Caves
Some caves are more about fantastic geological formations (usually set to music and lights) others are more about prehistoric history. In either case even on the warmest day, BRING A COAT OR SWEATER!
Domme (Highly Recommended)
Entered directly from the town centre, the caves at Domme are the largest in 'Perigord Noir'. They are also very worth a visit, with a succession of 'rooms' containing fabulous rock formations. Domme is also a wonderful town to visit and have a nice lunch on the edge of the world. About 70km - 1 hour drive from the house.
Gouffre de Padirac (Highly Recommended)
Visitors descend 75m via a lift or staircase before entering the cave system. The cave, at a depth of 103m (338ft) contains a subterranean river system that is partly negotiable by boat. The cave system is regarded as "one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena of the Massif Central. About 130km - 2 hour drive from the house.
Les Grottes de Lastournelle, near Pujols
Smaller that the caves at Domme, there are seven interlocking caverns to discover. These caves are 10km south of Villeneuve-sur-Lot on the D118, at Sainte-Colombe-de-Villeneuve, not far from Pujols. About 30km - 35 minute drive from the house.
Les Grottes de Fontirou, Castella
Another series of caverns south of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, at Castella. There is also mini-golf here! About 35km - 40 minute drive from the house.
Les Grottes de Maxange, Le Buisson
Newly discovered in 2000, these caves at Le Buisson de Cadouin are now open to the public. Special focus has been given to the lighting of the formations. About 45km - 1 hour drive from the house.
Troglodyte Fort (Recommended), La Roque-Gageac
These are cliff side dwellings, dating from the 12th century, rather than underground caverns, and are found 40 metres up the cliffs at La Roque-Gageac on the Dordogne River. About 75km - 1 hour 20 minute drive from the house.
Gouffre de Proumeyssac (Highly Recommended), Le Bugue
Near Le Bugue, a little north of the Dordogne River at Limeuil, the caves at Proumeyssac are highly renowned. The main feature is the enormous 'Cathedral of Crystal' - a stunning, huge and beautifully lit cavern. You can pay extra and enter by a suspended basket lowered by a horse, the traditional method! About 55km - 1 hour drive from the house.
Lascaux II Caves at Montignac
These are outside our area, north of the Dordogne River and about 30km north of Sarlat. However, many visitors think they are worth the journey because of their international repute. Lascaux II is a copy of the majority of the famous prehistoric paintings contained in the original Lascaux caves, 200 metres from Lascaux II. The copy was made because the original prehistoric paintings were being destroyed by the breath from thousands of visitors. The paintings have been copied in great detail, using original materials and colors. About 90km - 1 hour 40 minute drive from the house.