Reviews: Pech Merle cave & Saint-Cirq-Lapopie excursion from Cahors
Why I list it first despite the lack of reviews
The cave is 40 km from Cahors train station and no bus goes there. Booking is mandatory, with 700 visitors per day and 25 per group, and in summer, slots sell out days in advance. A visitor without a car must therefore find a taxi for a 45-minute journey each way and a ticket on the official booking site for a slot that matches the taxi. This excursion takes care of both, with a local driver-guide who comments on the Lot Valley en route. GetYourGuide rates it as a “Top pick,” which is a platform label, not a visitor rating: I clarify this to avoid any misunderstanding.
Itinerary
Departure in the morning from central Cahors. First stop: the Pech Merle cave. The guided tour lasts about one hour, in groups of up to 25, and starting early is a good choice—the morning groups are quieter. Second stop: free time in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, lunch at your own expense. Third stop: the towpath in Bouziès, carved into the cliff above the Lot. Return to Cahors at the end of the day. I don’t have exact times to give you; the operator confirms them at booking. What you’ll see underground, station by station, is described on the what to see in the cave page.
What works
- Cave entry included: no need to find a time slot yourself
- Return transport from central Cahors, no need to hire a car
- The cave first, when it’s less crowded
- Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and the Bouziès towpath in one day
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Good to know
- Recent activity, no reviews published yet
- Lunch and drinks are not included
- Pick-up only in central Cahors
- Summer afternoons in Saint-Cirq are crowded; I prefer the village off-season
- One hour in the cave for an eight-hour day: the rest is travel and village time
Included and not included
Included
- Round-trip transport from central Cahors
- Entry to the Pech Merle cave
- Local driver-guide, commentary on the Lot Valley
- Free time in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
- Stop at the Bouziès towpath
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Pick-up outside central Cahors
For whom
For those arriving by train in Cahors, those who prefer not to drive on the narrow roads of the Célé valley, and those with only a day to spend in the Lot. It requires a moderate walk on paved and uneven ground, flat shoes, and a jacket for the cave’s 12°C. It is not recommended for claustrophobics, wheelchair users, or non-foldable strollers; children must be accompanied. If you are traveling with family on a different budget or departing from Toulouse, compare with the private tour from Toulouse. If you have a car, the booking page explains how to purchase a ticket directly.
The driver-guide comments on the valley, but the cave tour itself is led by a guide from the Prehistory Centre, as for all visitors. Photos are not allowed inside, so leave your camera in the vehicle.
Other tours to compare
PrivateFrom Toulouse: Hidden medieval France & the Lot Valley
VillageSaint-Cirq-Lapopie: private guided tour of the village
Top-ratedRocamadour: small-group guided tour
Frequently asked questions
Is entry to the cave really included?
Yes, it’s stated in the excursion description, and it’s the main reason to choose it. You don’t have to go through the official ticket office or book a time slot yourself. The booking & tickets page compares the two ways to enter.
Why are there no reviews for this excursion?
It’s recent on GetYourGuide. I’d rather state this than imply it’s highly recommended. What makes it reliable is its programme and free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand: you can book early to secure a date and change your mind without charge.
How long do you spend inside the cave?
Around one hour of guided tour, the same for all visitors, plus the film and museum if the schedule allows. The rest of the day is divided between travel, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and the towpath at Bouziès. The duration of the visit page details the timings.