Very proud to announce my new adventure by joining the teams of the Padirac cave in Occitanie near Rocamadour from this 2021 season. A great challenge to relaunch the season, activities and prepare one of the most beautiful development projects to come.
He was the “Devil’s Hole”, he became one of the wonders of creation. It was reserved for a few extreme adventurers, it has become one of the greatest French natural curiosities open to all. Third most beautiful chasm in the world, second most visited underground site in Europe, this exceptional geological site is relaunching its activities after this incredible period of global pandemic.
It is a hole 33 meters in diameter and 50 meters deep that has surfaced since the night
times on the Causse de Gramat, in Padirac, in the Lot. A gaping mouth that once fascinated as much as it frightened and fed all kinds of legends.
It was explored for the first time by Edouard-Alfred Martel on July 9, 1889. Founding father of modern speleology, pioneer of the exploration and conservation of the underground world. The Padirac chasm was officially inaugurated on April 10, 1899 with flonflons and fanfares in the presence of the Minister of Public Instruction at the time. In the first year, there were 2,000 visitors compared to nearly 500,000 in 2019.
Lætitia de Menibus-Gravier has taken over the management of the abyss since 2003. It has assigned itself a double mission: to promote this natural monument through its discoverer, a brilliant, exciting and visionary explorer, to maintain its memory.
This private natural site has belonged to the same family for five generations. A big thank you to Lætitia de Menibus-Gravier for her confidence, her determination to support her development project: to restore the image and attractiveness of this geological exception.
Even if the photos seem impressive, nothing beats the visit to realize the majesty of the site. We look forward to welcoming you there on one occasion !
You have to enter it without fear,
who knows what surprise awaits you !
edouard-alfred Martel – 1st explorer Padirac CAVE
