The Lot River Caves region is defined by freshwater cave diving across two clusters: Marcilhac-sur-Célé and the Gramat Area. Sites range from technical passages at La Doux de Coly and St Georges Montvalent, with their significant depth ranges and drift elements, to the controlled environment of the flooded quarry at Carrière de Montulat, which suits beginners. Shore entry is the norm throughout. Observed species include Trout, Pike, Chub, Common Perch, and Barbel.
25 operators
Fin maps 30 sites in Lot River Caves (30 scuba diving sites), organised into 2 areas.
24 more sites to explore
2 areas
Divers have recorded a range of freshwater species across the sites. Trout is the most frequently observed, with Pike, Chub, Common Perch, Pike Perch, Barbel, Roach, and Stone Loach also confirmed by divers in the water. Marine species do not appear here; the encounters are entirely freshwater.
Several sites, including La Doux de Coly and Font del Truffe, are rated technical or advanced and involve real cave penetration, requiring appropriate cave diving certification. St Georges Montvalent is also advanced-level and combines cave and drift elements. Carrière de Montulat and Argonaute fosse are rated beginner-friendly and provide a more accessible entry point to the region.
Marcilhac-sur-Célé and the Gramat Area each hold an equal share of the region's sites. The Gramat Area contains some of the most demanding sites, including the technical La Doux de Coly and the advanced St Georges Montvalent and Font del Truffe. Le Ressel, located in Marcilhac-sur-Célé, extends to a very substantial maximum depth and requires appropriate certification, while the flooded quarry Carrière de Montulat offers a calmer, no-current alternative.
Yes, every listed site in the region uses shore entry, so boat hire is not a requirement for diving here. This makes logistics straightforward, though divers should still carry appropriate equipment for freshwater cave environments. Local operators such as Sub2o, La Graule Subaquatique, and Base départementale d'entraînement subaquatique de Montulat can assist with guided access and equipment.
