Does this tour include the Pech Merle cave ?

Yes, the guided tour of the cave with a local guide is part of the program after visiting Cahors. For details of the underground route, read what to see in the cave .

Is the private tour worth it from Toulouse ?

If there are three or four of you, if you want a guide in English, or if you’re travelling with children who set the pace, then yes. Alone and without constraints, the small-group excursion from Cahors is more sensible, provided you can reach Cahors by train.

Reviews: Hidden medieval France & the Lot Valley from Toulouse

My verdict: a private day trip from Toulouse that includes Cahors with a guide, then the Pech Merle Cave. It’s recent and has no published reviews yet. I recommend it for families and those staying in Toulouse, since the cave is 145 km from the airport and there’s no public transport. The private option is naturally more expensive than a small group; it’s worth it if you’re travelling with others or want a private English-speaking guide.

New★★★★★no reviews published yet

Duration8 hrs

GroupPrivate

DeparturePick-up in Toulouse

Pech Merle CaveOn the itinerary, with a local guide

LanguagesEnglish, French

CancellationFree cancellation up to 24 hours, book now, pay later

Schedule

Pick-up in Toulouse, then drive to Cahors. Guided tour of the historic centre and the UNESCO-listed Valentré Bridge as part of the Compostela pilgrimage routes. Next, the Pech Merle cave with a local guide, described by the operator as award-winning—I haven’t verified the specific award, but I’m reporting what the description says. The programme includes local legends and is family-friendly. Return to Toulouse. The order (Cahors first, then the cave) is the reverse of the excursion from Cahors, which visits the cave first; this is due to the logistics of the trip from Toulouse.

What works

Private: your pace, your questions, a guide just for you
Cahors and the Valentré Bridge in addition to the cave
Departure from Toulouse, no need to rent a car
Guide in English or French, useful for a mixed group
Book now and pay later, free cancellation 24 hours in advance

Good to know

Recent activity, no reviews posted yet
Meals and personal expenses not included
Eight hours, much of it on the road: Toulouse–Cabrerets isn’t exactly nearby
Not recommended for claustrophobics
No Saint-Cirq-Lapopie on the itinerary

Included and not included

Included

Pick-up in Toulouse and private transport
Guided tour of Cahors’ historic centre and the Valentré Bridge
Visit the Pech Merle Cave with a local guide
Guide in English and French

Not included

Meal
Personal expenses

For whom

For a family staying in Toulouse who wants to visit the cave in a day without driving, for a couple who prefers a dedicated English-speaking guide, or for those who want to see Cahors without staying overnight. It’s not suitable for those looking for the cheapest option: a private tour comes at a cost. For children, the cave is not recommended for those under 3, and it’s 12°C inside; the visiting with children page has more details. Other private tour options on the site are compared on the private excursions page.

Insider tip

The description reminds visitors that flash photography is prohibited in the cave. In practice, all photography is banned to protect the pigments; the page prohibited photos explains why.

Check availability from Toulouse

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Frequently asked questions

Does this excursion include the Pech Merle cave?

Yes, the cave tour with a local guide is part of the programme after visiting Cahors. For details of the underground route, read what to see in the cave.

Is the private tour from Toulouse worth it?

If there are three or four of you, if you want a guide in English, or if you’re travelling with children who set the pace, then yes. If you’re alone and without constraints, the small-group excursion from Cahors is more reasonable, provided you reach Cahors by train.

Can I cancel?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and payment can be deferred at booking. Since the cave has a daily quota of 700 visitors, booking early and cancelling if needed is the best strategy; the booking page explains the quota.