GOUFFRE DE PADIRAC
PADIRAC , Lot – Point of interest
About
The Gouffre de Padirac, the most famous in Europe, is considered as one of the greatest geological curiosities of France. It was explored in 1889 by Edouard-Alfred Martel.
The Gouffre de Padirac, the most famous in Europe, is considered as one of the greatest geological curiosities of France. It was explored in 1889 by Edouard-Alfred Martel.
Axer a vertiginous descent to a depth of 103 m, you embark on the underground river for a boat ride. It is then that you will discover the Grande Pendeloque, a giant stalactite of 60 m high, which, as if suspended from a thread, seems to be admired on the surface of the Rainy Lake. You will land and continue on foot to the Great Dome Room whose vault rises to 94 m high. It offers a multitude of concretions, cascades of calcite, shaped by nature over millions of years.
The Explorers’ evenings
Each year, the Gouffre de Padirac organizes Explorers’ Evenings during which, for one:evening, a small group of visitors has the opportunity to experience the incredible underground adventure as Edouard-Alfred Martel did in 1889.
Illuminated by lantern, you will experience the abyss to the fullest in the silence, the darkness, the coolness…
VIP visits
You will be greeted on arrival by one of our guide-boaters, your exclusive contact for this private tour of the Gouffre de Padirac. During the visit, you will be told about the adventures of Edouard-Alfred Martel, the first explorer of the Padirac chasm and the founding father of modern speleology, and the history and formaEon of this extraordinary natural site. An experience rich in emoEons and memorable souvenirs!