Prehistoric cave tours in France

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.