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Pech Merle cave – Pech Merle (35169867614)📷 Ben Sale, CC BY 2.0

Pech Merle cave

Cabrerets, France

History

One of the few original painted caves still open, with spotted horses and hand stencils more than 25,000 years old. Visitor numbers are limited, so book online well ahead in summer.

Nearest town
Cabrerets, France
Category
History & culture
GPS
44.5074, 1.6446

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Getting there

  • France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

Featured in these trip guides

Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac – Pont Valentre 29© Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0
D662
Classic European drives

Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac

148 km9 stops4 days

Nearby

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie – Maison Bordes 03© Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, France
Pont Valentré – Pont Valentre 29© Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Pont Valentré

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Grandes escaliers de la cité religieuse de Rocamadour 02© Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Rocamadour

Rocamadour, France
Gouffre de Padirac – Ceiling of Salle du Grand Dôme, Gouffee de Padirac© Quince&Medlar · CC0
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Gouffre de Padirac

Padirac, France

Campsites nearby

  • Aire de camping-car des Berges du LotMotorhome stopover
    5 km from Pech Merle cave · 21 pitches
    MotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Camping la ChêneraieCampsite
    9 km from Pech Merle cave
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Camping LamagdelaineMotorhome stopover
    14 km from Pech Merle cave · 29 pitches
    TentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Camping municipal de BrenguesCampsite
    17 km from Pech Merle cave
    TentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Les CournoulisesCampsite
    20 km from Pech Merle cave
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Camping du causseCampsite
    23 km from Pech Merle cave · 25 pitches
    TentsElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip

All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Pech Merle cave?

Pech Merle cave is in Cabrerets, France, at GPS 44.5074, 1.6446. It is about 5 km from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.

Can you camp near Pech Merle cave?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping municipal Le Cantal, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 50 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Pech Merle cave?

Pech Merle cave is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lot valley and the Gouffre de Padirac.

What is there to see near Pech Merle cave?

Places worth a stop nearby: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (5 km), Pont Valentré (18 km), Rocamadour (32 km) and Gouffre de Padirac (40 km).

When is the best time to visit Pech Merle cave?

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)