July: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- August: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- September: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- October – November: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tip: to avoid the busiest hours of the summer, it’s best to visit in the morning.
Admission fees
- Adults: €9
- Children (5-14 years): €5.50
Good to know: Rates are subject to annual adjustments. We recommend consulting the official website before your visit.
(Rates and timetables valid from January 1, 2025)
On-site services and facilities
The Lacave cave offers several facilities to enhance visitor comfort:
- Picnic area for outdoor lunch
- Elevator to access the different rooms
- Free parking, including for buses
- Projection room to learn more about the formation of the cave
- Bar and souvenir store to take home with you as a souvenir of your visit
- Children’s playground
- Restaurant offering meals and snacks
Practical tips for a successful visit
- Appropriate clothing: The temperature inside the cave is a constant 13°C all year round. Remember to bring a jacket or sweater, even in summer.
- Walking shoes recommended: Some sections of the route have steps and slightly slippery ground.
- Accessibility: The tour includes several staircases and uneven passages, making the route difficult for people with reduced mobility.
- Photography: Photography is permitted, so feel free to capture these exceptional underground landscapes.
How to get to the Grotte de Lacave?
- Address: 46200 Lacave, Lot, France
- Access by car: Located 10 km from Rocamadour, the cave is easily accessible via the D673. Free parking is available at the entrance to the site.
- Access by train: The nearest station is Souillac, about 20 km away.
Ranked among the most beautiful caves in the Lot, the Grotte de Lacave offers an unforgettable underground spectacle. With its fascinating geological formations, subterranean lakes and mysterious atmosphere, it’s a delight for young and old alike.
Whether you’re a caving enthusiast or simply curious to discover the wonders hidden underground, this visit is a must during a stay in the Dordogne Valley at our campsite near Lacave.
