Dordogne Caves for Claustrophobic
 

We are planning our trip to Dordogne and trying to decide which caves do see that would not be too claustrophobic. We've been to some caves that were very narrow with low ceilings and lots of people making it very unenjoyable for me (being a mild claustrophobic). Is Peche Merle, Lascaux II or Grotte de Font de Gaume ok for someone with mild claustrophobia? Do you have to take any elevators in these caves?

I have claustrophobia, but I had no problem in Pech Merle.
No elevators there, and it really was fine.

Generally speaking, claustrophobia and caves simply do not mix. We have been to all 3 of the caves you mentioned, and have enjoyed them. But I'm not sure I would recommend them to someone who is claustrophobic. Of the three, Peche Merle is probably the least objectionable for you.

Cougnac is a cave of lesser repute that we visited which was, perhaps, less 'closed in'. Better still, there is Le Roc St. Christophe, which is fascinating and completely open (it's more of a cliff dwelling than an actual cave system.)

I hope you enjoy the area as much as we did. There are a great many things to do and see... and even if you take advantage of none of those things, it's a wonderful place to relax and enjoy yourself!

(note: this is actually mr_go, posting under my LW's login on her computer)

Lascaux should not be a problem for someone 'mildly claustrophic'. I was there today with that someone, who had no problem at all.

Font de Gaume, on the other hand, might well be a problem - there is quite a narrow entrance.

Pech Merle, which we visited a few years ago, didn't seem to be a problem at all.

Thank you for your thoughts.

I have been to the Salt Mine cave in Poland and did ok until we had to take a small rickety elevator up to get out. Thank goodness I didn't realize this until the end.

If the cave has very low ceilings or you need to take a small rickety elevator I don't do well but if the area is open and not too much narrowing in the walkways or with lots of people crowding about I'm ok. I would really like to see the cave paintings, particularly at Lascaux and Pech Merle We are not much interested in stalagtite caves.

Sounds like we'll be adding Le Roc St Christophe and Cougnac to our lists.

I'd rule out Font de Gaume right off the bat. And Combarelles. I think you'll be ok at Peche Merle and most likely at Lascaux II. You might also consider the Grotte du Sorcier, in St-Cirq, just down the lane from my house. It's only one large room, which you enter through a regular door. The ceiling gets a little low at the far end, but you wouldn't be going there.