The Vézère Valley near the village of Montignac, in the Dordogne region of France is the site of a complex of prehistoric caves.

Over 600 wall paintings, from some 17,000 years ago, cover the interior walls and ceilings of the caves.

Of these, the Lascaux Cave is the most remarkable and was open to the public until 1963.

​(Images contributed by : Dan Courtice)

The Vézère Valley has been inhabited for thousands of years leaving evidence of prehistoric settlements, including caves and troglodyte homes.

Fifteen of the caves have received UNESCO World Heritage status, with the Lascaux Cave among these.

The Lascaux Cave itself was closed to the public in 1963 to preserve these exceptionally rare works.

As an alternative, the International Center for Cave Art Lascaux IV created and opened an exact replica.

This gives visitors today the chance to truly appreciate the stunning nature of the original, without causing irreparable damage to it.

Surrounding the 'new' Lascaux Cave is a state-of-the-art visitors centre with a rooftop offering panoramic views of the valley beyond.

A large screen cinema presentation shows the Vézère Valley as it would have been 20,000 years ago, and introduces the cave art.

The atmosphere inside the cave replica itself is the same as in the real cave, being cool and dark, with sounds muffled.

The small groups making the tour of the cave are joined by a guide.

The Dordogne

The Dordogne in southwest France, is located between the Loire Valley and Pyrenees mountains.

The town of Périgueux is home to the Cathedrale St-Front and there is also the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda.

Useful links

www.lascaux-dordogne.com/en/partager/nos-incontournables/lascaux/

www.visit-dordogne-valley.co.uk

www.semitour.com/en