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Grotte du Pech-Merle, Cabrerets

4.5
#1 of 27 in Museums in Lot
Must see · Science Museum · Cave
At Grotte du Pech-Merle, one of the few of Upper Paleolithic caves in France still open to the public, view children's footprints preserved in what was once clay, over 0.8 km (0.5 mi) underground. Amidst the stalagmites, stalactites, and other natural formations, view iconic cave paintings of spotted horses and woolly mammoths. Red handprints reach out to you from prehistoric times. Plexiglas protects the paintings and prints, but you can still come within inches of these remnants of the Gravettian culture, which was in existence around 25,000 BCE. English tours must be booked in advance, and slots fill up quickly. The drive to get here is long, on steep, one-lane country roads. Take a look at our Cabrerets trip itinerary planning tool to schedule your visit to Grotte du Pech-Merle and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.
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Grotte du Pech-Merle reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,398 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By Elodie C
    This cave is a must see!! Both the cave itself and the paintings are breathtaking. Still, we found the guide too expeditive, not very pleasant and her explanations weren't peadagological enough to...  more »
  • By Richard R
    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...  more »
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Google
  • By Grant Robinson
    Brilliant show cave, the wall art is stunning!! Some incredible formations the cave pearls were a particular highlight!!!
  • By Brian Thom
    One of the most spectacular places in the world. Breathtaking paleolithic art, dramatic authentic cave landscapes, knowledgeable tour guides. I loved the fact that we were not crammed in to this world-class site with hundreds of other visitors, but just a small cohort of pre-registered visitors. This place changes your perspective on what it means to be human!
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