Don't be fooled by its size, La Vache cave is a true giant of Prehistory! An ideal complement to visits to the caves of Niaux and Bédeilhac, it fut the place where Cro-Magnon lived, 15 years ago. She delivered to archaeologists thousands of objects : animal bones and teeth, tools and weapons, but also sublime decorated objects, each more fine and delicate than the next.
Go for a 1h15 guided tour and discover the intimacy and life of our ancestors!

Openings

From Monday 21 October to Sunday 03 November
Monday Open
Tuesday Open
Wednesday Open
Thursday Open
Friday Open
Saturday Open
Sunday Open

> Online booking strongly recommended:
Consult the guided tour slots on Ticketing.

> WARNING
The car park is located at the town hall square, there is approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the entrance to the cave.

> For conservation reasons, animals are not allowed.

NIAUX CAVE PACK + COW CAVE 
Discover these two sites at a preferential rate!

Duration of each visit :
1h45 Niaux Cave / 1h15 Cow Cave
It is not obligatory to visit the sites on the same day

19 € ADULT - 13 € CHILD

The visit

A remarkable cave

Excavated in the 1860s, the La Vache cave is today among the most important prehistoric Pyrenean sites. A classic habitat of the Magdalenians in winter, the cavity has yielded a quantity of bone remains (food remains), the study of which has made it possible to better understand the diet of the local populations: ptarmigan and ibexes were particularly consumed. The weapons found (spears, harpoons) as well as numerous other bone tools (smoothers, needles, pierced sticks, etc.) bear witness to organized human activities: hunting, skinning, tanning of skins, sewing, etc.

The La Vache cave also yielded one of the most abundant and spectacular series of furniture art, with nearly 400 pieces decorated with figurative motifs and as many geometric motifs. Their observation highlights a very wide variety of representations, particularly among animals: ibexes, horses, bison, deer, aurochs, fish, wolves, bears, cave lions, reindeer, saiga antelopes, birds... The entire prehistoric bestiary has been preserved. down to us with technical precision and attention to detail demonstrating the artistic mastery of the Magdalenians.


a restaurant nearby

Where to eat near the La Vache cave?

Complete your day with a visit to the Prehistory Park and take the opportunity to have lunch in its restaurant! Near the cave, the restaurant at the Parc de la Préhistoire offers you a friendly setting and a panoramic view of its lakes and waterfalls.
Respecting the gastronomic traditions of Ariège, we favor local cuisine with quality products from a short circuit and offer you a wide choice of menus.

Highlights

Events & animations


Info

Tickets

  • Booking is recommended
  • Online ticket office accessible 24 hours a day

Admission fees

Adult 9 €
Kids 5,50 €
Large family (Valid for two adults and two children) 24 €

Pack Niaux cave + La Vache cave

Combine the two sites for a complete visit!
Adults: 19€ – Children (5/17 years): 13€

Online reservation required.
Different visit times are possible, more information on online ticketing.

Opening times

From Monday 21 October to Sunday 03 November
Monday Open
Tuesday Open
Wednesday Open
Thursday Open
Friday Open
Saturday Open
Sunday Open

Access

Cave of the Cow
Rue du canto
09400 Ally

+05 61 05 10 10 XNUMX

Calculate my route
The essential

to know

  • Parking
  • Pet Friendly

By car : from Toulouse take the A61 motorway towards Montpellier. Then take the direction of Foix via the A66 motorway. Go past Foix on the RN 20, exit at Tarascon-sur-Ariège. Continue on the RN20 and follow the direction of Niaux then on your right follow the Alliat sign to the town hall.

+ info

Preferential rates

Are there reduced rates at the Grotte de La Cow ?

Our Packs
Discover our different packs and visit our sites at reduced prices!

Families
The Family Pass gives you 2 adult entries + 2 child entries for only €24
(additional child: +€3,90).

Children
Children under 5 are free, from 5 to 17 years old a reduced rate of € 5,50.

students
Students under 26 benefit from a reduced rate of € 6,60.

Disabled visitor
Anyone with a disability who has a disability card benefits from a 20% discount applicable on the basic rate. Please note that access to the cave is difficult, see section Accessibility.

Visit

How long does the visit to the La Vache cave last? What do you need to know before coming?

The visit of the cave is guided and lasts approximately 1h15, the conservation rules are strict there in order to preserve the place, which is why walking sticks, canes, strollers, and taking photos are prohibited. Baby carriers and backpacks are permitted.
Walking or sports shoes and warm clothes are essential during your visit, the temperature inside the cave being 12 ° C all year round.
Please note, you must arrive 15 minutes before the start of the visit. Any delay will result in the permanent loss of your seats. Under no circumstances can we be held responsible for any delay related to traffic conditions. Find out about the traffic situation before coming (accident, roadworks, traffic jams, etc.)

Accessibility

La La Vache cave Is it accessible to people with motor disabilities or reduced mobility?

The visit is inaccessible to people with motor disabilities and is strongly not recommended for people with mobility difficulties.

Parking

Where to park at La Vache cave ?

The car park is located at the town hall square, there is approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the entrance to the cave.

Pets

Are animals allowed at the La Vache cave?

Animals are not allowed inside the site, even on a leash.


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