Despite the morning's torrential rain, we were out and down today. Down in Gouffre de Proumeyssac,…read morethat is. Driving through the rain and the heavy water on the roads was all made worthwhile by a visit to this spectacular chasm in the ground near La Bugue. The huge cave became well known after getting the nod from E.A. Martel in 1907 but its history goes back much further, the earliest mentions being in the 18th century. Early visitors went down in a cradle or basket and you can still do that today. I didn't and I'm sorry. In fact, nobody seemed to take it up, maybe because it cost close to double the EUR8.60 simple entry cost. The original entry hole, once used for dumping rubbish (including animal carcases) is used for the basket but the normal tourist is guided down a sloping tunnel and into the huge chasm to start his circular trip on the balcony. Then the lights go out and you see the basket descend. Music plays and the lights come up again reflecting off the dropping water (not too much of it!). Then you see the stalactites and stalagmites and columns and the little lake at the bottom. We were supplied with an audio-guide (5 or 6 languages are available) and this was certainly a help but you do miss the personality of the guide. Our helpful fellow raised a few laughs as he took us around. There are some huge crystallations, including one called the Medusa. The facility is well equipped with car parks, picnic areas and walks and, don't forget to go and see the original entrance, now with a small structure over it, from where the basket works.

Really great views, trip, and experience. Tour not available in English sadly but we loved it…read more Highly recommend.

Charming stone cottage with a spectacular view of a medieval castle. Swimming, canoeing, tennis,…read morebiking, randonee, hiking and golf all close by. Weekly rentals so you'll have time for it all. Sarlat, the medieval jewel of the Dordogne is 3 kms. Check it out thru the Office du Tourism Sarlat... "montfort" ref 20007. They speak english as well as french.