Lascaux Caves (Les Caves de Lascaux)

Lascaux Caves (Les Caves de Lascaux) mini guide

Guide point	Details
Department:	South West France > Aquitaine > Dordogne >
Location:	Near the village of Montignac in the Dordogne
Switch board number:	+33 (5) 53 05 65 65
Email address:	semitour@perigord.tm.fr
Visit owner's personal website:	http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/arcnat/lascaux/en/
Public Transport:	By Train : Condat-Le-Lardin station, 10 km from Montignac-Lascaux By Air : Perigueux-Bassillac Airport, 45km from Montignac-Lascaux
Quick links to accommodation:	Accommodation near Lascaux Caves (Les Caves de Lascaux) - Hotels in Lascaux Caves (Les Caves de Lascaux) Show accommodation in Dordogne - Self catering in Dordogne - Bed and Breakfast in Dordogne properties with pools in Dordogne -

Lascaux caves is a complex in the south of France famous for its cave paintings. The original caves are located near the village of Montignac, in the Dordogne. They consist mostly of realistic images of large animals.

The Lascaux cave paintings were discovered on Thursday, September 12, 1940, by four French teenagers. The news of the discovery quickly spread and many villagers came to see it themselves. Soon archaeologists visited the site as well.

Shortly after World War II ended, the entrance to the cave was enlarged and the floor was lowered to enable easier access for visitors. Nearly 1,200 tourists visited the cave every day.

The cave was closed to the public in 1963 due to the damage to the paintings that was being caused by the high levels of carbon dioxide from the visitors' breath. After the cave was closed, the paintings were restored to their original state.

In 1983 an exact replica of the Lascaux Caves was opened, 200 meters from the original cave. Reproductions of other Lascaux artwork can be seen at the Centre of Prehistoric Art at Le Thot France

The cave contains nearly 2,000 painted figures.

Guided visits last approximately 40 minutes.

Opening Hours:

• In season: Open Daily
• Out of season: Open daily except Monday
• Closed: January - Beginning of February

Please note that in high season pre-booking is essential, preferably well before your planned travel date.