Padirac Cave, Natural cave system in Lot, France
Padirac Cave is a natural cave system in the Lot department of southwestern France, reached through a vertical shaft 75 meters deep. The underground river flows through galleries and wide halls decorated with limestone formations and stalactites.
Edouard-Alfred Martel descended into the shaft for the first time in 1889 and mapped the underground river network. Priest Joseph de Laroussilhe helped build the first pathways and boat landings for visitors.
Local stories link the opening to a night when the devil stamped his foot on the plateau and broke through the limestone bedrock. Visitors today walk past interpretive panels near the entrance that reference this tale and explain how water carved the system over millions of years.
The temperature stays around 13 degrees Celsius year-round, so bring warm clothing. The descent and ascent by stairs requires moderate fitness, and non-slip shoes are recommended.
The Grande Pendeloque above Rain Lake is a hanging stalactite formation that grew downward over thousands of years. The ceiling of the Grand Dome chamber reaches 94 meters high and forms one of the tallest underground spaces in Europe.
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