A cave near Sarlat that is unique in the world
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Grotte de Maxange, a cave near Sarlat in Périgord, unique in the world
An exceptional concentration of concretions: limestone formations that go off in every possible and unimaginable direction. Visible in only a few caves in the world, and in small quantities, you'll find thousands of them at Maxange.
A cave with over 60 million years of history...
Just 30 minutes from Sarlat, don't miss this masterpiece of nature, discovered in 2000. An experienced guide will take you into the mysteries of this unique site, which is easy to get to, listed as a national heritage site and boasts 2 stars in the Michelin Guide.
The Grotte de Maxange, a masterpiece of nature, offers a magical spectacle of eccentric concretions that are unique in the world.
Recently discovered, the site is recognised as one of the most beautiful concretion caves in France. A visit that won't leave you indifferent
Discover
The very recent discovery dates from 15 August 2000.
It was Angel Caballero, who ran a quarry on the site, who discovered the existence of this incredible cavity by chance. One day, he spotted a crack in the rock which, against all odds, led him to a spectacular sight. Little did he realise the magnitude of his discovery.
After much thought, he and his family decided to develop the site and open it to the public. Two years of titanic work enabled them to create a pleasant and comfortable place to visit, which today has the Quality Tourism label.
Rare
The Maxange cavity is thought to date back 60 million years.
The originality and rarity of its concretions offer a spectacle of rare quality. Concretions are typical cave formations, more commonly known as stalactites, stalagmites or draperies.
The concretions in the Maxange caves are known as ‘eccentric’, making them one of the most original adornments in the underground world. These crystallisations, which are usually rare, stretch by the thousands, over almost 90 m, in the Dordogne cave. With their astonishing shapes, delicacy and sparkling purity, the bouquets of eccentrics covering the ceiling and walls seem to defy the laws of gravity.
Visit
The guided tour lasts around 45 minutes.
Bring warm clothing, as the temperature in the cave is 13°C all year round.
A guide will be on hand to tell you all about the secrets of the Maxange cave, including its geology, the formation of its galleries and the origin of its exceptional concretions. The guide will also tell you the story of the discovery of the cave and share a few anecdotes, leaving you time to admire the marvellous work of nature over the millennia.
Practical
The site is open from April to early November.
In July and August, tours are available every day from 9am to 7pm.
To avoid the crowds during the summer months, we strongly advise you to use the online ticketing service.
A bar is available on site for refreshments. During the summer season, it also serves pizzas, chips, paninis and other delicacies.
Grotte classified as a national heritage site and 2 stars in the Michelin Guide.
A family story
- August 2000: Angel Caballero, the father, discovers the cave.
- February 2001: Work starts with the family
- April 2003: The cave is opened to the public by the Angel family (father), (mother), Cyril (eldest son) and Olivier (youngest son).
- November 2007: new gallery discovered
- January 2009: opening of a new gallery
- March 2013: Listed by the State
- From 2016 to the present day: Cyril and Olivier have taken over management of the cave
At the heart of the tertiary era
The cave is part of an underground network that dates back to the beginning of the Tertiary era, around sixty million years ago.
Between curiosity and rarity
The most curious and rarest forms of calcite concretion are the so-called eccentrics.
A show of rare quality
What makes this cave so interesting is the quality of its concretions.
A real geode
The effect is particularly astonishing and can only be seen in a relatively small number of caves.
A recent discovery
The most recent discovery was made on 15 August 2000 by Angel Caballero, who runs a quarry on the site.