The chasms and caves of the Dordogne to visit
During a stay in the Dordogne, it is unthinkable to leave without visiting the chasms and caves. They are one of the region’s must-see treasures and are highly appreciated by visitors from all over the world.
The caves and sinkholes to visit are numerous and spread across the department and its surroundings. We have therefore prepared a list of 5 must-see sites in the Dordogne Valley, particularly those located near La Lénotte campsite.
The Lascaux cave, the most famous cave in the Dordogne
The Lascaux cave is world-famous as a masterpiece of prehistoric art. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its impressive cave paintings have earned it the nickname “the Sistine Chapel of Prehistory”. A visit (or its replica) truly feels like travelling back in time.
Although the original cave is closed to the public, you can admire its reproduction at the International Centre for Cave Art, “Lascaux IV”.
There are also other caves, often smaller but still displaying original paintings. Visits can weaken these fragile sites, which sometimes leads to closures — so it’s best to take the opportunity while they are still open!
The Padirac Chasm, a spectacular visit (in the Lot)
The Padirac Chasm is located not far from Rocamadour. You descend around 103 m underground to discover it. The visit begins by boat along an underground river before continuing on foot. You will notably see the Grande Pendeloque, a spectacular stalactite around 60 m high.
Please note: Padirac is not in the Dordogne but in the Lot (about a 1 hour 30 minute drive). Many of our guests still choose to go, as the site is truly stunning.
The Maxange caves, among the most picturesque in the region
This cave, developed for tourism, belongs to an underground network more than 60 million years old. It was discovered in 2000 and opened to the public in 2003.
What sets it apart from many other caves in the Périgord is the exceptional quality of its stalactites and stalagmites. Formed over time through water circulation, they have created calcite formations of very varied shapes — a unique visual wonder resulting from an alchemy between water, time and rock.
The Maxange caves are ideally located if you stay with us: they are accessible in less than 15 minutes by car from the campsite.
The largest developed cave in the Périgord Noir: the Domme cave
The Domme cave lies beneath the bastide village of the same name, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
It houses incredible stalagmites along a gallery of around 450 m. Allow about 45 minutes for a guided tour. The temperature is around 13–15 °C, so bring a light jacket, even in summer.
The added bonus of this visit
After exploring underground, the exit is via a panoramic lift offering one of the finest viewpoints over the Dordogne Valley. The site is about 30 minutes by car from La Lénotte campsite.
The Font-de-Gaume cave, a UNESCO gem in Les Eyzies
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the Font-de-Gaume cave was discovered in 1901. It contains more than 200 engravings and paintings representing animals dating back to the Paleolithic period.
For a preview, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux website offers a 3D virtual tour, particularly useful as visitor numbers are limited to help protect and preserve the site.
The Font-de-Gaume cave is located about 25 minutes by car from the campsite, and close to the National Museum of Prehistory (in Les Eyzies), another interesting visit for all ages.
Other caves not to miss if you have the time
At the campsite, we love the department’s prehistoric richness and also recommend these lesser-known but equally remarkable sites:
- The Proumeyssac chasm: stalactites and stalagmites, sound-and-light staging, visits by gondola or via a tunnel. We are lucky to be only about 15 minutes from the most visited chasm in the Dordogne.
- The Sorcerer’s Cave: in the heart of the Vézère Valley, decorated with engravings (geometric signs, animals and human figures). It takes its name from a human engraving visible inside.
- The Rouffignac cave: an original visit aboard an electric train, ideal for discovering prehistoric remains and numerous animal representations.
All these caves offer guided tours throughout the day. If possible, we recommend booking your tickets online in advance to save time on site.