The prehistoric cave of Pech Merle
Located in the Célé Valley, the prehistoric cave of Pech Merle is one of the must-see places to visit in the Lot.
This true underground masterpiece, preserved intact for thousands of years, is a precious testimony to the life of the first Homo Sapiens thanks to its authentic cave paintings.
Classified among the most remarkable prehistoric sites, this natural cavity takes you back 25,000 years.
Discovered in 1922 by two teenagers, the Pech Merle cave presents an exceptional collection of cave paintings. You can access it through a tunnel dug in scree.
Before diving into the bowels of the cave, you can attend a 15-minute presentation to better understand the context in which the paintings and engravings were made.
The guided tour of one hour in total, divided between explanations and immersion in the cave, reveals a multitude of masterpieces.
As soon as you enter the Combel gallery, you will be able to see bear caves on the ground, these cavities dug in the clay. Bones of prehistoric fauna are also exhibited there.
A little further, cross the black frieze, a seven-metre long wall where you can admire 25 drawings of animals including horses, bison, mammoths and aurochs.
At the heart of the cave, the vast painting room brings together several emblematic groups such as the dotted horses while on the ceiling, you can admire fingerprints.
Access to the cave is limited to a small number of visitors per day. Remember to book in advance, especially during busy periods.
📍Address: Pech Merle 46330 Cabrerets
⌚Opening hours: open from April 5 to November 11, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💶Rates: from €3.50 to €15
To extend your stay in the region, the Hôtel Restaurant Le Pont d'Or offers a comfortable and warm setting.
Housed in an old 13th-century Quercy building, the hotel also has a restaurant and a wine cellar.
Put down your suitcases in one of our 35 rooms, some of which offer a breathtaking view of the Célé River.
On sunny days, enjoy the rooftop infinity pool.
This true underground masterpiece, preserved intact for thousands of years, is a precious testimony to the life of the first Homo Sapiens thanks to its authentic cave paintings.
Classified among the most remarkable prehistoric sites, this natural cavity takes you back 25,000 years.
Discovering the prehistoric cave of Pech Merle
A journey to prehistoric times
Discovered in 1922 by two teenagers, the Pech Merle cave presents an exceptional collection of cave paintings. You can access it through a tunnel dug in scree.
Before diving into the bowels of the cave, you can attend a 15-minute presentation to better understand the context in which the paintings and engravings were made.
The guided tour of one hour in total, divided between explanations and immersion in the cave, reveals a multitude of masterpieces.
Fascinating galleries and prehistoric masterpieces
As soon as you enter the Combel gallery, you will be able to see bear caves on the ground, these cavities dug in the clay. Bones of prehistoric fauna are also exhibited there.
A little further, cross the black frieze, a seven-metre long wall where you can admire 25 drawings of animals including horses, bison, mammoths and aurochs.
At the heart of the cave, the vast painting room brings together several emblematic groups such as the dotted horses while on the ceiling, you can admire fingerprints.
Practical information to organize your visit
Access to the cave is limited to a small number of visitors per day. Remember to book in advance, especially during busy periods.
📍Address: Pech Merle 46330 Cabrerets
⌚Opening hours: open from April 5 to November 11, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💶Rates: from €3.50 to €15
Stay at the Hôtel Le Pont d'Or in Figeac
To extend your stay in the region, the Hôtel Restaurant Le Pont d'Or offers a comfortable and warm setting.
Housed in an old 13th-century Quercy building, the hotel also has a restaurant and a wine cellar.
Put down your suitcases in one of our 35 rooms, some of which offer a breathtaking view of the Célé River.
On sunny days, enjoy the rooftop infinity pool.
