La Grotte de Maxange La Grotte de Maxange La Grotte de Maxange La Grotte de Maxange La Grotte de Maxange La Grotte de Maxange La Grotte de Maxange La Grotte de Maxange La Grotte de Maxange

La Grotte de Maxange

Let yourself be surprised by a unique and magical grotto.

The Maxange cave

La Grotte de Maxangein the Dordogne valley is surprising in more ways than one.
It starts with his story, which is far from ordinary.

The discovery of the Maxange cave

In 1984, Angel Caballero decided to take over the family business, a stone quarry opened by his father Maximilien in 1960 in the commune of Le Buisson de Cadouin. 16 years later, in 2000, Angel spotted a strange fault in the cliff. He doesn't know it yet, but the crack will change his life and that of his family.

After a few weeks' hesitation, he decided to infiltrate this mysterious hole. After only a few meters of difficult progress, a breathtaking gallery opened up before his eyes. It's August 15, 2000.

Stalactites, stalagmites, numerous panels of aragonite covering entire walls and extremely fine fistulas are just some of the highlights.

But what really catches the eye is the unique profusion of rare, so-called "eccentric" crystallizations, which literally defy the laws of gravity. Usually observed in small quantities, in the Maxange cave they can be seen in their thousands over a distance of almost 90 metres.

After much thought, Angel decided to do everything in his power to make this unique site accessible to all. But transforming a quarry into a public site is no easy task.
It will take almost 2 years to fit out the exterior and make the interior accessible.

In 2009, a new gallery was opened to visitors, but not everything has yet been explored, and we like to think that new discoveries are yet to come.

In 2013, the state decided to classify the cave for its geological and scenic character, and the Michelin guide awarded it two stars.

Today, the grotte de Maxange is a site that delights young and old alike, and is recognized as one of the most beautiful concretion caves in France.

Angel Caballero decided to name the Grotto  Maxange in memory of his father, who started the career. In fact, the contraction of Maximilienhis father's first name and his own.

Cave tour and practical information

Tours are accompanied by a guide who will explain not only the discovery of the cave, but also its geology, the formation of the galleries and concretions, and many anecdotes. The tour lasts 40 minutes. The temperature in the cave is 13°C.

There's a bar with a shaded terrace, and a playground for children.

The boutique in the entrance hall offers a whole collection of minerals in various forms: rough stones, polished stones and jewelry. You'll also find a whole range of Périgord souvenirs.

 

 

Pricing details

Adult: €11.50

Young people (aged 10 to 13): €8.50

Children (5 to 9 years): €7.00

Adult group (20 people or more): €9.00

Children's group: €5.50

Dates and times

April 01 to October 31
April - May - June - September :
from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00

July - August :
from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm

October :
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (closed on Saturdays)

 

Address:

Mestréguiral, 24480 Le Buisson de Cadouin

Sector

Black Périgord
Online booking

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