City: Occitanie
Top Things to do in Occitanie
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10 Caverns & Caves in Occitanie That You Shouldn't Miss
Occitanie is an administrative region of France that was created on 1 January 2016 from former French regions Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées.
Restaurants in Occitanie
1. Grotte de Soustelle
2. Grotte du Pech-Merle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,359 reviews
One of the world's finest painted prehistoric caves.
Reviewed By RichardR892 - Clisson, France
The visit to see these awesome 29000-year-old examples of Cro-Magnon rock paintings is very well organised. Groups of about 30-40 are conducted into the cave with a knowledgeable guide who explains the techniques and outlines the individual animals, which are not always easy to pick out. The visit was not hurried – over an hour - and we got a good view of all the accessible art-works. The cave also has superb geological features, worth a visit in their own right! The Museum shows a selection of artefacts and a well-produced film of the caves, including illustrating some drawings in inaccessible sections.
3. Gouffre de Padirac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,355 reviews
The Gouffre de Padirac, the most famous cave in Europe, is considered as one of the most interesting geological sites in France. After a vertiginous descent, by lift or stairs, of 103 metres, you embark on a boat trip along the subterranean river with spectacular views on the galleries. That's when you discover the "Grande Pendeloque" - a gigantic stalactite of 60 metres high - hanging by a string, it appears to admire itself in the "Lac de la Pluie". You then walk towards the "Lac des Gours" or the "Salle du Grand Dôme" with its 94 metres high vault.
Reviewed By davideY5952TC - Goolwa, Australia
The tour of the caves and underground river is a fascinating, educational, awe-inspiring and reasonably priced must-see in the Dordogne area of France
4. Grottes de Gargas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
GARGAS 27 000 years ago, Homo Sapiens's families frequented the caves of Gargas. These men, women and children left numerous tracks on walls: engravings and paintings of animals, but also and especially more than 200 paintings of hands the scientists of which still look for the meaning. Gargas is one of rare decorated caves open to the public and thus number limited by people during the visits (compulsory Reservation) NESTPLORIA is a center of interpretation which gathers in a playful way the prehistory and the new technologies. He allows to uncover the secrets of Gargas via digital tools. THE EXPLORERS OF THE PREHISTORY is a permanent exhibition to learn about the jobs by the archaeology: tub of searches, reproduction of a prehistoric camp, etc. THE TRIBE OF the BUFFALO is the new cooperative and family video game created quite specially for Gargas-Nestploria. Up to 8 players can embody the members of the tribe of the bison. Together, they have to explore numerous territories and associate their skills to survive and reach their purpose: find a refuge for winter and become a real tribe.
5. Gouffre Geant de Cabrespine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 637 reviews
In the depths of the Black Mountain, steadily, patiently, over thousands of years, water has hollowed out an immense cavern. You can tour the giant cavern quite safely using the panoramic walkway. The background and the lighting effects make it a spectacle like no other.
6. Grotte de Niaux
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 525 reviews
The Niaux cave: a giant of prehistory in Ariège Visit one of the most famous Palaeolithic sites in Europe! Enjoy the unique experience of a mysterious journey into the heart of prehistory ! Just like a pioneer, venture into the Niaux cave with a torch and follow the underground route to the Salon Noir and its treasures. Feeling like an explorer, plunge into the heart of mystery where history and geology combine to offer you an amazing adventure.
Reviewed By TB770 - East Sussex, United Kingdom
prehistoric paintings some 12,000 years old....maybe more....explored in the darkness of a cave lit only by a flashlight - one carried by each member of the group....what a fabulous experience. This is not Disneyland - no tourist tat, no cafes or other stuff....just the incredible experience of walking a couple of miles through the side of a cliff, sometimes on rough going, sometimes squeezing through small gaps in the rock....to see unbelievably beautiful works of art made by Cro-Magnon man. How much better than queueing up to spend 10 seconds in front of the Mona Lisa? Make sure you BOOK, take your own refreshments (especially water during the cave walk) and ENJOY this wonderful wonderful unique experience.
7. La Grotte des Demoiselles
8. Grotte de Limousis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 365 reviews
A very beautiful cave With 7 rooms, préhistoric artefacts in entrance, lot of spéléothems, two lakes and lot of Aragonite cristal in yhe last rooms.
Reviewed By silverfox1942 - Stourbridge, United Kingdom
You will need a car as the cave complex is quite remote although there may be organised trips from Carcassonne. The caverns are beautifully lit and extensive. The formations are colorful and interesting and our guide was excellent combining information and humour in French English and Italian (he might have had more languages for all I know!) There is a Son et Lumiere show at the end of the tour which is breathtaking. We were in the caves for almost 1 hour. Well recommended.
9. La Grotte de Trabuc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 574 reviews
10. Grottes de Lacave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,063 reviews
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