Igue de la Crousate, Natural cave in Gramat, France
Igue de la Crousate is a limestone cave in Gramat that descends approximately 150 meters and reaches depths of around 92 meters within the rock formations. An underground river flows through this network, creating passages shaped by water movement through the stone.
The first documented exploration occurred in 1888, when animal bones and human artifacts were uncovered dating back to Neolithic times. These finds reveal that the site was used by humans since prehistoric periods.
The name reflects the regional Occitan language heritage, where 'igue' refers to vertical cave openings in local speech. Visitors experience this linguistic connection to the area's past simply by encountering the place's name.
The entrance sits at 340 meters elevation, making it accessible within the hilly landscape of Quercy. Visitors should expect uneven ground and wear appropriate footwear.
Members of the Tours Speleological Club expanded the known system in 1979 by discovering additional sections, deepening understanding of its geological structure. This later discovery shows how ongoing research continues to reveal more about established sites.
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