Private Full Day Prehistory and Paleolithic Art from Sarlat
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A full Day Dedicated to Prehistory & Paleolithic Art in the Dordogne, guided by an Expert of the Paleolithic times. Private visit of the Prehistory museum in Les Eyzies, Visit Lascaux IV & Rouffignac Caves of the Dordogne. - This deep-dive is perfect for history buffs - Visit the fascinating National Prehistory Museum - Visit Lascaux IV cave & the International Center for Parietal Art - Admire original drawings & etchings at Rouffignac cave - Local Tour Guide, Expert of the Dordogne Region Important information: This tour replaces Rouffignac Cave (closed after 21/09/2025) with a visit to La Roque Saint-Christophe, ensuring a complete and enriching prehistoric experience.
Your experience
Stop 1
Delve into the captivating world of prehistoric art dating back 15,000 years B.C. The Dordogne region boasts extraordinary cave paintings, drawings, and etchings. This tour unveils this mesmerizing art and its creators. Start your day in Les Eyzies de Tayac with a guided visit to the National Prehistory Museum. Established in 2004, it houses 18,000 pieces and six million artifacts. Its roots date back to 1913 when researcher Denis Peyrony convinced France to acquire the Château des Eyzies, turning it into a museum. Explore the world’s largest collection of prehistoric artifacts. Your guide will lead you through key chapters of Hominid development, including an anthropological frieze and Africa’s early history, starting with Australopithecus. The museum’s seven permanent galleries offer a rich historiography of the Paleolithic era.
Stop 2
Marvel at this dramatic troglodytic site : a sheer limestone cliff inhabited since Paleolithic times, with guided explanations about prehistoric shelters and ancient engineering adapted to the cliffs.
Stop 3
Lunch Break : Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant, with recommendations from your guide or the freedom to choose your own spot (meal not included).
Stop 4
Next, we'll continue to Montignac, where you'll explore the remarkable Lascaux IV cave, opened to the public in December 2016. This extraordinary replica faithfully reproduces the original cave, offering an immersive experience in the discovery of its famous decorations. But the adventure doesn't end there. The site also delves into Lascaux's significance in cave art and its connection to contemporary creation. The International Center for Cave Art marks the beginning of an exciting journey that combines the emotional impact of ancestral art with remarkable technological achievements. Follow a guided tour led by a local expert, and then take your time to explore the exhibitions and the center for prehistoric cave art.
What’s included
- Pick up and drop off at the hotel
- Guided visit of the National Prehistory Museum
- English-speaking driver guide, Expert of the Dordogne (other languages on request)
- All entrance tickets included
- Travel in recent, comfortable & fully equipped minivan
Not included
- Personal travel insurance and expenses
- Meals, drinks & other fees not mentioned in the program
- Gratuities for the driver/guide
- No children on laps. Booster seats are available for children.
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Warm jackets are highly recommended – 14°C (57°F) inside the caves
- Please note that the infant seats are available upon request, please inform us at the moment of the booking (number and age of the children)
- Tour involves some walking, good walking shoes recommended
- Pets are not allowed on tour
- English tours of the Caves of Lascaux IV are very limited in number, most of the visits are in French. Your guide will explain the cave before and after the tour as simultaneous translation in the cave is strictly forbidden.
- Please note that the price is the same per person regardless of age. Kindly inform us if there are any children under 13 in your group, as the tour is limited to a maximum of 8 passengers in the minivan.
- Tour not available on May 1st
- Important information: La Roque Saint-Christophe visit includes climbing stairs and is therefore not indicated for guests with mobility issues.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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