Grotte Préhistorique des Merveilles — Attraction in Gourdon

We visited 2 days ago, 2 adults 2 children paid 30 euros then they asked us to wear masks ( we've been holidaying in France for over 3 weeks everywhere and visited quite a few caves in the area never got asked to wear masks, and why didn't you ask us before you took our money??) ok so in the end we have to buy masks from them , 1 euro for 2 poor quality masks, we asked what about the kids? We need 4..? answer was 'oh children are not required... ' and they gave us a paper with English translation about the cave.

What we didn't expect was the ' cave 'is tiny considering the price is almost same as other places . And the guide took no interest in us the whole time , we are the only English speaking family, after standing so long not moving around our feet were freezing, we started to move about our legs and got told off! It's the only time the guide spoke English to us telling us to stand closer and listen to him (even we could not understand him anyway, he did not even try to explain anything to us in English) I suppose based on other cave experience you would finish the place within 5 mins or less but instead they do lots of talking to keep you there long enough so they can charge you the same money as others? Plus the rude guide, thanks a lot, we love caves but you've managed to ruin it. After the long miserable time, 2 very bored children finally we could come out. Had to go to another cave nearby to recover from it, paid similar price but experience...

I was able to visit the grotto in Rocamadour. Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed as they said it wears away at the 20,000-year-old paintings that are on the wall. The grotto was very small but magical, nonetheless. The guide was enthusiastic to explain in French (it’s a good thing I understand a bit) but not so enthusiastic to translate for the English-speaking German tourist present (“I will only translate the main points, I don’t have time to tell you everything,”) and she got quite annoyed with me when I tried to whisper a little explanation to help the tourist out in understanding. Ah, the French. You have to laugh.

The grotto requires a bit of imagination, as the shapes they see with the paint are… curious, to say the least. But it’s still cool to think that man was here that long ago and wanted to leave messages to those who came afterward.

Worth the money? Yes. Better grottos...

This is a great cave but the tour is quite controlled. There is what can only be described as 25 min lecture before you can even enter the cave, not ideal on a searing hot day. Then the 2 guides divide the group in 2 and talk non-stop for a further 40-45 mins. It is only in French. Which is fine as you are in France, but they don’t like it if you break off to try and enjoy/experience the cave alone, even though, as the cave is not that big, you are within eyesight at all times by the guides. There is no moment to experience the cave without the guides talking. In addition the door is locked so you can not get out. This is a 20 min tour, advertised at 45 min but it takes 1.15min due to the lectures. Incredibly frustrating. If you don’t speak...