Montignac, Perigord Noir
Famous for being home to the amazing prehistoric Lascaux Caves
The pretty old town of Montignac serves as a good base for visiting the nearby prehistoric caves.
Sited on the Vézère river, its main attraction is the ruined Château du Montignac whose keep was rebuilt in the 1960s using original stones from the Saint Etienne priory. Nearby the Lascaux cave, the largest and best-preserved works of prehistoric art, should not be missed. Today you can only visit replicas of the cave to avoid further damage to the original paintings by the carbon dioxide emitted by visitors.
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- History & Culture in Montignac
- Sights & Attractions in Montignac
- Events in Montignac
- Things to do in Montignac
- Cycling in Montignac
- Hiking in Montignac
- Watersports in Montignac
- Families in Montignac
- Villas in Montignac
- Hotels in Montignac
- Campsites in Montignac
- How to get to Montignac
- Property For Sale in Montignac
History & Culture in Montignac
Situated on a strategic site, the bridge over the Vézère sits in the heart of the town and from the eleventh to the fourteenth century it was one of the seats of the Counts of Périgord. The Château de Montignac now lies in ruins, though some wall bases, terraces and a single tower remain.
Montignac was the home of the nineteenth-century French writer Eugène Le Roy, who wrote two celebrated novels about rural life in eighteenth century Périgord. There is a small museum in the town dedicated to him.
Sights & Attractions in Montignac
The most obvious attraction of Montignac and the surrounding area is of course the Lascaux Caves. Discovered in the 1940's, the paintings in these caves are thought to be over 17,000 years old. Although you can visit the cave, due to preservation reasons mentioned above, you will only be allowed to visit the splendid replica cave, where you can have a guided visit to help you understand more about them. During the busy summer months of July and August you can also visit the caves at night.
As you travel south-west out of Montignac you will come across many prehistoric sites, including Le Thot - Espace Cro-Magnon which compliments the Lascaux caves, La Roque Saint-Christophe and the Maison Fort de Reignac.
Along with the ruins of the Chateau de Montignac, a visit to the nearby castle and gardens of Chateau de Losse is a great way to spend a few hours.
Sights in Montignac
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Lascaux 4, International Centre for Cave Art, Montignac
Now you can come and discover the famous decorated cave near Montignac in its entirety. But that’s not all; the opening of the International Centre for Cave Art marks the beginning of a new adventure combining the emotion of ancestral art and an important technological achievement.
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Chateau de Losse, Thonac
The medieval fortress of Château de Losse overlooks the Vézère river and has a very unique and interesting history.
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Lascaux & Lascaux II, Montignac
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.
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Le Thot Prehistoric Cave Centre, Thonac
A prehistoric park and an excellent introduction before visiting the region's prehistoric caves.
Events in Montignac
The town plays host to an annual arts festival each July. The town is filled colour, music, dance, theatre and many other forms of visual arts.
Events in Dordogne
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Dordogne, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
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Ban des Vendanges, Jurade de Saint Emilion
The Autumn festival in Saint-Emilion celebrates the wine and heritage of this medieval city. The 'Jurade' are the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town. As part of the festival they parade through the town in their traditional crimson robes, reminiscent of the all-powerful aldermen of centuries past.
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Rassemblement Européen de Montgolfieres, Rocamadour
A hot air balloon fiesta in Rocamadour in late September. This gathering of European hot air balloons forms a stunning sight against the backdrop of the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour.
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Sauternes and Barsac Chateaux open day wine tasting
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.
Things to do in Montignac
A walk around this pretty town is high on the list of things to do when you arrive. You can pick up a 'carte touristique' from the tourist office that will walk you through some of the main highlights and best things to see in town. Minus the coffee breaks it should take around 90 minutes to walk around...however, we did it with an hour coffee break in the middle, just to re-fuel!
As you are on the banks of the river Vézère it would seem a shame not to take advantage and take to the calm and tranquil waters in kayak or canoe. The countryside here is very beautiful and typical of what you might expect of the Dordogne region. Paddle past stately homes and chateaux and through small villages on your way downstream.
Cycling in Montignac
Cycling Routes in Dordogne
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Old Railway Greenway (Voie Verte) Route, Sarlat-la-Caneda
This Voie Verte (greenway) has been created along the track of an old and now unused railway line.
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La Voie Verte, Perigueux
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
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Greenway (Voie Verte) of Lalinde Canal, Lalinde
This short stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) is perfect for families looking to stretch their legs in the Dordogne countryside, without having to conquer any hills climbs.
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Circular route between Ouysse & Causse, Rocamadour
Although just 25km this circular route from Rocamadour does cross some challenging terrain. Partly on river path and some parts on road, you will need to have some experience of cycling to enjoy this route fully.
Hiking in Montignac
Walking Routes in Dordogne
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La Voie Verte, Perigueux
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
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Font-Blanque Loop, Lalinde
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
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Cirque d'Autoire circular route, Autoire
This walk is wonderful and relaxing way to explore the valley of Autoire and the horseshoe shaped cliff band that guards it to the south-west.
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A Short Walk up Mont Saint Cyr, Cahors
With stunning views over the Lot river and the town of Cahors this walk is worth it just to enjoy the views.
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Chemin de Halage
Part of a long distance towpath, there is an interesting section cut out of the rocky cliff face between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq Lapopie which was used to drag barges along the river Lot. It's about five kilometres between the two villages and is a stunning section of the river.
Watersports in Montignac
Watersports in Dordogne
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AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
This area provides water-sports for all ages. Renowned for its architectural heritage and sites of natural beauty, you will find that paddling is a great way to relax and have fun whilst enjoying the scenery.
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CANOEric, Le Bugue
Easy canoeing for everybody. You can navigate with family or friends in peace. You’ll be given a solid equipment, stable canoes and buoyancy aids.
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Canoe Dordogne
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
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Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
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Canoes Loisirs Watersports, Vitrac
Offering various routes along the Dordogne river to enjoy the sights of the Perigord Noir region. Discover hidden treasures during a relaxing journey down the river.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
Families in Montignac
Villas in Montignac
Villas in Dordogne
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Le Mazet Villa
Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.
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Le Mas & Le Mazet Villas
A combination of two renovated villas in the heart of Dordogne.
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Maison La Seguinie Villa, Martel
A recently built house owned by an architect and an interior designer who have created a beautifully finished property that evokes the local style yet is thoroughly modern, exuding flair and taste.
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La Cloche Villa, Prats-du-périgor
Surrounded by a patchwork of fields and forests in the picturesque Perigord Noir area, the charming village of Prats-du-Perigord, with its honey coloured stone buildings topped with pitched roofs of deep red tiles, is most typical of the region.
Price: £1,234
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La Croix Villa, Prats-du-Périgord
This recently renovated semi-detached stone village house is a delightful addition to our collection of properties in the picturesque Dordogne region. Situated along one of the narrow lanes in the village of Prats-du-Périgord, La Croix is a restoration that blends the traditional with the contemporary to great effect.
Price: £1,298
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Le Mas Villa
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
Hotels in Montignac
Hotels in Montignac
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Le Moulin de Mitou Hotel, Auriac du Perigord
Located in the natural surroundings of the Pèrigord, this old stone mill with contemporary annex, outdoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi and delightful garden stands as a welcoming retreat to relax and explore the region.
Price: €888
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Manoir d'Hautegente Hotel, Saint-Amand-de-Coly
Set in wonderful wooded grounds, the Manoir d'Hautegente is a great hotel with bright immaculate rooms, finished with antique furniture. You are sure to feel welcome from the start and you can enjoy one of the hotels many pleasures, including the large outdoor swimming pool or top notch restaurant.
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Mounea Hotel, Marquay
With shaded luscious gardens, open large pool area, children's play area and unrivalled views of the rolling Dordogne hills, this place is bound to lure you in. Open faced stone walls and old wooden beams all add to the intrigue of this delightful spot in Marquay.
Price: €663
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Laborderie Hotel, Tamnies
The picture perfect Tamnies stands as the perfect backdrop to the Laborderie, with its stone walls, red slate roofs and exposed wooden beams, it is exactly what you would expect a property to be in the Perigord Noir.
Price: €666
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Chateau de la Fleunie, Hotel
This Château dates back to the 12th century and the original character shines throughout. Decorated in a classic style with rooms in its towers and antique furnishings, this is a truly unique place to stay. Over the years though, a number of modern delights have been integrated, including an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and tennis courts.
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Hostellarie la Roseraie Hotel, Montignac
This pretty 19th century hotel has just six rose-themed rooms and is located in the historic town of Montignac. The hotel has a pleasant swimming pool and a terrace where you can enjoy apero in the evening. The hotel restaurant serves traditional farm-sourced fare which can be eaten out on the terrace in the summer.
Price: €1,568
Campsites in Montignac
How to get to Montignac
Situated half an hour drive to the north of Sarlat-la-Caneda the town of Montignac sits on the banks of the Vézère river in the Perigord Noir region of the Dordogne.
Property For Sale in Montignac
Property for Sale in Montignac
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Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569
This property is located close to the village shops, about 10 minutes from Montignac town and 40 minutes from Brive airport.
Price: €700,000