DAY TOUR: PALEOLITHIC ART

The Dordogne area is known for the many intact prehistoric works of Art. The decorated caves and prehistoric spots are a testament of early human migration in Europe, dating from as far back as 400,000 B.C.

Around 15,000 years B.C. unknown prehistoric artists created astonishing cave paintings and this tour will allow you to see this fascinating art and to learn about early mankind.

The day begins in Les Eyzies de Tayac for a guided visit of the National Prehistory Museum. Re-opened in 2004, this national museum possesses the largest collection of prehistoric artefacts in the world, displayed over 1500m². Not only does this UNESCO world heritage site attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, it also draws prehistorians from around the globe.

You will then continue to Montignac to visit Lascaux IV cave. This cave is a fully detailed restoration of a pre-existing prehistoric cave. Originally discovered by 18 year-old Marcel Ravidat in 1940 whilst walking his dog Robot, the restoration was finally completed in 2016. Lascaux IV is a triumph of renovation technology. Unlike other cave visits, Lascaux IV comprises different set designs, displays, state-of-the-art interactive workshops and immersive technology in order to bring history back to life. The designers wished to replicate authenticity, and the atmosphere within the restored cave is just like that of any cave: dark, humid and noiseless.

The tour finishes with a visit of Rouffignac cave, a wonderful prehistoric testament that contains original and authentic engravings and depictions. This cave is mentioned by François de Belleforest in his 1575 publication Universal Cosmography, where he refers to various paintings and animal remains. The cave became a tourist attraction as early the 19th century and in the early 20th century it was visited by a number of famous archaeologists of the time, such as Henry Breuil, André Glory and Martel. It would not, however, be until 1956 that the cave art was reappraised by Louis-René Nougier and Romain Robert, two prehistorians from the Pyrenees, who confirmed the authenticity of the cave art.

Return to Sarlat after this visit.