Greetings,

We had hoped to go to the Gouffre de Padirac in the next 2 weeks and have a few questions on which we would appreciate your help.

I see that it is open from 9-12 and 2-6 in September--can one arrive at any time during those options and get going--or is there a reservation process and set times to leave--I don't see a reference for that on the site.

Is it a dangerous ride?

They mention guided tours or just rides available--has anyone taken the tour or is it all about the ride?

Thanks for your help.

Take care,
Robyn France

We were there last Sept. Reservations were not required. You buy your ticket and then they let the people in in groups. You can walk down by stairs or take an elevator. Once you are in the cavern they take you in boats to another cavern and then on a guided tour. I didn't consider it at all dangerous. The boats seat approx 6-8 people. The water is perfectly calm. There was no rocking or bouncing. I highly recommend it. We arrived at about 11:30 and got in about 5-10 minutes later. When we finished about 2 hours later, there was a line-up of people who didn't realize that the ticket booth was closed from 12-2, hence they had to wait for it to re-open.

leuk basically covered the answers to your questions. There can be long lines in summer, but probably not in September. I don't recall there being an option just to take a ride as opposed to a tour, and I've been there a number of times. When I've gone, you line up to buy tickets, then walk (or take elevator) down to the boat landing. Wear non-skid shoes - the rocks are wet and slippery. You line up at the landing and they put you in a boat with a guide and a half-dozen other people. The water is totally calm. The boat guide gives a narrative as you move through the cavern. Every time I've been there, the guide stops at the deepest part of the cavern, tells you the depth of the water (I forget, but it's deeper than you'd think), then rocks the boat quite vigorously in an attempt to scare you (it's not scary). Then you dock aways into the cavern and he leads you around explaining the various rock formations. Then you go by boat back to the original boat landing. There's a camera set up as you return that will take pictures of your boat, and you'll be encouraged to buy a photo after you get out.
Have fun!

Leuk and StCirq--many thanks--just what I needed to know--somehow I was imagining sort of a wild downhill rushing water ride--so I am relieved that it won't be class 5 rapids.

Hi Robyn,

You might find this site helpful.

http://www.gouffre-de-padirac.com/

Hi RobynFrance...we also did it in September. We just arrived, bought our tickets, went down in the lift with driver and got in the boats.It was very interesting and an unusual experience.The trip is very safe..nothing to worry about. Do go and enjoy yourself!

Thanks all--we will definitely do it--I guess it is wise to have a warm sweater and rainjacket fo the occasion. Sounds like fun!