Where is the Lascaux Cave located?
The Dordogne department is home to numerous prehistoric sites. Located in the commune of Montignac-Lascaux, in the Vézère Valley, the Lascaux Cave is among the most renowned. It contains several cave paintings that depict the animals hunted by the first human communities established in Europe, as well as drawings of everyday objects and human figures. These paintings, estimated to be 18,000 years old, provide insight into the lifestyle and environment of our distant ancestors. For conservation reasons, the Lascaux Cave is not open to the public. However, its decorations can be admired through the complete reproductions of Lascaux IV at the International Center for Cave Art.
Lascaux Caves: Guided Tour
Nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of parietal art, the Lascaux Cave in Montignac, Dordogne, was discovered in 1940 by four local teenagers. Like the National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies, in the heart of the Périgord Noir, the Lascaux Cave is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in France. Opened to the public in 1948, the cave quickly suffered from over-visitation. By the following year, the first signs of wall deterioration appeared. In 1955, an alarming imbalance in air composition (carbon dioxide, humidity, temperature) was detected. In 1963, the invasion of the cave’s paintings by green algae forced its closure to the public. In 1970, work began on a facsimile, and Lascaux II opened its doors in 1983.
Today, visitors to the famous cave can explore an ensemble of features, including the first facsimile, an international exhibition, and a parietal art center: Lascaux II, Lascaux III, and Lascaux IV, all located in Montignac, in the Vézère Valley. Lascaux II offers a near-identical underground reproduction of parts of the original cave, showcasing the Hall of the Bulls and the Axial Gallery, which feature the most densely packed and impressive paintings. Before the tour, two vestibules recount the history of Lascaux and explain the prehistoric artistic techniques used to recreate the twin cave.
Since 2012, Lascaux III has also reproduced parts of the original cave, including the Nave and the Shaft. This traveling replica has brought the famous cave to an international audience. Finally, the International Center for Parietal Art, Lascaux IV, was inaugurated in 2016. This site offers a complete replica of all the decorated sections of the cave. Visitors can explore 8,000 m² of interactive exhibits, including augmented reality and multidimensional screens. Lascaux will hold no secrets for you!
For unforgettable holidays in Corrèze, don’t wait—book your next trip to Limousin today. To round off your visit, take the opportunity to explore the many castles in Corrèze and the Périgord Noir.
Touristic Visit of the Lascaux Caves
Take advantage of your stay in the Dordogne Valley to discover one of the world’s most significant prehistoric sites. Located only about 100 kilometers from Camping Gibanel, the Lascaux Caves can be reached in less than 1.5 hours by car—a perfect day trip idea! The Vézère River, a tributary of the Dordogne, is lined with an extraordinary density of prehistoric sites, many of which can be explored by canoe. The most famous among them, Lascaux, is perched on the heights of Montignac in the heart of the Périgord Pourpre. During the tourist season, we strongly recommend booking your tickets online before your visit. While in Montignac, take the time to also visit the Thot Park and other nearby prehistoric sites. The Lascaux ticket office offers combined passes, granting access to Lascaux IV and Thot, Lascaux II and Thot, or Lascaux IV and the geological sites of Grand Roc and Laugerie Basse.