Lascaux & Lascaux II, Montignac
Some of the best examples of late stone age cave art
The most well-known and impressive prehistoric caves in France. The paintings here are thought to be over 17,000 years old and mainly represent large mammals, signs and humans.
There are about 2,000 figure drawings, nearly half of which are of animals. The caves were only discovered in 1940 and after were open to the public for 15 years. It was discovered though that the carbon dioxide produced by the thousands of visitors was damaging these precious paintings and so they are no longer open to the public. Excellent faithful reproductions of the Hall of the Bulls and the Painted Gallery can be seen at Lascaux II in Montignac, just 200 metres from the actual cave.
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When to come
Opening times and vary may vary throughout the year but as a guideline:
15/02 to 16/03 (holidays): 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30
17/03 to 31/03: 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 (closed on Mondays)
01/04 to 04/07: 09:30 to 18:00
05/07 to 31/08 (holidays): 09h - 19h
01/09 to 02/11: 09:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00
03/11 to 31/12: 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 17:30 (closed on Mondays)
Open between 13:00 and 14:00 during school holidays.
How to book
You can book in advance on the website. It is worth doing this as you will be given a time slot so that you can arrive at the correct time. They are only closed in January.
How to get passes
From 12 April to 14 September, the ticket office is in the centre of Montignac, next to the tourist office, Place Bertrand de Born. It is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
You can also buy a twin ticket for Lascaux II and the centre at Le Thot.
