Grotte de Bernifal
Discover prehistoric art in a privately owned cave with intimate, family-led tours. A unique glimpse into ancient human history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More private tours available
Grotte de Bernifal
Best Time
More private tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover prehistoric art in a privately owned cave with intimate, family-led tours. A unique glimpse into ancient human history.
"Michael made it a very unique and worthwhile visit, telling us curious stories and making lots of jokes."
🎯 Book in Advance!
Essential for this private cave. Online booking is required to ensure a guide is available.
🧥 Wear Layers
Cave is a cool 13°C (55°F). Bring a jacket or sweater for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Cave Art
Throughout the cave
Discover rare human face depictions, animal paintings, and prehistoric engravings. A truly unique glimpse into the past.
Stunning Geology
Throughout the cave
Marvel at impressive stalagmites and stalactites alongside the ancient art. The cave's natural formations are as captivating as the art.
Family Legacy Tours
Cave entrance/tour path
Experience a personal tour from a descendant of the cave's discoverers. Their passion and stories bring the history to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Intimate Tours
Dress for a Cool Cave Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book in Advance!
Essential for this private cave. Online booking is required to ensure a guide is available.
🧥 Wear Layers
Cave is a cool 13°C (55°F). Bring a jacket or sweater for comfort.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must.
💰 Cash Payment
Be prepared to pay in cash after your tour, as card facilities may not be available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book in Advance!
Essential for this private cave. Online booking is required to ensure a guide is available.
🧥 Wear Layers
Cave is a cool 13°C (55°F). Bring a jacket or sweater for comfort.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must.
💰 Cash Payment
Be prepared to pay in cash after your tour, as card facilities may not be available.
❓ Ask Questions!
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and love to share stories. Your questions enhance the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the personal and intimate tours at Grotte de Bernifal, often led by passionate family members who share captivating stories. The cave's unique art, including rare human face depictions, and stunning geology are highlights. While not the most expansive cave, the personalized experience makes it a highly recommended, off-the-beaten-path gem.
"We booked a tour at relatively short notice as it was a spontaneous decision. Michael was our guide, who left a very positive and long lasting impression. He’s friendly, funny, eccentric, and I think at times he maybe forgot we were there 😂
He was very knowledgeable and entertaining, took us slowly through the caves with personal stories from his grandfather who was one of the people who discovered the caves.
I loved the personal and intimate setting as there were just four of us. In terms of caves these are not the most impressive or expansive, but Michael made it a very unique and worthwhile visit, telling us curious stories, making lots of jokes and making sure we were safe and could see and understand what he was showing us.
Can strongly recommend a visit here if you want that personal touch and something a bit more off the beaten path."
Antonia Lim
"We had a private tour in English with the current owner, Guy. Of all the caves we have visited in the area, this is probably the one with the most stunning geology. The cave art included scrapings, reliefs and red and black paintings, including a very clear presentation of a human face, which is very uncommon. Our guide was very knowledgeable. We highly recommend a visit to Bernifal!"
Sverre
"In this area there are countless grottos with cave paintings dating back to around 12,000 BC. This one is a bit out of the ordinary because it is probably the least commercialized of all. An online booking of an appointment in this private cave is required, otherwise no one will be there. From the car park it is about 10 minutes through the forest to the entrance of the cave. Lots of small signposts show the way. It can happen that the guide arrives a little later than you.
Today we got a private tour for two. At the beginning he asked us not to publish the photos from the cave on the internet. I do this and have to put the impressions into words more, even though it is really difficult.
This cave has been privately owned for many generations and nowadays the French can speak a lot of easy-to-understand English, which suited us. The cave consists of three rooms that are sometimes very closely connected. In addition to the stalagmites and stalactites that you would expect in a damp and, at 13°C, quite cold environment, there are numerous paintings and drawings on the walls.
After the guide had closed the door behind us (no one was paying attention at the entrance), he gave us a flashlight and began his explanation. Many different techniques were obviously used to immortalize hands, faces, houses and animals such as bison, mammoths, horses, bears and goats. Some were scribbled, some painted and some were put together from countless dots like a tattoo.
We were told many stories and he also paid attention to the spooky atmosphere. A very special experience, even if some of the drawings could have been dated to today. A long time ago, modern people also immortalized themselves here. That is why there is now a lockable door at the entrance."
Tassilo Kubitz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grotte de Bernifal is located in a rural area. It's best accessed by car. From the car park, it's about a 10-minute walk through the forest to the cave entrance, with small signposts guiding the way.
Yes, there is a car park available near the entrance to the forest path leading to the cave.
Visiting without a car might be challenging due to its rural location. Public transport options are limited, so a car is highly recommended for ease of access.
The walk from the car park to the cave is approximately 10 minutes through a forest path. It's generally well-marked.
The cave is situated in a more remote area, but there are charming villages in the surrounding Dordogne region that you can visit before or after your cave tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Advance online booking is required for Grotte de Bernifal. It's a privately owned cave, and tours are scheduled by appointment.
Opening hours are by appointment only, as it's a private tour. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for available tour times when booking.
Pricing information is usually available during the booking process. Payment is often collected in cash after the tour.
No, on-the-day ticket purchases are not possible. You must book your tour in advance online to secure a spot.
Tours are typically small and intimate, often accommodating just a few people, which enhances the personal experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The cave maintains a constant cool temperature of around 13°C (55°F) year-round, so it's advisable to wear layers.
Tours are typically around an hour long, allowing ample time to explore the cave and learn about its history and art.
Yes, English-speaking tours are available, and the guides often have excellent English proficiency, making the explanations easy to understand. +1
Photography policies can vary. Some visitors have noted guides requesting not to publish photos online, so it's best to ask your guide for clarification.
You can see a variety of prehistoric art, including paintings, engravings, and reliefs, featuring animals, hands, and even a rare human face. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Grotte de Bernifal. You'll need to plan for meals in nearby towns or villages.
It's generally not recommended to bring food and drinks into the cave to preserve its delicate environment.
The surrounding Dordogne region offers numerous charming restaurants and cafes in villages like Sarlat-la-Canéda or Les Eyzies.
The forest path leading to the cave might offer some scenic spots for a picnic, but check local regulations.
The Dordogne is known for its rich cuisine, including foie gras, confit de canard (duck confit), truffles, and delicious pastries.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can be sensitive. While some visitors have taken photos, it's often requested not to publish them online. Always ask your guide first.
The cave art itself, especially the rare human face depiction and animal engravings, are the prime subjects. The natural cave formations also offer stunning visual appeal. +1
Low light conditions prevail. A tripod (if allowed) and a camera with good low-light performance are beneficial. Be prepared for high ISO and slower shutter speeds.
Flash photography is generally discouraged or prohibited in caves to protect the delicate artwork and formations. Always follow your guide's instructions.
With careful attention and potentially a guide's assistance, you can capture impressive images of the ancient art, but respect any restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the cave art is fascinating, the small group sizes mean guides can often tailor explanations to keep younger minds engaged. The rarity of some of the art, like the human face depiction, can spark curiosity. It's a chance for kids to connect with history in a tangible way, far more engaging than a textbook.
💰 Budget Travelers
Remember to carry cash for payment after the tour, as this can sometimes be a more economical option. The surrounding region also offers many free or low-cost activities, such as exploring charming villages or enjoying scenic drives, making Bernifal a great addition to a budget-friendly itinerary in the Dordogne.
❤️ Couples & History Buffs
History enthusiasts will appreciate the uncommercialized nature of the site and the opportunity to learn from descendants of the discoverers. The stunning geology alongside the ancient art provides a comprehensive look at the cave's significance. It's a perfect outing for those who value authenticity and deep historical immersion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Bernifal: A Prehistoric Masterpiece
The art includes representations of animals like bison, mammoths, horses, and goats, showcasing the fauna of the era. Techniques employed by the artists varied, from simple scrapings and dots to more elaborate painted figures. The intimate setting, with tours often limited to a few individuals, allows for a deep appreciation of the skill and artistry of our ancestors.
The personal stories shared by the guides, often descendants of the cave's discoverers, add another layer of richness to the experience. They connect the ancient art to the present, making the visit not just educational but also deeply moving. It’s a chance to stand inches away from art created millennia ago, a truly magical experience.
A Family Affair: The Bernifal Legacy
These guides are not just knowledgeable about the cave's art and geology; they are passionate storytellers. They often share insights passed down from their ancestors, including those who discovered the cave. This personal connection makes the tour feel less like a standard attraction and more like an invitation into a family's heritage. The guides' enthusiasm and engaging personalities are frequently highlighted as a key reason for the memorable visits.
The intimate nature of the tours, with very small groups, further enhances this familial feel. It allows for more interaction, questions, and a shared sense of discovery. This approach ensures that Grotte de Bernifal offers a truly special and authentic experience, far removed from the typical tourist trail.
Navigating the Cave: Practicalities and Comfort
Footwear is another important consideration. The paths inside the cave can be uneven and damp. Wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes is essential for safety and comfort. Avoid sandals or open-toed shoes. The walk from the car park to the cave entrance is about 10 minutes through a forest path, so comfortable walking shoes are beneficial for the entire outing.
Finally, be aware of payment methods. While booking is online, payment is often collected in cash after the tour. It's advisable to have sufficient cash on hand to settle the bill. This practice, along with the small group sizes, contributes to the cave's less commercialized and more personal charm.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit