Reuse as shelter Moyen Âge (≈ 1125)
Traces of fishermen (traps found).
4 février 1964
Discovery of the entrance
Discovery of the entrance 4 février 1964 (≈ 1964)
Jean-Guy Astruc spot the cave thanks to a mist.
17 janvier 1967
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 17 janvier 1967 (≈ 1967)
Official protection of the adorned cave.
1989–1999
Archaeological studies
Archaeological studies 1989–1999 (≈ 1994)
Michel Lorblanchet analyses engravings for ten years.
31 janvier 2003
Site classification
Site classification 31 janvier 2003 (≈ 2003)
Protection extended to the cave environment.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Prehistoric cave adorned (cad. A2 231, 232, placed Les Combes and Parguzet): classification by decree of 17 January 1967
Key figures
Jean-Guy Astruc - Speleologist
Discoverer of entry in 1964.
Gabriel Maury - Speleologist
Accompanied Astruc during initial exploration.
Michel Lorblanchet - Archaeologist
Studyed the cave for ten years.
Origin and history
The cave of Pergouset, also called the cave of Pargouzet, is a prehistoric adorned cave located in the Lot, on the commune of Saint-Géry. Discovered in 1964 by the speleologist Jean-Guy Astruc, it reveals after 200 meters of progress a space entirely covered with engravings. These 153 works date from the Magdalenian, a period of higher Paleolithic. The cave, inaccessible to the public, was classified as a historic monument in 1967, then its site in 2003.
The accidental discovery of the entrance by Jean-Guy Astruc, intrigued by a mist escaping a flaw, led to his exploration with Gabriel Maury. Michel Lorblanchet, archaeologist, then devoted ten years to his study (1989–1999), rediscovering the original entrance blocked by a medieval wall. The latter had been erected to support the embankment of a road, while traces of medieval occupation (hinges) attest to its use as a fishing shelter.
The limestone cliffs overlooking the right bank of the Lot house this secret sanctuary, the engravings of which have been analysed in scientific publications, such as those of Michel Lorblanchet (2001). Although closed to the public for reasons of conservation, the cave remains a major testimony of the parietal art of the Quercy, studied in particular within the framework of the regional prehistoric art. Its successive rankings (1967) and 2003) underscore its heritage importance.
