Explore the lake of rain
After a punt along the Rivière Plane, the walls widen to reveal Lac de la Pluie. It will offer you an incredible unique view!
Its thin, cracked ceiling lets the raindrops from the surface flow through and constantly feed the lake.
Staying at our campsite near the Gouffre de Padirac is an opportunity to discover this incredible place in the heart of the Dordogne, and with the whole family.
Photo credits: © C.Gerigk – Société d’Exploitations Spéléologiques de Padirac.
Your campsite near the Gouffre de Padirac
60 km from the La Bouysse Campground in Sarlat, visit the Gouffre de Padirac and venture deep into the earth’s interior. Considered one of France’s greatest geological wonders, the site is sure to captivate curious visitors of all ages. Make the most of your stay by visiting this unforgettable place. Take the time to explore this magnificent place with your family. You’ll take home lasting memories. Young and old alike—everyone will leave with their minds filled with beautiful images after staying at our campground near the Gouffre de Padirac.
Discovered in 1889 by Edouard-Alfred Martel, the Padirac chasm can be visited on foot or by boat. Descend to a depth of 103 meters and embark on an incredible boat ride on the underground river. Discover the Great Pendeloque, a giant stalactite of 60 m high.
Continue on foot to the Salle du Grand Dôme, with its 94-metre-high vaulted ceiling. Admire the multiple concretions and cascades of calcite, shaped over thousands of years by nature.
Find out more aboutGouffre de Padirac
Photo credits: © C.Gerigk – Société d’Exploitations Spéléologiques de Padirac.
The Lake des Gours
Enjoy a moment of peace and quiet at the thousand-year-old dams. Underground adventures often herald new wonders.
Here, the discovery is made on foot, as Lac des Gours appears before you. At the bottom of the river, calcite dams are emerging. These natural landings, called gours, follow one another down to a peaceful pond, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet.
These landings were, however, severe obstacles to Edouard-Alfred Martel’s expeditions some 130 years ago, forcing him to carry his heavy boat over them and on through the water.
Photo credits: © C.Gerigk – Société d’Exploitations Spéléologiques de Padirac.
La salle of the large dome
A veritable mineral cathedral, the Grand Dome Room offers without a doubt the most majestic view of this entire incredible visit. Its ceiling reaches 94 meters. This gigantic hall is the result of intense erosion 2 million years ago. This makes it one of the largest underground chambers that can be visited in France.
Edouard-Alfred Martel described the Grand Dome Hall as an unfinished abyss. It seems that erosion stopped before creating a connection with the surface. Today’s climate is no longer conducive to limestone erosion. The structure of the room is now stable.
Make the most of your stay at Camping La Bouysse in Vitrac to explore the must-see natural attractions in the surrounding area:
- The Hanging Gardens of Marqueyssac
- The Carsac-Aillac Water Gardens
- The monkey forest in Rocamadour
- Eyrignac and its Gardens
Photo credits: © C.Gerigk – Société d’Exploitations Spéléologiques de Padirac.