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.

Jf-Fabriol
Cave of Foissac

The Foissac cave: an exceptional natural site

Located on the edge of the Causses du Quercy and Rouergue, between Figeac and Villefranche-de-Rouergue, the cave of Foissac is a real underground natural museum. Discovered in 1965 and opened to the public in 1973, it offers a visitable part isolated from the other galleries by impenetrable scree. Within it, flows a river that finds itself in the open air several kilometers further, at the level of 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.

Traces of human occupation

For a little over an hour, follow the leader and discover a few notions of geology, mineralogy and archeology, essential to understand the site, classified as a Historic Monument since 1978, and to appreciate all its splendour.

Like an explorer, open your eyes to contemplate the many traces of human occupation and animal. Bones of reindeer, rhinoceros, mammoths, lions and bears testify to a rich fauna that has partly disappeared. During your visit, a touching discovery awaits you, that of an imprint of a child's foot on the clay, which is now protected by a thin film 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 serves as a complement to the visit to the cave. Hosting temporary exhibitions, it is a privileged place to discover the parietal art of the galleries not accessible to visitors.

The collections of archaeological objects taken from the cave during excavations and fortuitous discoveries are presented there. Among them, we can cite several achievements of the inhabitants of the Chalcolithic in stone, bone, wood or terracotta as well as a variety of tools, copper beads and arrowheads.

Un prehistoric park also stages in its natural environment the habitat of the first men of Aveyron and the beginnings of hunting, breeding 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.

Foissac cave museum

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.

In order to view the different information, you can use the navigation arrows placed to the right of the table

Opening hours from April 01 to May 31, 2024
Monday Open from 14 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Tuesday Open from 14 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Wednesday Open from 14 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Thursday Open from 14 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Friday Open from 14 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Sunday Open from 14 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Opening hours from June 01 to June 30, 2024
Monday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Tuesday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Wednesday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Thursday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Friday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Saturday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Sunday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Opening hours from July 01 to August 31, 2024
Monday Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Tuesday Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Wednesday Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Thursday Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Friday Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Saturday Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Sunday Open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Opening hours from September 01 to September 30, 2024
Monday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Tuesday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Wednesday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Thursday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Friday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Saturday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Sunday Open from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Opening hours from October 01 to October 31, 2024
Monday Open from 14 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Tuesday Open from 14 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Wednesday Open from 14 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Thursday Open from 14 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Friday Open from 14 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Sunday Open from 14 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Prices Min. Max.
Individual adult
12.5 € -
Individual child
8 € -
  • Parking
  • Coach parking
  • Toilets
  • Picnic area.
  • Shop
  • Guided group tours
  • Educational visits
  • Bar / refreshment bar
  • Guided tours

Good deal: Multisite Advantage

Thanks to your entrance ticket to the cave, take advantage of discount offers to visit seven other partner sites in the region. To find out more, see our dedicated page.

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