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Prehistoric cave tours in France

Walking tours

Explore the mysterious depths of France’s prehistoric past with Discover France on our exclusive Prehistoric Cave Tours, where each step takes you closer to the lives and artistry of our ancient ancestors. Our tours, including the Dordogne Walking Tour – Lascaux and Prehistoric Caves, offer a unique opportunity to journey through the heart of the Vézère Valley, a region celebrated as the world capital of prehistory. Here, the echoes of over 100,000 years of human history resonate through every cave and cliff, providing an unparalleled glimpse into the dawn of civilization.

The Dordogne region, particularly the Vézère Valley, is a treasure trove of prehistoric wonders, with its landscapes dotted with caves adorned with ancient art, medieval castles, and charming golden villages. As you walk or cycle through this UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll be transported back to a time when early humans first began to leave their mark on the world. The famous Lascaux Cave, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory,” is a highlight of our tour. Although the original cave is closed to the public to preserve its priceless paintings, the Lascaux IV replica provides a stunningly accurate experience, allowing you to marvel at the intricate depictions of animals and symbols that date back nearly 20,000 years.

Beyond Lascaux, our tour takes you to Les Eyzies, the prehistoric capital of France, where you can explore caves like Font-de-Gaume, one of the few remaining sites with original polychrome paintings open to the public. The rock art here, created by our Cro-Magnon ancestors, includes vivid depictions of bison, horses, and mammoths, providing a direct connection to a world long past. As you continue your journey, you’ll encounter the Combarelles Cave, with its labyrinth of engravings, and the dramatic natural beauty of the Padirac Chasm, where an underground river flows through an awe-inspiring network of caverns.

The Dordogne region is not only rich in history but also in culture and cuisine. As you explore, you’ll have the opportunity to sample local delicacies such as foie gras, truffles, and Bergerac wines, all of which are integral to the region’s gastronomic heritage. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch in a medieval village or tasting fresh produce at a local market, the flavors of Dordogne add a delightful dimension to your prehistoric journey.

Each day on our Prehistoric Cave Tours offers a balance of exploration and relaxation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the ancient landscapes while also taking time to appreciate the region’s modern-day charms. Whether you’re kayaking along the Vézère River, swimming in its cool waters, or simply strolling through the verdant countryside, you’ll find that the connection to the past is always present.

For those who seek to experience the profound history and natural beauty of France, our Prehistoric Cave Tours in Dordogne provide an unforgettable adventure. Discover the stories etched in stone by our ancestors and explore the places where history was made, all while enjoying the comfort and expertise that Discover France brings to every journey. This is more than just a tour—it’s a journey through time, offering insights into the lives of those who came before us and the legacy they left behind.

When embarking on a Prehistoric Cave Tour in France with Discover France, certain sites stand out as “must-see” destinations that truly capture the essence of this ancient and storied region.

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REASONS TO DISCOVER PREHISTORIC CAVE IN FRANCE

A visit to the Lascaux Cave is undoubtedly at the top of the list. Known as the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory,” Lascaux is world-famous for its remarkable cave paintings, which date back nearly 20,000 years. While the original cave is now closed to protect these delicate artworks, the Lascaux IV replica offers an incredibly detailed and immersive experience. Walking through this full-scale reproduction, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, surrounded by vivid depictions of galloping horses, majestic bulls, and mysterious symbols, all painstakingly recreated to provide an authentic glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our prehistoric ancestors.

The Font-de-Gaume Cave is another essential stop on your journey. This site is one of the few remaining caves in France with original polychrome paintings still open to the public. The artworks here, which include striking images of bison, horses, and mammoths, were created by Cro-Magnon people over 17,000 years ago. Visiting Font-de-Gaume is a rare opportunity to see these ancient masterpieces in their original setting, and the experience is both humbling and awe-inspiring.

For those fascinated by prehistoric engravings, the Combarelles Cave offers a unique experience. This narrow, winding cave is adorned with over 600 engravings, depicting a rich variety of animals and abstract symbols. The journey through Combarelles feels like an adventure straight out of an Indiana Jones movie, as you delve deeper into the nearly 1,000-foot-long cave, discovering the intricate carvings that tell stories of a world long gone.

Another site that should not be missed is the Rouffignac Cave, often referred to as the “Cave of 100 Mammoths.” This extensive network of underground passages is home to over 250 prehistoric artworks, including numerous depictions of mammoths, as well as rhinos, horses, and deer. An electric train takes visitors through the cave, making it accessible while still providing an unforgettable journey into the past. The highlight of Rouffignac is undoubtedly “The Great Ceiling,” a hidden gallery where you can gaze up at a spectacular array of animal drawings that have endured for more than 13,000 years.

For those seeking a different kind of subterranean experience, the Padirac Chasm is a geological wonder that leaves a lasting impression. While not a site of prehistoric art, the Chasm is renowned for its breathtaking underground river, which visitors can explore by boat. The descent into the Chasm, followed by a journey through its towering caverns and crystal-clear waters, is an adventure that showcases the natural beauty of the Dordogne region.

These sites, each with their own unique story, form the heart of our Prehistoric Cave Tours in Dordogne. They offer a rare and intimate connection to the distant past, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors and witness the art and ingenuity that have survived millennia. With Discover France, you’ll explore these “must-see” destinations in a way that is both deeply informative and profoundly moving, ensuring that your journey through prehistoric France is one you will never forget.