Caves in the Lot-et-Garonne

Centre de Préhistoire de Pech Merle

Location: 3km from Cabrerets, just north of St Cirq-Lapopie and 30km east of Cahors.
General Info: Open daily from April to November. Website.
Description: This is a large cave complex boasting many cave paintings as well as the traditional stalagmites and stalactites.  It can take about 1 hour to complete the tour.  Tour guides in English are available.  There is a separate museum on site.
Our recommendations: Get there early in the day as queues tend to build after lunch. Take warm clothes as it is cold underground.
For the children: To be honest, younger children will probably tire on this visit as there is not so much of interest for them and you are restricted to guided tours.

Classic cave scenery, best for adults and older children.

The Fontirou Caves

Location: Follow the N21 for 18km north of Agen, the caves are near Castella.
General Info: The caves are open daily in peak season although even then they close at lunchtimes.  Official website in French only.
Description: Dramatic limestone formations and traditional stalagmites and stalactites.
Our recommendations: This is somewhere to visit if you are in the area and/or if the weather is somewhat inclement.
For the children: Ideal only if some or all of the children are really into caves.

La Grotte de Roland

Location: Situated 4km north of Montcuq.
General Info: Tel 05 65 22 99 90 for opening times.  Closed during lunchtime.
Description: Traditional caves with guided tour lasting about one hour.  A small prehistoric museum alongside.
Our recommendations: Not worth a detour unless you are really into caves, but a useful way to kill a morning or afternoon if the weather turns sour (not very likely!).
For the children: There are better things for them in this area.