Explore Some Breathtaking Prehistoric Caves

Undoubtedly France’s most iconic Prehistoric network of caves, Lascaux is renowned around the world for the frescoes it houses. Located in Dordogne, near the village of Montignac, the caves were discovered in 1940 by four teenagers who just happened to stumble upon it after one of the teenager’s dogs sniffed out a hole leading to the caves. The boy went through the narrow shaft that led them to the caves and they came upon the now iconic frescoes of animals covering the surface. The space was opened to the public in 1948 but had to be closed by 1963 because of the severe deterioration of the frescoes.

Because of this, replicas have been made so that visitors can come and bask in the caves’ beauty, while not harming the precious originals. The artwork corresponds to the Upper Paleolithoc era and while experts have put forward many interpretations, these remain somewhat problematic, as contemporary context can plague these. Nonetheless, the many drawings remain highly interesting and their open-ended interpretation is what contributes to their peculiarity.

The Lascaux IV complex is impressive and makes for a completely engaging experience of the Prehistoric caves. Visitors can also take part in many different kinds of visits, you can find more about these on their designated webpage.

Practical Information about visiting the Lascaux caves

• When it comes to booking your tickets, it is strongly recommended that you book your slot in advance. You can do so on their designated webpage.
• Tickets prices vary based on the package you choose to take, but base tickets cost 21€, or 13,50€ for children under the age of 13. Access to the caves is free for children under 5.
• The caves are open daily from 10am until 5pm, closing a little later during the summer months. To make sure of the opening times when you plan to visit, visit their website.
• The best way to get to Lascaux is to drive, but you can also take a local coach to reach the site.

The Rouffignac cave sits quietly between Bergerac and Sarlat, in the commune of Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac. The cave is home to nearly 250 frescoes and drawings from the Upper Paleolithic era. Spanning over 8km, the cave is one of the largest decorated caves in Europe and research suggests bears would inhabit this cave before humans found it. The Rouffignac cave has been known to humans for centuries, but was only properly opened to the public in 1959. A UNESCO world heritage site, the cave is a precious witness of history and a testament to human creativity and innovation from thousands of years ago. The cave makes for an exciting glimpse into the lives of Prehistoric hunter-gatherers and gives visitors an understanding as to their artistic sensibilities.

Practical Information about visiting the Rouffignac cave

• Tickets prices are 8,15€ for adults and 5,45€ for kids (6-12 years old). Audio Guides are available and cost 1,50€ each.
• The cave is open daily from 2 April until November 1st, from 10am to 11:30am and then from 2pm to 5pm. Closing a little later during the summer months. To make sure of the opening times when you plan to visit, visit their website.
• The best way to get to the cave is to drive. It is accessible from highway A89 via exits 16 (from Bordeaux) and 17 (from de Brive, Paris ou Clermont-Ferrand). The cave sits 4 km south of the village of Rouffignac by road D32.
• There are multiple nature walks in the area that are a wonderful undertaking after you’ve visited the caves.