The Tourtoirac Cave, a geological marvel to discover

How about experiencing something truly unique deep within the Earth? Open from March to November (opening hours vary depending on the season), during the February and Christmas school holidays, and year-round for groups by reservation, the Tourtoirac Cave, just 40 minutes from Périgueux, is a visit to enjoy alone, with family, or with friends. Get your ticket and let yourself be guided to the heart of the Earth !

A cavity carved by nature

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

A unique guided tour in Périgord

The Guide du Périgord is pleased to offer you an unusual experience from the inside. Once you have purchased your ticket, a guide will take you 25 meters underground via an elevator to reach the start of the 600-meter-long tour, which consists of 6 stations.

• The first section recounts the discovery of the cave. Immersed in darkness, you can follow the orange spotlights and the blue-illuminated walls that blend beautifully with the white calcite, a sublime gradient of color and light. Look up to spot the tree frog with its feet on the ceiling, and let your imagination run wild!
• Stalagmites and stalactites are the focus of the second station, where lights gradually illuminate like tiny candles. Above your head, soda straws of various shapes and colors resemble ice picks, while an incredible column rises nearby.
• At the 3^rd station, the underground river is revealed ! Drinkable, it flows gently through the village. Don't be surprised to see a huge hole above your heads; that's the emergency exit!
• The surprises continue at the 4^th stop, which takes you 45 meters below the surface. Keep your eyes peeled to admire the columns where water flows freely, as well as the eccentric ceiling that resembles a collection of tiny sea urchins. There's another remarkable feature: the butterfly!
• The visit continues along the return path, which is no less exceptional. Increasingly beautiful draperies, incredible color gradients, and a finesse of structure leave you speechless, while the guide points out the diving dolphin.
• The last part of the visit leaves room for the imagination to spot the jellyfish, the tiered cake, the lady and child, Mont Saint-Michel or 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 all ages. Accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, it offers a pleasant family day out, starting with the village of Tourtoirac. The main attraction is, of course , the cave itself, which can only be visited with a guide for one hour. Remember to dress warmly! The temperature is no more than 13 or 14°C deep underground! At the end of the tour, you can also visit the gift shop and take home a souvenir.

Have a good trip to the center of the Earth!

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