Unusual: what if you visited the Cloup d’Aural Phosphate Mines?
Clément Bucco-Lechat, CC BY-SA 3.0
Just a few kilometers from Figeac, the Cloup d’Aural Phosphate Mines offer a surprising and enriching experience.
Located in Bach, in the Lot department, this natural and historical site invites you to delve into the heart of an ancient open-air sinkhole, a testament to a past millions of years old.
From our hotel in Figeac, you can easily reach this exceptional and unique site!
Former phosphate mines exploited at the end of the 19th century, the phosphate mines have revealed a true scientific treasure.
The hundreds of fossils they contain allow us to trace nearly 30 million years of evolution!
Between landscapes, climate, and extinct fauna, this site constitutes a rare testimony, almost unique in the world.
Even today, it attracts paleontologists who continue their research.
The guided tour takes you more than 20 meters underground, into a spectacular environment where rocks, lush vegetation, and mining remains intertwine.
For about an hour, you'll discover this extraordinary place, both a former mine and a veritable natural laboratory of evolution, where more than 700 fossil species have already been identified.
Beyond the guided tour, the site offers a complete 2.5-hour trail, accessible to all.
You can freely explore the exhibition hall, which retraces the history of the phosphate mines and displays numerous fossils.
Before exploring the themed trails dedicated to geology, flora, or even animals of the past.
Fun activities are also offered for families, with scavenger hunts that allow you to discover the site in a different way, while having fun.
Ideally located in the heart of Figeac's historic center, the Hotel Le Pont d'Or welcomes you to a charming 13th-century building on the banks of the Célé River.
The hotel offers numerous amenities for a comfortable stay:
Located in Bach, in the Lot department, this natural and historical site invites you to delve into the heart of an ancient open-air sinkhole, a testament to a past millions of years old.
From our hotel in Figeac, you can easily reach this exceptional and unique site!
A unique site where nature meets history
Former phosphate mines exploited at the end of the 19th century, the phosphate mines have revealed a true scientific treasure.
The hundreds of fossils they contain allow us to trace nearly 30 million years of evolution!
Between landscapes, climate, and extinct fauna, this site constitutes a rare testimony, almost unique in the world.
Even today, it attracts paleontologists who continue their research.
An Immersion in the Heart of the Earth
The guided tour takes you more than 20 meters underground, into a spectacular environment where rocks, lush vegetation, and mining remains intertwine.
For about an hour, you'll discover this extraordinary place, both a former mine and a veritable natural laboratory of evolution, where more than 700 fossil species have already been identified.
A Fun and Educational Discovery
Beyond the guided tour, the site offers a complete 2.5-hour trail, accessible to all.
You can freely explore the exhibition hall, which retraces the history of the phosphate mines and displays numerous fossils.
Before exploring the themed trails dedicated to geology, flora, or even animals of the past.
Fun activities are also offered for families, with scavenger hunts that allow you to discover the site in a different way, while having fun.
Stay at our 3-star hotel in Figeac
Ideally located in the heart of Figeac's historic center, the Hotel Le Pont d'Or welcomes you to a charming 13th-century building on the banks of the Célé River.
The hotel offers numerous amenities for a comfortable stay:
- 35 comfortable, air-conditioned rooms
- Restaurant with wine cellar
- Superb shaded terrace overlooking the river
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Fitness room and sauna
