The Tourtoirac Cave, a geological wonder to discover

How about an unusual experience in the depths of the Earth? Accessible from March to November (times vary depending on the season), during the February holidays, the Christmas holidays and throughout the year by reservation for groups, the Tourtoirac Cave, 40 minutes from Périgueux, is a visit to enjoy alone, with family or friends. Buy your ticket and let yourself be guided to the heart of the Earth !

A cavity dug by nature

It was in January 1995 that the speleologist Jean-Luc Sirieix discovered this geological curiosity formed over the years by water and nature. Immense and surprising, it runs along an underground river, offering an astonishing spectacle of shadow and light to young and old alike who discover with wonder sublime natural concretions. Columns, draperies, jellyfish, gours… The shapes are fascinating and leave a memorable memory of an unforgettable trip to Tourtoirac.

A unique guided tour in Périgord

The Périgord Guide is delighted to offer you an unusual experience from the inside. Once you've purchased your ticket, a guide will take you 25 meters underground via an elevator to reach the start of the 600-meter-long, six-station trail.

• The first retraces the discovery of the cave. Plunged into darkness, you can follow the orange spotlights and the blue-illuminated walls that blend wonderfully with the white of the calcite, a sublime gradient of color and illumination. Look up to see the tree frog on the ceiling, and let your imagination run wild!
• Stalagmites and stalactites are the subject of the ^second station, where the lights gradually come on, like small candles. Above your heads, fistulous structures of different shapes and colors resemble ice picks, while an incredible column rises nearby.
• At the ^3rd station, the underground river is highlighted ! Drinkable, it flows gently and crosses the village. Don't be surprised to see a huge hole above your heads; this is the emergency exit!
• The surprise continues at the ^4th stopping point which takes you to a depth of 45 m. Open your eyes wide to admire the columns where water flows freely as well as the eccentric ceiling which looks like lots of small sea urchins. There is also a remarkable element: the butterfly!
• The tour continues on the return journey, which is no less exceptional. Increasingly beautiful draperies, incredible color gradients, and a delicate structure leave you speechless, while the guide points out the diving dolphin.
• The last part of the visit gives way to the imagination to spot the jellyfish, the wedding cake, the lady and child, Mont Saint-Michel and even the Titanic.

The atmosphere and the sounds of the water add authenticity to this unusual visit where you are almost the speleologist for the day.

Tourtoirac Cave, some practical information for your visit

Nestled 40 minutes from Périgueux, a visit to the Tourtoirac Cave is an experience open to young and old alike. Accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, it offers a pleasant family day out, starting in the village of Tourtoirac. The main destination, of course, remains the cave, which can only be visited with a guide for 1 hour. Remember to wear warm clothes! It doesn't get more than 13 or 14°C in the depths of the Earth! At the end of the visit, you can also stop by the shop and take home a souvenir.

Have a good trip to the center of the Earth!

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