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Cave · Cahors, Occitânia
Grotte du Pech Merle
Cave with prehistoric paintings dating to around 25,000 years ago, such as the painted horses and negative hand stencils — one of the few caves in France where the original paintings are open to the public.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Grotte du Pech Merle
The Gruta de Pech Merle is located in Cabrerets, on a hill above the valleys of the Célé and the Sagne, about 32 km from Cahors. It is one of the best-known decorated caves in France and one of the few where visitors still see the original paintings rather than a replica.
The paintings and engravings date to the Gravettian period, around 25,000 years ago, and some may be from later times. Among the best-known are the panel of painted horses with black spots, the negative hand stencils made by blowing pigment around the hand, and depictions of mammoths and bison. Prehistoric human footprints also remain in the clay floor.
The cave has galleries and chambers on two levels; the visit covers about 1.2 km, with limestone formations among the paintings. To protect the art, the number of visitors per day is limited.
Beside the cave is a museum about the prehistory of the Quercy, showing human occupation of the region since the Neanderthals.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the guided tour, plus time for the museum.
Best time
The cave is usually open from February to early November, with breaks and timetables that vary by period. Book several days in advance, especially in summer.
How to get there
It is in Cabrerets, about 32 km from Cahors, roughly a 40-minute drive, near Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. There is no regular public transport: go by car or on an organized tour.
Tip
Book the visit in advance on the cave’s official website, because places are limited. Bring a warm layer: the temperature inside the cave is low year-round.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grotte du Pech Merle
Are the paintings in Pech Merle original?
Yes. It is one of the few decorated caves in France where the public can see the original paintings.
Do you need to reserve the visit?
Yes, it's recommended to book a few days in advance, because the number of visitors per day is limited.
When does the cave open?
It usually opens from February to early November, with some breaks. Check the dates beforehand.
What period are the paintings from?
Mostly from the Gravettian period, about 25,000 years ago.