Gouffre de Proumeyssac

Cathedral of Crystal

Useful Information

Location:	Audrix, 3.5 km south of Bugue, 8 km south west of Les Eyzies.
Open:	FEB daily 14-17. MAR-MAY daily 9-12, 14-17:30. JUN-AUG daily 9-19. SEP-OCT daily 9-12, 14-17:30. NOV-DEC daily 14-17.
Fee:
Classification:	Karst cave
Light:	Incandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:	VR=-40 m.
Guided tours:	D=45 min.
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:	B. Pierret (1953): Le Périgord souterrain, Leymarie, Montignac, 161 pp
Address:	Gouffre de Proumeyssac, F-24260 Audrix Le Bugue, Tel: +33-553-072747, Fax: +33-553-547503.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1907	discovered by Gabriel Galou digging a well.
1924-1952	cave could only be entered by being lowered in a barrel.
1956	artificial tunnel dug which enters the main chamber half way up.

Description

The Gouffre de Proumeyssac (Proumeyssac Pothole) is actually a hole in the ground, which was known for a long time. The caves consists of a chamber 60 m by 40 m with a huge boulder pile in the centre. As well as numerous concretions and triangular shaped crystal, there are countless speleothems adorning the walls of the immense vault. Four petrified fountains covered with flowing water are supplemented by very latest technology, laser sound music inconjuction with scenic lighting. Even today, for an extra fee, it is possible to make the descent into the cave in the barrel.