DORDOGNE - France 2014 - page 675

work here would last for untold generations, as had the paintings that came before theirs.
Here are some theories of what this first human art might mean.
Prehistoric Sights at a Glance
You can reserve ahead only for Lascaux II, Grotte du Pech Merle, and, in July and
August, Abri du Cap Blanc. For the other caves, it's first-come, first-served.
Prehistory Welcome Center Free, good intro to region's important prehistoric
sites. Hours: Mid-May-Sept daily 9:00-19:30; Oct-mid-May Sun-Fri 9:00-17:30,
closed Sat. Reservations: Not necessary. Allow about 45 minutes to visit on your
own. See here .
▲ National Museum of Prehistory More than 18,000 artifacts with good English
explanations—good preparation for your cave visit. Hours: July-Aug daily
9:30-18:30; June and Sept Wed-Mon 9:30-18:00, closed Tue; Oct-May Wed-Mon
9:30-12:00 & 14:00-17:30, closed Tue. Reservations: Not necessary, but reserve if
you want a tour. Allow about 60 minutes to visit. See here .
▲▲▲ Grotte de Font - de - Gaume Last prehistoric multicolored paintings open to
public, with strict limits on the number of daily visitors allowed. Hours: Mid-
May-mid-Sept Sun-Fri 9:30-17:30, mid-Sept-mid-May Sun-Fri 9:30-12:30 &
14:00-17:30,closedSatyear-round. Reservations: Notavailable.Arriveveryearly:
In summer, be in line by 6:30, in spring and fall no later than 7:30, and in winter by
9:00. Required 45-minute tour (usually with some English). See here .
▲ Abri du Cap Blanc 14,000-year-old carvings that use natural contours of cave
to add dimension. Hours: Mid-May-mid-Sept Sun-Fri 10:00-18:00, mid-Sept-mid-
May Sun-Fri 10:00-12:30 & 14:00-17:30, closed Sat year-round. Reservations:
You can reserve at Font-de-Gaume in July and Aug. Required 45-minute tour (usu-
ally with some English; 7/day); call for times. See here .
▲▲ Lascaux II Exact replica of the world's most famous cave paintings. Hours:
July-Augdaily9:00-20:00;April-JuneandSept-Octdaily9:00-18:00;Nov-Decand
Feb-March Tue-Sun 10:00-12:00 & 14:00-17:30, closed Mon; closed Jan. Reser-
vations: Reserve a maximum of 2-5 days ahead for July-Aug; can reserve farther
in advance online off-season. Required 40-minute tour; call for English tour times
(2-4/day). See here .