Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
still open to the public. About 14,000 years ago, the prehistoric artists created the
gallery of over 230 figures, including bison, reindeer, horses, mammoths, bears and
wolves, although only about 25 are on permanent display. The 45-minute guided
tours are generally in French; ask about the availability of English tours when you
book.
GROTTE DES COMBARELLES
( 05 53 06 86 00;
http://eyzies.monuments-nationaux.fr
; adult/child €7/free;
9.30am-12.30 & 2-5.30pm Sun-Fri)
Rediscovered in 1901, this narrow cave 1.5km
east of Font de Gaume is renowned for its animal engravings, many of which clev-
erly use the natural contours of the rock to sculpt the animals' forms. Six- to eight-
person group tours last about an hour and can be reserved through the Font de
Gaume ticket office.
Prehistoric Site
ABRI DU CAP BLANC
( 05 53 06 86 00;
http://eyzies.monuments-nationaux.fr
; adult/child €7/free;
9.30am-12.30 & 2-5.30pm Sun-Fri)
While most of the Vézère's caves contain a com-
bination of engravings and paintings, unusually, this rock shelter contains carved
sculptures that were hollowed out, shaped and refined using simple flint tools some
14,000 years ago. It's peacefully situated about 7km east of Les Eyzies.
Prehistoric Site
GROTTE DE ROUFFIGNAC
(
www.grottederouffignac.fr
;
adult/child €6.30/4; tours in French 10-11.30am &
2-5pm)
Hidden in woodland 15km north of Les Eyzies, this cave is one of the most
complex and rewarding to see in the Dordogne. The massive cavern plunges 10km
into the earth through a mind-boggling maze of tunnels and sub-shafts - luckily, you
visit aboard a somewhat ramshackle
electric train
, so there's no chance of getting
lost.
Rouffignac is sometimes known as the 'Cave of 100 Mammoths' and you'll see
many painted pachyderms on your trip into the underworld, including a frieze of 10
mammoths in procession, one of the largest cave paintings ever discovered.
Tickets are sold at the cave entrance but can't be reserved in advance so arrive
early - and wrap up warmly as it's chilly below ground.
Prehistoric Site
GROTTE DE LASCAUX & LASCAUX II
( Lascaux II 05 53 51 95 03;
www.semitour.com
; adult/child €8.80/6, joint ticket
with Le Thot €12.50/8.50;
Prehistoric Site
9.30am-6pm)
France's most famous prehistoric
cave
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