Prehistory & Caves
Cave Paintings
Lascaux IV
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The Vézère Valley is rightly proud of this UNESCO World Heritage site. You need to book onto a guided tour. There is an English speaking tour every day, usually at 11am but there will be more in summer months. Book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The tour takes about an hour but allow about 3 hours in total as there is a lot to see, including a 3D film. There is a café/restaurant on site, table service only. During summer months there are a few pop up cafes along the route between Lascaux and the town of Montignac. It is quite cool in the caves and the centre is air conditioned so you might want a sweater. Parking is free.
Lascaux II
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We visited Lascaux II recently, having already visited Lascaux IV, and were really impressed. This is the predecessor to Lascaux IV, and is smaller in size, extremely well done and a very good alternative to Lascaux IV. The visit is slightly shorter and may be more suitable if you have young children. Lascaux II is located in the hills behind Montignac, and is right next to the original Lascaux cave. The woodland setting is very natural, and you really get to feel what the original cave must be like. Tickets are also a little bit cheaper than Lascaux IV. The following website sums up the differences between Lascaux 2 and 4 quite well if you’re not sure which one to visit .
https://www.campingdubournat.fr/en/lascaux-2-or-4-which-to-choose/
Grotte de Rouffignac
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We love this cave! It involves a train ride deep into the earth, so good for both younger and older visitors. At the end of the train ride you are treated to a good mix of cave paintings and ancient bear pits. You have to go in person on the day to book tickets. No telephone or internet booking, so be prepared to get there early, buy your tickets and come back later in the day.
Grotte de Font-de-Gaume
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Stalactites & Stalagmites
Gouffre de Padirac
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Grotte du Grand Roc
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Gouffre de Proumeyssac
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A huge cavern with some fantastic pools, stalagmites and stalactites and a little macabre history. There is a musical light show and you can opt to be lowered into the cave in a large basket as the original vistors would have experienced it. Guided visits take about 45 minutes. There is a café and outdoor play area for children. The cave temperature is about 14 degrees so take a sweater.
Open all year except January.
Prehistory
La Roque St Christophe
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This ancient settlement on a large shelf in the rockface overlooking the Vézère river holds a lot of history, as it was continually occupied from prehistoric times through the middle ages. A visit involves quite a large number of steps but it is well worth the climb.
Open all year
Approximately 15 minutes from Sergeac near Peyzac le Moustier
Le Village de la Madeleine
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The troglodyte village of La Madeleine is one of the best examples of the long tradition of human occupation in this area of Périgord Noir. It is positioned in a beautiful location above a loop on the Vézère river. Most of the visit takes place outdoors and there is lots to see. You can take a self guided tour with headphones or in the summer season they have guides.
open from spring to autumn
About a 20 minute drive from Sergeac
Castel Merle
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