Deep in the heart of the scenic Périgord Vert, the Cave of Tourtoirac (or Grotte de la Clautre) is a stunning natural masterpiece. Discovered in 1995 after several attempts through submerged tunnels, this cave has captured the imagination of adventurers and cave divers. With its impressive rock formations and full accessibility for wheelchair users, it’s a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Dordogne Valley.
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The Cave of Tourtoirac
Enchanting and easily accessibleIn the making over Millennia
The Cave of Tourtoirac was formed in karstic terrain, composed of limestone dating back to the Jurassic era. Over millions of years, water has slowly carved its way through the rock, creating an incredible network of passageways filled with beautiful geological formations. The cave’s journey began when water infiltrated a fault, slowly dissolving the rock. Even today, an underground stream continues to flow through parts of the cave.
The cave was discovered in 1995 by a local speleologist, Jean-Luc Sirieix, who was exploring a narrow and submerged underground passage. After squeezing through a difficult and waterlogged route, he emerged into a hidden wonder—a cave filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites and unique formations.
In 2010, after years of preparation and development, the cave was finally opened to the public. Thanks to the construction of an artificial shaft and the installation of an LED lighting system, visitors can now explore the cave’s beauty without compromising its delicate ecosystem. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Tourtoirac Cave is that it is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, making it a rare gem among underground attractions.
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Light and Shade
As you venture through the cave, visitors are treated to a spectacular light show created by strategically placed LED lights, which highlight the intricate details of the cave’s natural formations. This interplay of light and shadow brings the cave to life, enhancing its mysterious atmosphere.
The cave’s formations are nothing short of breathtaking. Stalactites and stalagmites dominate the scene, some still in the early stages of formation, while others have grown into towering columns. Incredibly, these formations grow at a rate of just a few millimeters per century.
But the beauty of Tourtoirac doesn’t stop there. The cave is also home to a variety of strange formations of all kinds of shape, including delicate draperies and rare fistulas. The eccentrics are particularly striking, twisting and turning in all directions in defiance of gravity, creating a tangled web of delicate structures that hang from the ceiling. These formations, found mainly at the end of the downstream section, are a unique feature of Tourtoirac and are rarely seen in caves elsewhere.
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The Village of Tourtoirac
A visit to the Grotte de Tourtoirac is also an opportunity to explore the rich history of the surrounding village of the same name.
The Auvézère River, which flows through Tourtoirac, has shaped its landscape and played a vital role in its development.
Among the historical landmarks in Tourtoirac are the Abbey Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens, a 12th-century Romanesque gem. Visitors can also discover the ruins of a thousand-year-old listed abbey.
Planning Your Visit
The entire tour of the Tourtoirac cave lasts about an hour, with a temperature of 13 to 14 degrees Celsius year round. Be sure to bring a warm top to stay comfortable throughout your visit, even in the summer months.
The cave is open from March to November and during school holidays all year round, with regular tours offered depending on the season. Here are the opening times:
- March and November: Weekends from 2 PM to 6 PM
- April and October: Daily from 2 PM to 6 PM
- May, June, and September: Daily from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM
- July and August: Daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Open during all French school holidays, except on December 25 and January 1.
Tours are guided only, departing regularly throughout the day, and the cave is fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Animals are not admitted.
