The Gouffre de Proumeyssac
The Gouffre de Proumeyssac known as the « Cathédrale de cristal (Crystal Cathedral) », an absolute must to visit in Périgord
Already famous in the 18th century because of its terrifying legends, the 50-metre deep Gouffre de Proumeyssac was not actually explored until 1907 and is the largest chasm in Dordogne today.
Gouffre de Proumeyssac offers two different visits :
The traditional visit takes you through a tunnel providing easy access to the amazing immense subterranean vault whose walls are adorned with a multitude of densely-packed crystal formations of exceptional beauty. The new lighting effects, enhanced by a musical accompaniment, complete the originality of the site. Visitors arrive on the large balcony in semi-darkness, then the guide switchess on the light and sound to reveal the cave and everyone can admire one by one the rich details of this curiosity of nature.
Visit in a suspended basket lift : in days gone by, 3 visitors at a time used to be lowered to the bottom of the cavity in a basket lift operated by a horse. The basket lift was installed in 1907, attached to a single cable which turned randomly on itself, giving visitors a panoramic view of the stalactite and stalagmite formations. The new lift recreates this experience using a specific technical system where the floor of the basket rotates so the 11 passengers can enjoy a 360° panorama.
Gouffre de Proumeyssac : activities for all the family
Parc ludopédagogique (Educational fun park)
The park has a range of interactive tools to allow families to discover and understand the underground world including the Gouffre de Proumeyssac. Geology is highlighted with a giant-size Snakes and Ladders game (jeu de l’oie), the history of the Gouffre de Proumeyssac by a roundabout representing the original basket lift, the formation of stalagmites and stalactites by an animated water game, the mechanical role of water in nature by 4 autonomous workshops and the world of caving by an open air trail for young adventurers.
Museum
The aim of the new museum is to immerse visitors in the subterranean world thanks to a cave backdrop and take them on a journey through time from the legends of the Gouffre de Proumeyssac to the 18th century. This is followed by the story of its discovery and first opening to the public through to the present day. Thanks to the support of a museum designer, the displays are presented in an original, interactive way.
Geology activites (during French school holidays)
Professor Géopole is a man with a mission : to teach children how the Périgord soil was formed, how the Gouffre de Proumeyssac was made and how stalactites and stalagmites are formed.
In his cart fitted out as a laboratory he drives up and down the fun park to perform experiments in front of the public. For example, in just a few minutes he shows how the cavity was made using water, sand and a simple but clever system. Geology is no longer a mystery subject thanks to nutty, funny Professor Geopole !
Gouffre de Proumeyssac invites visitors to participate in its environmental, eco-friendly approach «NF-Environnement Sites de Visites ».
Before or after their visit, visitors, if they wish, can produce part of the electricity needed for their visit by pedalling on a bike-generator. The energy produced is directly injected into the Gouffre’s electricity network.
Part of the visit is suitable for people with reduced mobility (TOURISME ET HANDICAP).
Bar-Snacks-Ice creams. Shop.
Contact : GOUFFRE DE PROUMEYSSAC Route de Proumeyssac 24260 AUDRIX
SatNav : Lat. 44.8910883 Long. 0.934737
Gouffre de Proumeyssac is 4km from Le Bugue where you can visit the Aquarium du Périgord Noir and 25km from Sarlat.
Some comments from Gîtes de France customers :
Gite at Journiac « A lovely stay in a very pleasant, quiet, well-appointed house. Warm friendly welcome. Magnificent region with many hidden treasures (chasms, caves, villages the River Vézère...). »
Wonderful stay at Limeuil « Gite ideally located for visiting lots of places in the area (swimming, prehistoric caves, caves with stalagmites and stalactites, theme parks, delightful towns to stroll around and markets, including delicious gourmet evening ones which are a definite ‘must’ !). »
Holiday at Le Bugue « Tastefully-decorated gite. Ideal situation in a peaceful setting yet under an hour from castles, caves, chasms, gardens and farm visits (Périgord is a wonderful combination of scenery, history, culture, gastronomy and leisure activities). »
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