Dordogne

Nature in Dordogne

Gouffre de Padirac

Gouffre de Padirac (Lot)

Reputed to be the gates of Hell (but probably exaggerated), this cave complex is spectacular and is partly explored by gondola. This is one cool scene, but it’s even cooler underground, so take a woolly. Arrive early to avoid the queues.

Grotte de Lacave

Grotte de Lacave

The River Dordogne, cutting its way through the Gramat Causse, created fascinating galleries displaying countless stalagmites and stalactites. The underground caves stretch for a mile and feature sparkling underground lakes. Dress up warm, and if you’ve never seen a stalagmite, you might.

Les Jardins de Marqueyssac

Les Jardins de Marqueyssac

A National Historical Monument, the hanging gardens at Marqueyssac offer over 6 kilometres of shaded paths lined by more than 150,000 elegantly shaped boxwoods. Hang in there and you’ll find it calming and beautiful in equal measure.