Imagine yourself back 5 years by visiting the prehistoric cave of Foissac, a natural and archaeological jewel of Aveyron. Admire the footprints, objects and graves left by our ancestors.
The Foissac cave: an exceptional natural site
Located on the edge of the limestone plateaus of Quercy and Rouergue, between Figeac and Villefranche-de-Rouergue , the Foissac cave is a veritable underground natural museum . Discovered in 1965 and opened to the public in 1973, it offers a section that can be visited, isolated from the other galleries by impenetrable scree. A river flows within it, emerging into the open air several kilometers away in the Lot valley.
For millennia, the slowly filtering water brought the limestone loaded with natural pigments and chiselled wonders with graceful shapes and soft colors, ranging from pure white to ocher, gray and pink hues. Marvel at these dazzling works of art sculpted by nature.
This summer, a cave lion makes its debut at the Foissac Cave Museum!
The Foissac Cave Museum is hosting, for the 2026 season, a facsimile of a cave lioness, in partnership with the Maison de la Paléo association.
Worth seeing when visiting the cave museum.
Traces of human occupation
For a little over an hour, follow the guide and discover some notions of geology, mineralogy and archaeology, essential to understanding the site, classified as a Historical Monument since 1978, and to appreciate all its splendor.
Like an explorer, keep your eyes peeled for the numerous traces of human and animal occupation . Bones of reindeer, rhinoceroses, mammoths, lions, and bears bear witness to a rich, now largely extinct, fauna. During your visit, a touching discovery awaits you: a child's footprint in the clay, now protected by a thin layer of calcite.
Stalactites or stalagmites? Young and old children will be delighted to find the answer.
A fun and educational museum
Opposite the entrance, a small museum complements the cave visit. Hosting temporary exhibitions, it is a prime location for discovering the parietal art of galleries not open to the public.
The collections of archaeological objects taken from the cave during excavations and chance discoveries are presented there. Among them are several creations of the inhabitants of the Chalcolithic period in stone, bone, wood or terracotta as well as a variety of tools, copper beads and arrowheads.
A prehistoric park also showcases, in its natural environment, the habitat of the first people of Aveyron and the beginnings of hunting, livestock farming and agriculture.
A veritable underground museum, visiting the site is now a real treat for the eyes and offers a great history lesson for young and old.
Prepare your visit to the prehistoric cave of Foissac
Find some useful information in preparation for your visit to the Foissac cave:
- The guided tour (obligatory) lasts between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes.
- The temperature in the cave is around 12°C. Bring warm clothing.
- You will have to go down 78 steps to reach the cave. No elevator.
- You have the possibility to book your visit online.
| Opening hours from October 01 to October 31, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Monday | Open from 14:17 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Tuesday | Open from 14:17 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Wednesday | Open from 14:17 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Thursday | Open from 14:17 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Friday | Open from 14:17 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Sunday | Open from 14:17 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Prices | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Individual adult |
13 € | Not disclosed |
| Individual child |
8 € | Not disclosed |
Cap de Tête 12260 Foissac
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