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Sarlat-la-Canéda
Padirac Chasm & Rocamadour Village: A Spellbinding Discovery
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private tours
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Day Trips
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08 hours
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Small Groups ( 2~8 )
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Active
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Multi-languages
English Français
- Highlights
- Program
- Gallery
- Know before
- Meeting point
- Inc. / Exc.
- FAQ
Contact-us
Highlights
- Learn from an English-speaking local expert
- Experience a private guided tour
- Explore the enchanting village of Rocamadour
- Enjoy panoramic views of Alzou Canyon
- Discover the stunning Padirac Chasm
Program & Itinerary
Discover the wonders of Padirac and Rocamadour with our expert English-speaking local guide on this full-day tour in the Dordogne region. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you board our spacious and comfortable air-conditioned Mercedes minivan.
Travel in Style with our Mercedes Minivan
Our private Sarlat Sightseeing Tour ensures your comfort and safety in one of our luxurious Mercedes Minivans. Normally accommodating up to 8 persons, today the vehicle is exclusively reserved for you, allowing you to choose the seat that suits you best while maintaining social distancing. Enjoy the informative commentary of your guide through the onboard P/A system, accessible from every seat.
Explore the Breathtaking Padirac Chasm
After a scenic drive of approximately one hour, we arrive at Padirac, where you'll witness one of the most extraordinary natural wonders of the region—the Gouffre de Padirac. Descend 75 meters via a lift into the 103-meter-deep chasm, and embark on a remarkable underground journey.
Experience a serene boat ride along the subterranean River, surrounded by awe-inspiring caves adorned with magnificent limestone concretions. After the walk, we'll return by boat to the starting point and ascend using the lift, emerging back into the outside world. Prepare to be captivated by this unique geological marvel.
Rocamadour: A Sanctuary Above a Village
Continuing our tour, we'll head to the picturesque village of Rocamadour. Known as a sanctuary of legends and beliefs, Rocamadour is perched on a steep cliff overlooking the Alzou Canyon. Marvel at the medieval houses, towers, and fortifications that cascade along the cliff, culminating in the castle, its dungeon, and the seven sanctuaries. Your guide will ensure you have the perfect vantage point for breathtaking panoramic views and excellent photo opportunities.
Depending on the time of arrival, you'll either enjoy a guided walking tour of the village or have free time to explore at your own pace. Choose from a variety of local restaurants and snacks for a delightful lunch, with your guide providing recommendations based on your preferences.
Visit the Monastic Buildings in the Sanctuary
Upon arrival at the sanctuary, your guide will introduce you to the remarkable Notre Dame Chapel, a part of the extraordinary 13th-century chapel complex. Discover the Black Madonna statue, carved from a walnut tree in the 12th century, and search for the legendary sword of Roland embedded in the cliff. Inside the chapel, observe the ship models hanging from the ceiling, offered by grateful survivors who were saved from shipwrecks after invoking the Black Madonna. Admire the 12th-century frescoes depicting the Annunciation and Visitation.
Enjoy Personal Exploration in Rocamadour
After the sanctuary visit, take some time to explore Rocamadour at your leisure. Consider visiting the Castle located above the sanctuary, offering breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon from its ramparts. Alternatively, stroll down to the village and explore the main street, where you'll find a variety of arts and crafts shops, perfect for finding unique souvenirs.
As the day comes to an end, we'll return to Sarlat. For more remarkable trips, we recommend our private tours to Saint Cirq Lapopie, Collonges-la-Rouge, or the charming villages of the Dordogne Valley.
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Pick-up in Sarlat
Meet your English-speaking driver-guide at your accommodation in Sarlat or the surrounding area. Travel east through the scenic countryside of the Dordogne Valley and the Causses du Quercy plateau toward the Lot region.Meet your English-speaking driver-guide at your accommodation in Sarlat or the surrounding area. Travel east through the scenic countryside of the Dordogne Valley and the Causses du Quercy plateau toward the Lot region.Read moreRead less -
Arrive at Padirac Chasm
Reach the Gouffre de Padirac, one of France’s most remarkable natural underground sites. This immense limestone chasm opens into a spectacular subterranean world shaped by water over millions of years.Reach the Gouffre de Padirac, one of France’s most remarkable natural underground sites. This immense limestone chasm opens into a spectacular subterranean world shaped by water over millions of years.Read moreRead less -
Descend into the chasm
Take the lift down into the heart of the chasm, or use the stairway if preferred. The visit begins in a lush, 75-metre-deep cavern before continuing through galleries more than 100 metres below ground.Take the lift down into the heart of the chasm, or use the stairway if preferred. The visit begins in a lush, 75-metre-deep cavern before continuing through galleries more than 100 metres below ground.Read moreRead less -
Explore the underground river
Walk through atmospheric underground passages to the embarkation point. Board a boat with a local boatman-guide and glide silently along the subterranean river, surrounded by dramatic limestone walls and mineral formations.Walk through atmospheric underground passages to the embarkation point. Board a boat with a local boatman-guide and glide silently along the subterranean river, surrounded by dramatic limestone walls and mineral formations.Read moreRead less -
Drive to Rocamadour
After the Padirac visit, rejoin your vehicle and travel south to Rocamadour. Enjoy the changing landscapes of the Lot region as you approach this extraordinary village, dramatically built into the cliffs above the Alzou Canyon.After the Padirac visit, rejoin your vehicle and travel south to Rocamadour. Enjoy the changing landscapes of the Lot region as you approach this extraordinary village, dramatically built into the cliffs above the Alzou Canyon.Read moreRead less -
Free time for lunch
Arrive in Rocamadour and enjoy free time for lunch at a local restaurant or café. Lunch is at your own expense, giving you the flexibility to choose a relaxed terrace meal, a regional speciality, or a quick lunch before the guided visit.Arrive in Rocamadour and enjoy free time for lunch at a local restaurant or café. Lunch is at your own expense, giving you the flexibility to choose a relaxed terrace meal, a regional speciality, or a quick lunch before the guided visit.Read moreRead less -
Guided walk through Rocamadour
Discover the village’s remarkable cliffside setting, ancient lanes, pilgrimage traditions, and religious heritage as you make your way through this iconic sacred site. Rocamadour forms part of the UNESCO-recognised Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.Discover the village’s remarkable cliffside setting, ancient lanes, pilgrimage traditions, and religious heritage as you make your way through this iconic sacred site. Rocamadour forms part of the UNESCO-recognised Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.Read moreRead less -
Return to Sarlat
Relax on the return journey to Sarlat after a day combining underground wonders, rural scenery, and medieval heritage.Relax on the return journey to Sarlat after a day combining underground wonders, rural scenery, and medieval heritage.Read moreRead less
Gallery
Practical Information
Know before you book
- This tour combines Padirac Chasm and the cliffside village of Rocamadour.
- Padirac admission includes a lift journey, underground boat ride, and cave walk.
- Lift tickets for Rocamadour’s sanctuaries are not included in the tour price.
- Lunch, drinks, and personal purchases are not included
- Rocamadour involves significant walking and may challenge guests with limited mobility.
Know before you go
- Wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths, steep lanes, and cave walkways.
- Bring a light jacket; the Padirac Chasm stays cool underground (13°C / 56°F)
- Expect a lift descent, boat ride, and walking during the cave visit.
- Keep your camera ready for the dramatic views over Rocamadour.
- Your guide can suggest lunch options to match your preferences.
Additional information
This Padirac Chasm and Rocamadour tour is ideal for travelers who want to combine a spectacular natural site with one of France’s most dramatic medieval villages. It is a strong choice for families with curious older children, couples, history lovers, photography enthusiasts, and travelers interested in caves, landscapes, pilgrimage heritage, and local food. Expect an active day with an underground boat ride, cave walking, and sloping streets in Rocamadour; it is best suited to guests comfortable with steps and uneven terrain.
Important Accessibility Information
Rocamadour’s steep streets, steps, and historic paths can be challenging for guests with reduced mobility. A lift provides access to the sanctuaries, although lift tickets are not included.
Voucher info
- If any hotel or predetermined meeting place changes, notify Ophorus immediately. Â Otherwise be at location 10 minutes prior to pick up time.
Meeting point /
Departure
Return
Included / excluded
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan.
- English-speaking qualified guide/driver.
- Visit of Padirac Chasm & Rocamadour village.
- Entrance ticket to Padirac included
Excluded
- Meals and drinks (lunch)
- Personal travel insurance & expenses.
- Gratuities for the driver/guide.
- Lift tickets to sanctuaries (accessible by walking too)
FAQ
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Can I explore Rocamadour independently after the guided tour? /
Yes, guests have the option to explore Rocamadour independently or join a guided walking tour, depending on their arrival time; -
What is included in the Padirac Chasm & Rocamadour private day trip from Sarlat? /
The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned minivan, an English-speaking qualified guide, visits to Padirac Chasm and Rocamadour, and entrance tickets to Padirac; -
How long is the drive from Sarlat to Padirac Chasm? /
The drive takes just over one hour, providing a scenic journey to the breathtaking natural site; -
Is there a lift available at Padirac Chasm? /
Yes, there is a lift that takes visitors down approximately 75 meters into the cavern; -
Can we take photographs during the tour? /
Yes, guests are encouraged to keep their cameras ready for dramatic views and memorable moments; -
What should I wear for the tour? /
It is recommended to wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths and to bring a light jacket as the temperature underground is around 13°C (56°F); -
Are meals included in the tour price? /
No, meals and drinks are not included, but your guide can suggest local dining options; -
Is the tour suitable for families with children? /
Yes, the tour is ideal for families with curious older children and anyone interested in nature and cultural heritage; -
What type of transportation is provided during the tour? /
Transportation is provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan for a pleasant travel experience; -
What is the cancellation policy for this tour? /
Cancellations can be made without fees up to 48 hours before departure; otherwise, there are fees involved;
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