Cave Diving in the Lot
All the practical information you need to plan your cave diving trip.
Our Partners
Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park
We are proud to count the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park among our partners — a UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK and a true natural treasure where limestone plateaus meet the lush valleys of the Lot and Dordogne rivers. This exceptional territory, rich in biodiversity and well-preserved historical heritage, invites visitors to explore its trails, discover its hilltop villages and immerse themselves in local traditions. By partnering with the park, we share the same values: environmental protection, responsible tourism and the promotion of cultural heritage. Together, we work to keep these unique spaces alive while offering visitors authentic and memorable experiences.
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Lot Tourism Office
The Lot Tourism Office is a catalyst for authentic experiences, helping travellers discover a territory of striking contrasts where every turn reveals a new story to live. You can count on this partner to give your guests complete, professional and inspiring access to everything the Lot has to offer.
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Grand Figeac Tourism Office
The Grand Figeac Tourism Office — Lot and Célé Valleys — is the gateway to a region of 92 towns and villages where history, nature and culture intertwine. It showcases the living heritage of Figeac (Champollion Museum, medieval lanes) and the varied landscapes of the Lot and Célé valleys (limestone plateaus, gorges, forests) ideal for hiking, canoeing or mountain biking. The office offers a wide range of activities (guided tours, workshops, festivals, markets, themed trails) and accommodation ranging from charming hotels to rural cottages. Its multilingual team provides personalised advice, detailed maps and ticketing services, while promoting responsible tourism and supporting local initiatives (regional products, eco-friendly projects).
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Lot Departmental Caving Committee (CDS 46)
CDS 46 is the entry point to the caving world in the Lot. Affiliated with the French Federation of Caving and Canyoning (FFS), they are a valuable partner directly connected to our activities, and also excellent friends and exploration companions!
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The Lot region offers exceptional diving conditions all year round. The water temperature in the resurgences stays constant at around 13 °C. Pack warm clothes for post-dive comfort in winter, and enjoy the radiant sunshine in summer. Check the Windy map opposite for real-time wind and rain forecasts.
Accommodation for Cave Divers and Cavers
Accommodation options around our Cave Diving Center
L'enfant perdu in Livernon
Many of our customers recommend Daniel's bed & breakfast in Livernon, "L'enfant perdu". Call Daniel on +33 6 76 82 51 32.
Converted barn
Lovely 35 m² apartment on the first floor of a converted barn (ground floor uninhabited). One 7 m² bedroom with a small dressing area, a fitted shower room with heated towel rail. Main room with a TV area, a fully equipped kitchen and a table. Electric heating, Wi-Fi. Parking in front of the property. Bikes can be brought inside.
Les Moynes de Saint Simon
A 15-hectare property in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park, surrounded by authentic, untamed nature. Lulled by the song of the tawny owl, you'll enjoy a relaxing stay in our guest rooms set in a former sheepfold, or in a gîte in a traditional Quercy farmhouse — all tastefully renovated for comfort.
Les Gîtes Cambois
Les Gîtes Cambois are located in the village of Cambes, within the Causses du Quercy Natural Park (LOT 46). Ideally located near the region's main tourist sites such as FIGEAC, CAPDENAC-LE-HAUT, ROCAMADOUR and SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE… Mobile: +33 6 79 23 22 42 E-mail: [email protected] Key features: - Lockable storage room for drying and storing diving equipment - Electric vehicle charging point Each gîte has its own independent access and private outdoor space, ensuring complete privacy for every guest.
Camping La Dévèze in Livernon
Welcome to Camping La Dévèze! A getaway into the Lot countryside… the start of an adventure through exceptional heritage. Located in the Causses du Quercy Geopark, Camping La Dévèze in Livernon invites you to discover the comfort of unique, eco-friendly wooden tents. A local, sustainable creation that introduces you to camping the light-traveller way. Drop your bag — everything is on site! More than a stopover, you enter a truly natural place… full of starry nights. Easy access to Occitanie's must-see sites and an irresistible urge to explore the Célé, Lot and Dordogne valleys, with landscapes that stir every emotion… Time stands still for the pleasure of your senses!
Camping Le Moulin Vieux
A friendly, family-run campsite in the heart of the Célé Valley. Set within the Causses du Quercy Regional Park, our Camping Le Moulin Vieux welcomes you for a wonderful stay! Absolute peace and quiet, a lush green setting, accommodation for every budget…
Hôtel*** Le Grézalide
Christelle and Pascal welcome you in true guesthouse spirit within a charming château, with its personalised, spacious rooms, restaurant with both dining-room and piano-lounge areas, its grounds and swimming pool. On the edge of the small village of Grèzes, on the causse plateau and just 17 km from Figeac, Le Grézalide is an ideal base from which to discover this superb region. Grounds, a large solar-heated swimming pool and a restaurant open every evening from Tuesday to Sunday, plus Sunday lunch. The peace and quiet and starry nights will quickly help you unwind.
La Terrasse De La Piale
Characterful guesthouse in a former hamlet surrounded by forests and meadows on 7 hectares, overlooking a small valley. The late 18th-century dwelling remains typical of Quercy architecture. The luxurious renovation and refined décor, respectful of local architecture, reinforce the sense of serenity and well-being that radiates from this place. A spa (jacuzzi) set in nature and wellness massages provide their soothing benefits.
Gites du Mas de Bouzou
Le Mas de Bouzou, a 1.6-hectare estate partly dating from the 17th century, is ideally located in the heart of the Lot. It combines stone and wood in a style typical of old Lot residences. The property features a stunning swimming pool carved into the rock.
Aux Lodges du Mas de Nadal
Lodges, restaurant, swimming pool… Far from the hustle and bustle yet still close by, you can escape to one of our 24 lodges, comfortably furnished with a covered terrace for relaxing.
Ecoasis
In the heart of the Lot, within the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park, Ecoasis is a group gîte that welcomes around thirty guests in a breathtakingly beautiful natural setting…
Brit Hotel Privilege Figeac
Hotel in Figeac with a swimming pool, located close to many tourist attractions, open daily from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm. For any arrival outside these hours, please notify our reception in advance. The rooms at Brit Hotel Privilège Figeac will suit every need: double rooms, twin beds, accessible rooms or connecting rooms — find the one that will brighten your stay in Figeac! All our rooms have a terrace or a balcony.
Gites de Combarel
Nestled in the exceptional natural setting of the Causses du Quercy Park. Enjoy a peaceful stay among dry meadows and oak forests. We offer warm, modern comfort while respecting the authentic character of the site.
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Tourism & Must-See Sites
Below you'll find the must-see tourist sites in the Lot, along with links to the Lot and Grand Figeac Tourism Office websites.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Perched on a cliff overlooking a bend in the Lot river, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a medieval masterpiece. Dominated by its fortified church, the houses with steep brown-tiled roofs reveal their harmonious lines along picturesque alleyways. The medieval village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie boasts 13 listed historical monuments: the Château de Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the Fourdonne, the Rignault Museum and many more…
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Rocamadour
A dizzying sacred city clinging to the cliff face, Rocamadour is an absolute must-see. Stroll through its medieval lanes and climb the steps up to the sanctuary.
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Gouffre de Padirac
Plunge into the depths of the Earth… by boat! A spectacular visit more than 100 m underground. Booking recommended.
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Champollion Museum - Museum of Writing
The Museum of Writing, set in the historic centre of Figeac, celebrates the evolution of writing across civilisations. It showcases manuscripts, tablets, ancient books and writing artefacts — from Egyptian papyrus to early Latin alphabets, by way of medieval illumination. The interactive journey blends permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational workshops and multimedia spaces, allowing visitors to discover how signs have shaped the transmission of knowledge. The museum is part of the cultural heritage of Figeac, birthplace of Jean-François Champollion, offering a direct link to the history of language and reading.
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Pech Merle Cave
Discover authentic prehistoric paintings dating back more than 20,000 years! Hundreds of motifs adorn the cave: mammoths, bison, horses, aurochs… These drawings remain in their original natural setting with its astonishing geology.
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Foissac Cave
The prehistoric Foissac cave, located 1.5 km south of the village of the same name, sits on a limestone plateau overlooking the Lot valley. Its entrance is on the edge of the Quercy plateau. It is the head of an active hydrogeological network explored, to date, over more than 10 km; the section opened to tourism is isolated from the other galleries by impassable rock falls. The most significant artefacts have been preserved at the location of their discovery. We invite you to discover, in our company, an exceptional mineralogy and to feel the same emotion the explorers felt at the sight of the first traces of prehistoric occupation. The presence of human footprints, animal bones, pottery and burial sites has prompted an on-site study by a multidisciplinary scientific team. The collapse of the cave's prehistoric porch nearly 5,000 years ago allowed exceptional preservation of the underground layout and of the many archaeological artefacts. For this reason, the cave can be considered an underground archaeological museum where remains are preserved in the context of their discovery. During a tour lasting just over an hour, your guide will familiarise you with the geology, mineralogy and archaeology you need to understand the site and better appreciate its beauty. After descending about ten metres underground, you walk nearly 400 m underground, discovering an exceptional mineralogy developing through a succession of vast rooms with sometimes unique formations (calcite bubbles, eccentrics, etc.).
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Presque Caves
The Presque Caves are a tourist site in the Lot close to the Gouffre de Padirac and Rocamadour. During this visit, you'll discover a cathedral of concretions of a kind only Nature knows the secret of! Majestic pillars, others of surprising delicacy, and crystallisations of every sort adorn this natural cave discovered in the early 19th century. You'll find here all the practical information you need to plan your visit during your stay in the Lot.
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Moulin de Cougnaguet
Fortified mill listed as a Historical Monument since 1925. Still in working order for demonstrations, visit this beautiful mill whose construction was completed in… 1350! Don't miss a tasting of walnuts and other local treats.
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Canoeing down the Lot or the Célé
Set off on an unforgettable day canoeing down the Célé river. Between impressive cliffs, crystal-clear bathing waters and natural beaches, enjoy a unique family experience in the heart of the Lot's unspoiled nature.
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Swimming in our beautiful rivers
Many beaches are set up along the banks of the Lot's rivers. In summer, water temperatures regularly climb above 22 °C — rather pleasant for cooling off, isn't it? As a side note, I'll admit I also simply use the canoe launch areas… Pictured: the beach at Marcilhac-sur-Célé.
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Via Ferrata at Liauzu
Via ferrata at Liauzu, in the heart of the Célé valley. Halfway between climbing and tree-top adventure, the via ferrata lets you progress along a cliff face using various pieces of equipment (ladders, footbridges, etc.) while staying attached to a steel cable. Two free-access routes Young and old alike will find something to enjoy along the two free-access via ferrata routes. 1/ Perce-Pierres is ideal for beginners - Length: 210 m - Difficulty: easy - Duration: approximately 1 h 30 2/ Le Dièdre Blanc, towering above the limestone cliff, is reserved for more experienced climbers - Length: 500 m - Difficulty: difficult - Duration: approximately 2 h 30 to 3 hours
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17 climbing sites and more than 1,500 routes — here, you climb in the great outdoors, between sky and limestone plateau, to the rhythm of your breath and your grips. The cliffs offer themselves up, raw or sculpted, ready to reveal their lines to the curious and the passionate alike.
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Hiking
Short and long loop hikes can be enjoyed throughout the Lot. https://www.parc-causses-du-quercy.fr/en/explorez-les-causses-du-quercy/randonnee-pedestre/ https://randonnees-lotoises.net/ https://www.randocaillac.com/ https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-lot.html
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Caving
With more than 2,300 natural caves, the Lot is a fabulous place to discover, learn and practise caving. Whether vertical descents, walking trips or underground rivers, the choice is yours!
View →Boating on the Lot
A major route for river traffic from the 13th to the late 19th century, the Lot had been unnavigable since 1927, when the arrival of the railway led to its permanent abandonment. From 1990 onwards, the Department carried out works to make the river navigable again. Since 2014, 120 km of river and 27 locks are accessible to boats. Navigation on the Lot is open from April to November, weather and water flow permitting.
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Towpath
This towpath was once used by horses to allow gabares (flat-bottomed boats) to go back up against the current. This river traffic carried local goods between Bordeaux and Décazeville: sand, wood, cereals, wine, dried plums, as well as the work of woodturners — more specifically wine barrel taps. The walk begins at the Bouziès river dock for about 1 km of discovery and wonder up to the Ganil lock; this path leads you on to the medieval village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.
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Stargazing: The Black Triangle of Quercy
The "black triangle" of Quercy This area in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park is one of the best regions in mainland France for sky-watching (outside mountain areas), thanks in particular to its low population density. Although this classification as the best sky in mainland France has since been revisited, many towns and villages have been awarded the "Starry Village" label thanks to their actions to preserve the night sky — in particular by switching off public lighting in the second half of the night.
View →Figeac Market
If you're a foodie, we can only recommend the Figeac market, held every Saturday morning. You'll find a wide selection of local Lot produce and regional specialities — a true delight for your taste buds!
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Rocamadour cheese tasting and shop
Visit our friends at the Ferme de la Vigne Haute farm in Reillhac. You'll see the goats in their pen, feed them, milk them — and then enjoy a tasting and a visit to the shop.
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Bowling
How about a game of bowling?? But that's not all — the Lot bowling alley also offers Laser Game, Trampoline and Escape Game!
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Canyoning takes place in the Ségala area in the north of the Lot, along the Cayla stream. This easy 750 m descent leads you to the Saut Grand, the highlight of the experience.
View →Services & Shops
We have selected the main services around us, but feel free to also consult the Public Services Map produced by the Lot Department.
Roadside assistance: Auto 2000
Cajarc
https://www.auto2000cajarc.fr/
Roadside assistance: S-C-A-V
Saint Céré
+33 5 65 38 15 81