Find here the opening hours of the Prehistory Museum and the departure times for guided tours of the Margot and Rochefort caves.
Departure times for guided cave tours
The caves are open everyday, from March 16 to November 14.
The visits are tours, a mediator supports you during class.
Online reservation is required to access the caves.
Check the timetables according to the period below ↓
| From March 16 to July 3 | July August | From September 1 to November 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday : ⟶ 13:30 p.m. ⟶ 14:30 p.m. ⟶ 15:30 p.m. ⟶ 16:30 p.m. | Every day : ⟶ 10 a.m. ⟶ 10:45 p.m. ⟶ 11:30 p.m. ⟶ 13:30 p.m. ⟶ 14:30 p.m. ⟶ 15:30 p.m. ⟶ 16:30 p.m. ⟶ 17:30 p.m. ⟶ 18:30 p.m. | Monday to Friday : ⟶ 13:30 p.m. ⟶ 14:30 p.m. ⟶ 15:30 p.m. ⟶ 16:30 p.m. |
| Weekends, holidays (zone B), public holidays: ⟶ 10:30 p.m. ⟶ 11:30 p.m. ⟶ 14 a.m. ⟶ 15 a.m. ⟶ 16 a.m. ⟶ 17 a.m. | Weekends, holidays (zone B), public holidays: ⟶ 10:30 p.m. ⟶ 11:30 p.m. ⟶ 14 a.m. ⟶ 15 a.m. ⟶ 16 a.m. ⟶ 17 a.m. |
Opening hours of the Museum of Prehistory
The Museum of Prehistory is open everyday, from February vacation to November 14.
The visit is made freely, except during special events (see thecalendar).
The museum visit is including with the 1 cave and 2 cave tickets.
Check the timetables according to the period below ↓
| From February 14 to July 3 | July August | From September 1 to November 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday : 13h30 to 17h | Every day : 10:19 am - XNUMX:XNUMX pm (continuously) | Monday to Friday : 13h30 to 17h |
| Weekends, holidays (zone B), public holidays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 13:30 p.m. – 18 p.m. | Weekends, holidays (zone B), public holidays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 13:30 p.m. – 18 p.m. |
A ticket office is available at the reception desk. However, we cannot guarantee availability on the day of the event, and we encourage you to book your tickets online in advance.
A day in the valley of the Saulges caves
Are you coming to the Saulges Caves Valley for a day? We've listed the must-see attractions for a great day! Ready for adventure? Welcome to the Museum of PrehistoryStart the day with a visit to the Museum of Prehistory, which offers an introduction to caves and prehistoric life. The museum…
Preparing my visit: frequently asked questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions in one click!
Is it mandatory to book online to visit?
Yes, reservation is required on our online ticketing (limited gauges in each cave). Subject to availability, tickets may be sold on-site for same-day or alternate-day visits. Reservations cannot be made by phone.
Should I print the tickets?
You do not need to print your tickets. Simply download them as PDFs to your mobile phone (or open the attachment in your email) and present them upon arrival at the museum reception or to the guide at the entrance to the cave.
What are the accepted means of payment?
Only credit cards are accepted for online ticketing.
At the museum reception, you can pay by: credit card, cash, check (from €15), ANCV holiday vouchers, for the ticket office and the shop.
How to get to the Museum of Prehistory – Saulges Cave Valley?
Access to the site is only by car, on foot or by bicycle. Read the dedicated page.
How long do the visits last?
The guided tour of the Margot and Rochefort caves each lasts about 40 minutes.
The self-guided tour of the museum lasts approximately 1 hour.
Are we always accompanied during visits?
For cave visits, you will be always accompanied by a mediator who will introduce you to each cave, who will ensure the safety of the group and the preservation of protected natural areas.
The museum can be visited freely, independently. According to the programming, some visits are commented.
Is the site accessible for people with reduced mobility/strollers?
The caves are poorly equipped and therefore not accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, the Prehistory Museum and the exterior are fully accessible. More information on the dedicated page.
Why is the museum closed between November and February?
The museum is closed at the same time as the caves, by prefectural decree to preserve the hibernation period of the site's protected bats. While it is closed to the public, the Prehistory Museum team is preparing for the next season!
Do I need to bring any special clothing for the visit?
Yes, to visit the caves plan:
- some closed shoes that don't mind getting dirty (sneakers, hiking or boots), caves being naturally humid and clayey spaces (there are sometimes puddles of water when the weather is very rainy, especially in winter)
- un warm clothing (13°C all year round inside the caves), the spaces are very humid
Why are there no morning tours during the week?
Outside of school holidays, the morning slots are reserved for school groups.
Is it possible to exchange a ticket?
Tickets are exchangeable directly on the online ticketing. You can change the time or date, for the same visit. You cannot exchange the visit (for example, it is not possible to change the visit to the Margot cave for the visit to the Rochefort cave.)
What is the time on my ticket?
The time on your ticket indicates the departure time of the guided tour of the cave. You must arrive at the cave no later than 10 minutes before the visiting time.
The museum is open to the public; you have access all day on the date you choose. You can leave and return as many times as you like.
Are pets allowed?
Animals are not allowed in the caves or the museum, even if they are in a bag. Only guide dogs are permitted.
Pets on a leash are welcome to enjoy the outdoors in the valley.
Can we picnic on site?
You can sit wherever you like; a few wooden tables are freely accessible in the valley. Please bring your waste with you and preserve the site. Only recycling bins are available on site.
Do you have parking on site?
Free parking is available upon arrival at the site. You'll then need to walk to the museum reception and the cave entrances.
