Day trip from Cahors: Pech Merle Cave and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

The day’s schedule

The operator sets the order of the steps, not minute-by-minute schedules, and I won’t make any up. Here’s how the day is organised, with the durations I know from experience.

In the morning, departure from the centre of Cahors. We leave the city via the Lot Valley and then the Célé Valley; allow around 45 minutes’ drive. The driver-guide comments on the valley along the way, which conveniently replaces the introductory film, which I find dated.

First stop: the cave. This is the right order: morning groups are quieter, and the cave’s coolness (12°C year-round) is more bearable before the afternoon heat. The visit is guided, mandatory, in groups of up to 25 people, and lasts about one hour. You’ll see the black frieze, the footprints of an adolescent preserved in clay, and, at the end of the route, the spotted horses, dated to about 29,000 years ago. Details of the fourteen stations are on the what to see in the cave page.

Second stop, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. A village perched above the Lot, with 13th- to 16th-century houses and steep, winding lanes. Free time, lunch not included. In summer, the afternoon is crowded; I mention it because that’s when the small group tends to blend into the crowd. Wear flat shoes—the cobbles are steep and uneven.

Third stop: the towpath at Bouziès. A path carved into the cliffside along the Lot River, flat and short, perfect for ending the day effortlessly. Return to Cahors afterwards.

What’s included, what’s not

For whom

For those arriving by train in Cahors without a car and wanting to see the cave without relying on a taxi: this is exactly the solution this excursion provides. For families with children who walk well (children under three are not recommended in the cave, and non-foldable strollers cannot be taken in the vehicle). For English-speaking or Russian-speaking visitors, since the guide speaks these languages.

Less suitable for those who are claustrophobic, use wheelchairs, or dislike walking on uneven ground. And if you already have a car, consider this: you can book the cave yourself on reservation.pechmerle.com and do the same route at your own pace. The tour is worth it for the guaranteed time slot and the guide, not the journey.

Availability and booking

The dates below are from GetYourGuide. My detailed review, including what I would do differently, is on the review of the excursion from Cahors page. Other options are on the all excursions page.

Frequently asked questions