Book the Pech Merle cave: tickets, quotas and deadlines
Why you can’t come without booking
Pech Merle is an original decorated cave. The paintings have lasted 29,000 years because the air inside has remained stable, and every visitor brings in heat, humidity, and carbon dioxide. The Prehistory Centre has therefore capped access at 700 people per day, divided into groups of 25 that enter at fixed times with a guide. This isn’t a commercial measure—it’s the reason why the original can still be visited here, whereas Lascaux has been closed since 1963 (I discuss this in Pech Merle or Lascaux).
In practice, when the 700 daily slots are booked, the day is closed. In July and August, and during school holidays, time slots sell out several days in advance. I’ve seen families arrive at noon in the middle of summer, the car park full, and leave for Saint-Cirq without seeing a single painting. The museum and film are accessible, but that’s not what they drove here for.
Where to book: official ticket office or tour
If you have a car and only want to visit the cave, go through the official ticket office, %s. You choose a day, a time slot, and a tour language (French, English, or Spanish depending on the schedule), and the ticket grants access to the cave, the film, and the Amédée Lemozi Museum. There’s a reduced rate for children and teenagers. The Centre does not accept bookings by email; by phone, call 05 65 31 27 05.
If you’re staying in Cahors without a car, or if you’d rather not drive on the narrow roads of the Célé valley, the excursion from Cahors solves the problem in one booking: cave entry is included, as is round-trip transport from central Cahors, and the afternoon is spent in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and then on the towpath in Bouziès. The cave is visited first, in the morning, when groups are quieter. Lunch is not included. This excursion is recent and has no published reviews yet; I’m judging it based on the itinerary, the local operator and the option to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, which provides flexibility if the weather changes.
When to book
- July, August, spring break, and All Saints’ holidays: book several days in advance, a week if you want a morning slot in French.
- May, June, September, October: two or three days are enough on weekdays, more on weekends.
- February-March and April outside school holidays: booking the day before often works, but I still reserve ahead because school groups fill entire time slots.
Opening periods 2026, for information only (the exact calendar is on pechmerle.com): from 22 February to 6 March, 1:30 PM–5:00 PM; from 4 April to 11 July, 9:30 AM–12:00 PM and 1:30 PM–5:00 PM; from 12 July to 30 August, 9:15 AM–5:00 PM non-stop; from 31 August to 1 November, 9:30 AM–12:00 PM and 1:30 PM–5:00 PM. The cave is closed from November to February.
Special case: during the European Heritage Days, on 19 and 20 September, booking is only available by phone.
The reserved time slot is an entry time, not a time range. Arrive twenty minutes early for parking, tickets and restrooms; a group that has left will not come back for you. Also allow time for the film and the museum—see how long the visit lasts.
Cancellation and changes
For the GetYourGuide excursion, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and the booking is confirmed immediately. For a ticket purchased on the official ticketing site, the conditions are those of the Prehistory Centre; read them before confirming, as they may change from one season to the next.
What the ticket does not cover
The ticket does not take you to Cabrerets. There’s no bus from Cahors train station, 40 km away, or from Figeac. It’s either by car, taxi, or excursion, and I explain the options in how to get here. It also doesn’t mean you can skip bringing a jacket: it’s 12 °C inside the cave, in August as well as in March.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Pech Merle cave without booking?
No. Access is limited to 700 visitors per day, and groups of 25 enter at fixed times. Without a reserved time slot, you will be refused entry on busy days. Book on the official ticket office or via an excursion that includes entry.
How many days in advance should you book in summer?
Several days, and a week if you want a specific time slot in French. Out of season, two or three days are enough. Details about the visit itself are in what to see in the cave.
Does the excursion from Cahors include the cave ticket?
Yes, entry to Pech Merle is included, as well as round-trip transport from central Cahors and the afternoon in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Lunch is at your own expense. See all tours.
Is there a reduced rate?
The Prehistory Centre offers reduced rates for children and teenagers. The exact conditions are available on the official ticketing site. For a family visit, read visiting with children.