Swimming, canoeing, caves and birds of prey: days out at a child's pace, on foot or less than an hour from the villa.
Souillac has a rare advantage for families: much of it can be done on foot. The water park, the Dordogne, the riding centre and the market are all in the little town, a few minutes from the villa.
For bigger outings, the places children remember (the Gouffre de Padirac, Rocamadour's birds of prey, the Lacave caves) are all less than 40 minutes away by car. Here is our selection, season by season.
No need to get back in the car to fill a day: Souillac is best enjoyed on foot, between the river and the old town.
Souillac's open-air water park, on the banks of the Dordogne: several pools, including a paddling pool for little ones, and water slides for older children.
Open in summer only. Children must be able to swim to use the slides.
Official website (opens in a new tab)Copeyre hires out canoes in Souillac and from several bases along the river: a gentle paddle between cliffs and pebble beaches, from a few hours to a full day.
Usually from age 5 or 6; being able to swim is required and under-12s paddle with an adult. Season from April to October, booking required.
Official website (opens in a new tab)The local riding centre offers rides, lessons and courses for all levels, from first pony steps to experienced riders.
Official website (opens in a new tab)A 12th-century Romanesque abbey church crowned with three domes, listed as a Monument historique. Its relief of the prophet Isaiah, legs crossed as if mid-dance, is one of the great works of Romanesque sculpture.
The abbey church has been under restoration in recent years: ask at the tourist office about access to the Isaiah relief.
On Friday mornings in the old town: fruit, cheese, walnuts, foie gras. In summer there is also a producers' market in the late afternoon.
The limestone plateaux of the Quercy, the causses, are riddled with spectacular caves. Underground it is around 13 °C all year round: bring a jumper, even in high summer.
A small electric train takes visitors into the heart of the hill, then the tour continues on foot among stalactites and rock formations. An ideal first cave with children.
Tour of about 1 hr 15, no booking needed. Open in season, from February–April to All Saints' (early November), depending on the year.
Visitors descend 103 m underground to glide by boat, with a boatman guide, along an underground river. For many children, the most vivid memory of the holiday.
Pushchairs are not allowed: bring a baby carrier. Free for under-4s. Booking online is strongly recommended in summer.
Official website (opens in a new tab)About 30 minutes away, Rocamadour has two animal parks that combine well with a visit to the town itself.
A park devoted to birds of prey and parrots, with free-flight bird displays.
Open from April to September. Tickets on site only: arrive about 30 minutes before the display.
Official website (opens in a new tab)Some 150 Barbary macaques roam freely over around twenty hectares of woodland, among the visitors.
Open from late March to early November.
The original cave has been closed to the public since 1963. The international centre for cave art in Montignac presents a complete and striking replica, along with interactive spaces that children enjoy.
Allow 2 to 3 hours on site. Book a time slot online, as summer fills up quickly. Open all year except for a few weeks in January.
Official website (opens in a new tab)Information checked on 15 Oct 2026. Opening hours and access conditions change with the seasons: check each site's official website before setting off.
Your base
A 4-bedroom villa for 8 guests with a private pool and enclosed garden in Souillac: the town centre on foot, and every outing in this guide within a day trip by car.