764 Interieur Du Gouffre De Proumeyssac Les Conteurs764 Interieur Du Gouffre De Proumeyssac Les Conteurs
©764 Interieur Du Gouffre De Proumeyssac Les Conteurs|Gregory Cassiau

Gouffre de Proumeyssac

The Crystal Cathedral of the Périgord

Located in the Vézère Valley, alongside the road connecting Sarlat and Bergerac, this impressive sinkhole can be accessed by being lowered in an iron basket for a one-of-a-kind experience.

From the darkest depths

The history of the Gouffre de Proumeyssac started with a very sinister twist.

In the 1700s, it served as a dumping ground for the bodies of stagecoach passengers who were often murdered during robberies along the route.

Today, however, its fate is much happier. The ‘Crystal Cathedral’ is an expansive underground gallery adorned with a stunning array of stalactites suspended from a huge vaulted gallery. Visitors can experience this impressive site alongside an immersive sound and light show that enhances the natural beauty of the cavern.

For those seeking adventure, there’s a unique opportunity to descend into the depths of the chasm in an iron basket, reminiscent of the methods used by the early explorers in the 1900s. This one of a kind experience allows groups of up to 11 people to enjoy an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking vastness of the underground landscape below as they are lowered 50 metres down into the chasm.

If you don’t fancy a ride don’t worry as you can also gain access by another route and walk into the cave. With or without a basket descent, a visit to the Crystal Cathedral promises to be an unforgettable experience.

From Devil’s Hole to Crystal Cathedral

By the 18th century, the Proumeyssac Chasm had earned a chilling reputation throughout the Dordogne. Perched above the quaint village of Audrix, a mysterious smoking hole by the roadside was said to spew flames, leading locals to ominously name it “the devil’s hole.” Some even speculated that this eerie opening was the mouth of a dormant volcano.

But what truly cemented its dark legend was its sinister use by bandit highway men. According to local lore, the chasm became a notorious dumping ground where the bodies of unfortunate stagecoach travellers, ambushed and murdered by thieves, disappeared without a trace into the darkness below.

Over the years, the hole was sometimes closed up, either by natural causes and sometimes deliberately by the locals who attempted to seal it. The chasm had nearly faded from memory until it made headlines again in 1907, when its vault unexpectedly collapsed.

Local newspapers were buzzing with news of its reopening, and the first descent from the top was led by Gabriel Galou, a well-known well-digger and explorer.

Finally, the true value of the cave was acknowledged, as the stunning gallery of rock formations below gained recognition for its potential as a major attraction. The new owners installed a metal basket, allowing visitors to be lowered into the cave, where they could take in the breath-taking sight of stalactites and stalagmites surrounding them from every angle.

This innovative feature was further refined in the 1920s with the introduction of electricity, making the descent safer and, more importantly, illuminating the cave’s stunning formations for a wider audience to appreciate. The new lighting showcased the cave’s natural beauty in vivid detail, drawing even more visitors eager to witness its wonders first hand and coining its reputation as the Crystal Cathedral.

Walk in or Dangle Down

Today, visiting the chasm of Proumeyssac is an exciting experience, enhanced by a dynamic sound and light show that really brings the cave to life.

You can begin your visit in one of two ways: either by walking through a tunnel that offers easy access to the cave’s impressive galleries or you can opt for an adventurous descent from the top in a basket!

What used to be a horse-powered descent limited to just three people has now transformed into a fully mechanised basket ride. As you’re lowered into the cave, you can enjoy a thrilling 360-degree rotation, allowing you to marvel at the cave’s stunning beauty from every angle.

To the stirring sounds of filmic classical music you are also treated to a sound and light display that illuminates the cave’s wall and rock formations, and underground water features in spectacular fashion. The lighting highlights the intricate details of the stalactites and stalagmites of the cave’s natural rock formations, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle as the music envelops you in a magical atmosphere.

Kid Friendly Stuff

During the summer holidays in July and August, there are a range of exciting geological activities specifically designed for kids.

Young adventurers can try their hand at gold sluicing, searching for nuggets of gold that can still be found in rivers above and below ground in the Dordogne Valley area.

Additionally, children can enjoy an engaging show led by Professor Géopole, who shares fascinating facts about geology in a fun and interactive way. These kid friendly and hands on activities make learning about the earth’s geological wonders both enjoyable and memorable!

Eco Friendly  Too!

As a proud holder of the French NF Environment certification label, the Gouffre de Proumeyssac is also committed to environmental and ecological responsibility. Visitors who wish to contribute to this ecological approach can generate some of the electricity needed for their visit by pedaling a bicycle generator before or after their tour. The energy produced is directly fed into the cave’s power network!

Practical Information

Open year round, with different visiting times depending on the season, tickets can be bought in advance online.

INDIVIDUAL PRICES
Adults (from 18 years old): 13,20€
Children (from 4 to 11 years old): 9,70€
Children (from 12 to 17 years old): 11,10€
Students (under 25 years old + card): 11,10€
Disabled (in partial visit armchair): 10,10€
SPECIAL TOUR PRICES
Tour with descent in basket (Adults): 22,40€
Tour with descent in basket (4 to 11): 16,60€
Tour with descent in basket (12 – 17): 20,20€

Close