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 May 06 to Sunday May 12
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Open
Thursday
Open
Friday
Open
Saturday
Open
Sunday
Open
From Monday May 13 to Sunday May 19
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Open
Sunday
Open
From Monday May 20 to Sunday May 26
Monday
Open
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
From Monday May 27 to Sunday June 02
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Open
Sunday
Open
From Monday June 03 to Sunday June 30
Monday
Open
Tuesday
Open
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Open
Friday
Open
Saturday
Open
Sunday
Open
From Monday July 01 to Sunday July 07
Monday
Open
Tuesday
Open
Wednesday
Open
Thursday
Open
Friday
Open
Saturday
Open
Sunday
Open
From Monday July 08 to Sunday July 14
Monday
Open
Tuesday
Open
Wednesday
Open
Thursday
Open
Friday
Open
Saturday
Open
Sunday
Closed
From Monday July 15 to Sunday September 01
Monday
Open
Tuesday
Open
Wednesday
Open
Thursday
Open
Friday
Open
Saturday
Open
Sunday
Open
From Monday September 02 to Sunday September 29
Monday
Open
Tuesday
Open
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Open
Friday
Open
Saturday
Open
Sunday
Open
From Monday September 30 to Sunday October 06
Monday
Open
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Open
Sunday
Open
From Monday 07 October to Sunday 20 October
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Open
Sunday
Open
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.
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.
Lissoir called “The lion frieze”
“The doe with the two fish”
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.
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.
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 caveIs 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.
Discover the Museum of the Counts of Foix and the exhibition on Heroes & Heroines!
From November 6, 2023 to July 1, 2024, the Musée des Comtes de Foix is hosting a new exhibition. Foix Castle will be closed during this period for even more accessibility for all and has a new elevator! The museum remains open throughout the work, come and discover it at a preferential rate!
