Lascaux II

The most important prehistoric grottes in France, the Lascaux caves are one of the absolute highlights of any trip to the Dordogne. Discovered in 1940 by four boys searching for their dog, these caves contain some of the finest examples of Paleolithic art in the world.

The original caves were damaged by the large number of visitors and closed in 1963 to prevent further deterioration. In 1983 Lascaux II opened – an exact replica so realistic that unless you were told it was a reproduction, you simply would not know. The paintings are almost all of animals, with stunning colour and detail that continue to amaze visitors.

Why visit? It offers an incredibly close experience of one of humanity’s greatest artistic achievements without harming the original site – a perfect blend of history, art and preservation.

• Iconic Hall of the Bulls and Axial Gallery
• Over 600 paintings and 1,500 engravings
• Reproduction accurate to millimetres
• Guided tours available

La Roque Saint Christophe

About halfway between Le Bugue and Montignac, this prehistoric troglodyte town of La Roque Saint Christophe sits 90 metres above the River Vézère. These prehistoric shelters and grottes were once home to an entire village community.

As you walk along the site, you can see remains of the forge, the church and other buildings carved into the limestone cliff. It offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric and medieval troglodyte life.

Why visit? It’s a unique open-air site combining dramatic natural setting with human history – ideal for understanding how people lived in harmony with the landscape for thousands of years.

• 90 metres above the Vézère River
• Remains of forge, church and dwellings
• Panoramic views over the valley
• Guided tours and information panels

Gouffre de Proumeyssac

Near Le Bugue, the prehistoric caves at Proumeyssac are highly renowned. The main feature is the enormous 'Cathedral of Crystal' – a stunning, huge and beautifully lit cavern filled with spectacular rock formations.

You can pay extra to enter by the original method – a suspended basket (now motorised but originally lowered by a horse). The caves are expertly lit to highlight the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. There is also a picnic area, bookshop, bar, forest trail and geological area.

Why visit? Known as the 'Cathedral of Crystal', it offers one of the most visually spectacular underground experiences in the Dordogne – a perfect mix of natural wonder and adventure.

• Enormous 'Cathedral of Crystal' chamber
• Optional basket descent experience
• Expert lighting of rock formations
• Picnic area, bookshop & forest trail

Les Grottes de Maxange

Discovered in 2000 near Le Buisson de Cadouin, these prehistoric caves are now open to the public. Special focus has been given to the lighting of the spectacular rock formations within the caves.

The site features exceptional calcite concretions and delicate formations that are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical underground world.

Why visit? A relatively new discovery offering pristine, well-lit formations and a quieter, less crowded experience compared to older sites – perfect for appreciating natural beauty.

• Discovered in 2000
• Exceptional calcite concretions
• Expert lighting for dramatic effect
• Quiet and less crowded

Gouffre de Padirac

The Gouffre de Padirac is a favourite among many visitors to the Dordogne. Entry is by boat across an underground lake, followed by a walk through vast chambers with impressive formations.

It’s a great one for kids and families, with the boat ride adding an element of adventure to the experience.

Why visit? The unique boat entry, vast scale and family-friendly atmosphere make it one of the most memorable cave visits in the region – a true underground wonder.

• Entry by boat across underground lake
• Vast chambers and formations
• Popular with families and children
• Guided tours available

Grotte de Villars

A great spectacle of lighting and water brings these caves to life, truly showing the various rock formations at their best. There are also renowned prehistoric paintings, including an unusual depiction of a human figure (most prehistoric art features only animals).

Why visit? The combination of stunning natural formations, water effects and rare human figures in prehistoric art makes it a fascinating and visually rich site.

• Spectacular lighting and water features
• Prehistoric paintings including human figure
• Beautiful stalactites and stalagmites
• Guided tours

Grotte de Cougnac

This site includes both a natural cave with a ceiling of very fine stalactites and a separate cave with prehistoric paintings. It is located 18 km from Sarlat.

Why visit? Offers a rare combination of beautiful natural formations and authentic prehistoric art in a peaceful setting – ideal for those wanting both geology and archaeology.

• Natural cave with fine stalactites
• Prehistoric paintings
• 18 km from Sarlat
• Two separate caves to explore

Grotte de Domme

These caves are located directly underneath the village of Domme, allowing you to visit both the underground grottes and one of France’s most beautiful villages in a single trip.

Why visit? Combines the wonder of an underground cave system with the charm of a hilltop bastide village – two exceptional experiences in one location.

• Caves beneath the village of Domme
• Stunning stalactites and formations
• Access to one of France’s most beautiful villages
• Guided tours

Troglodyte Houses at Belvès

Underneath the main square of Belvès lies a prehistoric troglodyte village in grottes, offering a fascinating look at underground living. Belvès is also one of France’s most beautiful villages.

Why visit? A rare chance to explore an underground prehistoric settlement directly beneath a charming hilltop village – a unique blend of history and beauty.

• Prehistoric troglodyte village under main square
• Belvès – one of France’s most beautiful villages
• Guided tours of underground dwellings

Troglodyte Fort at La Roque-Gageac

These cliff-side dwellings date from the 12th century and are found 40 metres up the cliffs at La Roque-Gageac on the Dordogne River. While not fully prehistoric, they show the long tradition of troglodyte living in the area.

Why visit? Dramatic cliff location with stunning river views – a perfect example of how people adapted to the landscape over centuries, combined with the picturesque village below.

• 12th-century cliff-side dwellings
• 40 metres above the Dordogne River
• Part of beautiful La Roque-Gageac village

Grotte de Rouffignac

An electric train takes you deep into this prehistoric cavern where you will find numerous engravings of mammoths, rhinoceros, horses and bison – a remarkable collection of Ice Age art.

Why visit? The train ride adds adventure, and the extensive mammoth engravings make it one of the most distinctive prehistoric sites in the region.

• Electric train entry
• Engravings of mammoths, rhinos, horses & bison
• Guided tours

Grotte des Merveilles at Rocamadour

This cave contains both prehistoric drawings and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. It is also near the historic town of Rocamadour, one of the key pilgrimage sites of France.

Why visit? Combines prehistoric art with natural formations and easy access to the stunning medieval village of Rocamadour – a perfect day trip.

• Prehistoric drawings
• Stalactites & stalagmites
• Near Rocamadour pilgrimage site

Grotte de Lacave

This natural cave is entered on a small electric train that takes you to a large chamber with an impressive display of stalactites and stalagmites. Lacave is near Martel and Souillac.

Why visit? The train ride and dramatic formations create a family-friendly, visually spectacular experience – a great introduction to cave exploration.

• Electric train entry
• Impressive stalactites & stalagmites
• Near Martel and Souillac