The Gouffre de Padirac is one of France’s most spectacular natural wonders—a vast underground cave system located in the Lot department, near Rocamadour. It’s famous for its dramatic chasm, subterranean river, and cathedral-like caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Salle du Grand Dôme: A massive chamber with a ceiling soaring 94 meters high, filled with dramatic rock formations.

Rivière Plane: The underground river that winds through the cave, navigated by boat with a guide.

The chasm was first explored in 1889 by Édouard-Alfred Martel, a pioneering French speleologist. His discovery led to the development of the site for tourism, and it officially opened to the public in 1899.

Local folklore claims the chasm was created by the Devil’s heel during a challenge with Saint Martin. Supposedly, the saint leapt across the chasm on his mule to save villagers’ souls—a hoofprint is said to remain in the rock.

References

• 1. Wikipedia’s overview of Padirac Cave
• 2. France This Way’s visitor guide
• 3. Official Gouffre de Padirac site

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