Visit Lacave, on the banks of the Dordogne
Near Camping La Plage in Meyronne
Lacave, Village in the Lot
less than an hour from Camping La Plage in Meyronne
Just a few minutes from Camping La Plage in Meyronne, Lacave is an “easy” outing that’s always a hit: a small village nestled on the banks of the Dordogne, at the foot of the Gramat Causse, with limestone cliffs and a welcome coolness in summer.
Here, the must-see isn’t a grand square or a cathedral… but a spectacular natural setting and one of the most popular underground visits in the valley.
The Cave: The Town's Must-See Attraction
The local star is, of course, the Lacave Caves. The visit is guided only and lasts approximately 1 hour 20 minutes: a good format for a half-day (or a cool break between two activities).
The experience is unique: you reach the heart of the site by mini-train, then the discovery continues on foot through various chambers and concretions.
Practically speaking, keep in mind that the caves are not wheelchair accessible: even with the train and an elevator, there are landings and stairs along the route.
Dordogne, Valley Castles and Local Delicacies to Savor
Even though Lacave is a discreet village, it is located in the heart of a very “Dordogne Valley” region. The good plan is to combine the cave with a short heritage break: several itineraries and walks in the area highlight the silhouettes of emblematic castles such as Belcastel, Le Bastit, or Château de la Treyne (superb from the river).
And for a gourmet touch, take advantage of your visit to explore the typical local flavors of the valley: foie gras, truffle, cheeses, walnuts, honey… The perfect idea is a break on a terrace or a small “local produce” basket to bring back to the campsite.
Hiking: the Chemin des Écoliers, a loop overlooking the Dordogne
To walk in a landscape of cliffs and river, note the Chemin des Écoliers: a loop of about 10.8 km (allow 3 hours), generally accessible, which alternates between sections along the Dordogne, more shaded parts, and beautiful viewpoints over the valley. Even if the hike is advertised as “easy,” some sections require taking it slowly (especially some steeper slopes), so plan for good shoes and water in summer. And to complete the outing, take a break at Bourgnette beach: it’s a pleasant spot on the banks of the Dordogne to relax, picnic, and enjoy a “holiday” moment after your walk (also perfect at the end of the day when the light becomes softer).
Access from Camping La Plage in Meyronne
Directions:
Good news: Lacave is very close. Allow approximately 5 to 8 minutes by car to cover 5.6 to 7.5 km (depending on the exact route).
The simplest route passes via the small departmental roads D247 then D23.
