Couleurs Périgord Introduction to caving in the Dordogne

Introduction to caving in the Dordogne with Couleurs Périgord

Have you ever wondered what goes on underground ? Holidays are the perfect time to challenge yourself and answer even the wildest questions! The Dordogne is the ideal region for a safe introduction to caving during your vacation. Led by state-certified instructors, you'll be provided with a helmet, headlamp, overalls, and everything you need to explore, crawl, observe, and listen to the silence … all in complete peace and safety !

During a 2.5-hour introductory session, you will explore horizontal caverns (no complicated ascents or descents) that reveal stunning underground landscapes. You'll see that the Périgord region is just as beautiful below ground as above! Stalactites and stalagmites, without any embellishment or artificial lighting, showcase this natural scenery. It's surprising and truly unique! Most of the caves we visit are dry, so there's no risk of humidity beyond the natural moisture level of a cave. Did you know that they maintain a temperature of around 13 degrees Celsius year-round? Remember to bring a light sweater and shoes that can get dusty !

Upon arrival at the caving site, usually located in the forest, you will be equipped for the adventure. A coverall will protect your clothes, so remember to bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and closed-toe shoes like sneakers. You will then take an approach hike to reach the cave entrance. This is an opportunity to learn more about geology and the geography of the landscape with your instructor. We then enter the cave and make our way, often from chamber to chamber, through corridors of varying widths, which are perfectly safe. Children aged 8 and up can join the adventure, and the route will be adapted to the level and desires of the group. The ground is soft enough for crawling, squeezing, and scrambling—we're going to have a lot of fun! We'll observe the few animals that inhabit the caves, learn about the formation of the geological features, and explore this fascinating and unfamiliar underground world.