Proumeyssac chasm Proumeyssac chasm Proumeyssac chasm Proumeyssac chasm Proumeyssac chasm Proumeyssac chasm

Proumeyssac chasm

The Crystal Cathedral of Dordogne Périgord

Le Gouffre de Proumeyssac: the largest cave in Périgord.

History of Gouffre de Proumeyssac

Already in the 18th century, Proumeyssac chasm is known in Dordogne for its terrifying legends: there's a smoking hole in the heights of the little village ofAudrix by the side of the road through which flames are said to have shot out. This hole is naturally nicknamed "the devil's hole"At the time, some even thought that the "proumeyssat" hole was the crater of a volcano.
What's more, the place had a reputation for making the corpses of travelers robbed and murdered by brigands disappear.

Many times, the hole has been blocked, but time has taken its toll and the hole has always been uncovered again. In fact, it's this access from above that makes Proumeyssac a gouffre and distinguishes it from a cave. In 1907, when there was little talk of the hole, the last plug built collapsed, and a local well-digger (Gabriel Galou), at the request of the landowner (Pierre Frances), began exploring the chasm on March 10, 1907, using ropes and basic lighting. Thus were discovered the splendors of the Proumeyssac chasm.

From then on, groups of 3 people from all over the world organized safe visits by gondola, marking the beginning of underground tourism at Proumeyssac.

Gradually, the site was fitted out better and better, lighting was installed using a generator, and it was decided to build a tunnel on the hillside to allow access to the interior of the chasm on foot. A 112-metre tunnel was dug into the rock and no less than 400m3 of scree debris was excavated: Inside the rocks, animal and human bones were found, as well as bronze coins bearing the effigy of François 1er. All these treasures are now on display in the Musée du Gouffre.

Geologists and speleologists believe that beneath the chasm there may be another cavity even larger than the first, but all attempts to uncover it have so far failed.

Visit to the Proumeyssac chasm

Visit and unique presentation: 2 sounds and lights highlight the "Crystal Cathedral".

The tunnel provides easy access to this immense underground vault, its walls adorned with a multitude of crystallizations of exceptional density and beauty. The new chasmA musical accompaniment completes the originality of this site.
The 45-minute tour, with commentary by experienced guides, leaves a lasting impression.

For an even more original visit, there's the option of descending in a gondola (max. 11 people, at extra cost) to relive the sensations of the pioneers of the Proumeyssac chasm with this spectacular 360° discovery over 50 metres.

The vast, free park, reserved for our visitors, features an educational play area on the subterranean world.

Fun stations allow the whole family to experiment with geology, go back in time or learn about caving in a special play area.

The rest of the park offers a wide range of facilities for visitors:

- museographical space
- geological space
- forest trail
- play and relaxation area
- picnic areas
- spacious lobby with bar, store and bookshop
- fast food from 1/04 to 30/09.

Animations: learning while having fun!

The River of Minerals: a family activity

Visitors will discover the minerals hidden in their sandbags using a sieve and a stream of water. With the help of educational boards, the minerals discovered can be identified.

Professor Geopole's geological animation:

With his "cart" fitted out as a laboratory, Professor Geopole will be criss-crossing the edutainment park to show the public his fun experiments. His mission? To show budding geologists how the soil of the Périgord region was formed, how the Proumeyssac chasm was dug and how stalactites and stalagmites are formed. In just a few minutes, for example, he'll demonstrate how the chasm was dug using water, sand and a simple, ingenious system.

With Professor Géopole, geology will no longer be a mystery...

The ludopark:

a range of interactive tools designed to help visitors discover and understand the riches of the underground world and celles of the Proumeyssac chasm:

  • 4 independent workshops to discover the mechanical role of water in nature
  • a giant goose chase to discover geology
  • discover the world of caving with an open-air trail
  • an animated module showing the formation of concretions
  • The history of the Gouffre de Proumeyssac through a playful merry-go-round/gondola for children simulating the original gondola.

Museum space:

In a cave-like setting, discover the history of the Proumeyssac chasm, from the legends of the 18th century, through the story of its discovery and opening to the public, right up to the present day.

We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable visit to the Proumeyssac chasm.

Pricing details

2024 rates

Classic tour
Adults (over 18): €13.20
Children (aged 4 to 11): €9.70
Teens (12 to 17): €11.10
Students under 25 (on presentation of card): €11.10
PMR Children: €8.00 (over 4 and under 18)
PMR adults: €11.10 (18+)

Group (+20pers)

Adults (over 20 people) free driver and 1 accompanying adult: €9.90
School groups - Holiday camps: €6.50 to €8.50

For schools (primary and secondary) and vacation camps: 1 accompanying adult free of charge for every 10 children For nursery schools: 1 accompanying adult free of charge for every 5 children

Gondola tours
Tour with basket descent (adults): €22.40
Visit with basket ride (children aged 4 to 11): €16.60
Tour with gondola descent (teenagers aged 12 to 17): €20.20

During peak periods (July and August), we strongly advise you to book in advance to avoid waiting times. Tickets booked by telephone or internet are held until 10 minutes before the scheduled visit.

Click here to book online

Dates and times

Open from winter school vacations to Christmas vacations inclusive.

February, November, December: 2pm to 5pm.

March, October: 9:30am to 12pm and 2pm to 5:30pm.

April, May, June, September: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

July, August: 9am to 7pm.

 

Entertainment program

Spring and All Saints' vacations

Summer vacation from July 7 to August 31
Every day

 

Address:

proumeyssac, 24260 Audrix

Sector

Black Périgord
Online booking

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