The pretty old town of Montignac serves as a good base for visiting the nearby prehistoric caves.
Montignac, Perigord Noir
Famous for being home to the amazing prehistoric Lascaux 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.
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 Montignac
See all Events in Montignac-
Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
-
Visit website 
Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
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
See all Sights in Montignac-
Visit website 
Lascaux 4, International Centre for Cave Art, Montignac
A complete replica of the original Lascaux cave
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.
Read more about Lascaux 4, International Centre for Cave Art, Montignac
-
Visit website 
Chateau de Losse, Thonac
Stunning 16th century château and 'remarkable gardens'
The medieval fortress of Château de Losse overlooks the Vézère river and has a very unique and interesting history.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
Le Thot Prehistoric Cave Centre, Thonac
Prehistoric animal park and introduction to cave art
A prehistoric park and an excellent introduction before visiting the region's prehistoric caves.
Dining in Montignac
Restaurants in Montignac
See all Restaurants in Montignac-
Enquire 
Chateau de la Fleunie Restaurant, Condat-sur-Vezere
Gastronomic haven in Castle retreat
Set inside a 106-hectare estate Castle, the restaurant setting alone is worth a visit, but with beautiful stone walls, painted wooden beams and decorated in traditional fashion, it is very much worth taking a step inside.
Read more about Chateau de la Fleunie Restaurant, Condat-sur-Vezere
-
Enquire 
Manoir d'Hautegente Restaurant, Saint-Amand-de-Coly
Traditional gastronomy meets modern flair in beautiful location
The restaurant of this excellent 4-star hotel is one of the best in the region. The manor building is set in beautiful grounds, and chef, Ludovic Lavaud, harmoniously matches local products and traditional cuisine with a touch of oriental perfume. The cave is exceptional too.
Read more about Manoir d'Hautegente Restaurant, Saint-Amand-de-Coly
-
Enquire 
La Source Restaurant, Tursac
Good vegetarian options at this village restaurant
Sitting wonderfully on the central square in Tursac, this great little restaurant has an attractive garden in which to enjoy their traditional but imaginative fare. There is a good vegetarian selection and a full vegetarian set menu available if you let them know in advance.
-
Enquire 
Ferme-Auberge de la Rhonie Restaurant, Saint-Cyprien
Traditional farm food
This traditional farm serves good quality Périgord dishes using locally-sourced ingredients from its own farm and those nearby. It also has a lovely gîte which sleeps up to five people.
Read more about Ferme-Auberge de la Rhonie Restaurant, Saint-Cyprien
-
Enquire 
Les Glycines Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Exemplary hotel restaurant which once served Prince Charles
With their very own garden, the restaurant has access to the freshest fruit, vegetables, edible flowers and herbs. This is reflected in the menu, which makes the most of the regions famous culinary delights, including foie gras and of course Perigords black diamond, the truffle. You will easily settle into the cosy, contemporary restaurant or get to enjoy your surroundings while dining out on the terrace.
Read more about Les Glycines Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
-
Le Moulin de la Beune Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac 
Le Moulin de la Beune Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Food of the Perigord inside an old stone mill house
A bright restaurant with stone walls, old wooden beams, fireplace and inviting allure, offer up culinary delights from the region. A strong focus is on local local treats and seasonality.
Read more about Le Moulin de la Beune Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
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.
Things To Do in Montignac
See all Things To Do in Montignac-
Visit website 
Prehisto Parc
Life-size recreation of prehistoric life
This park recreates life in prehistoric times.
-
Enquire 
AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Explore the Vézère valley from the peace & tranquillity of the river
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.
Read more about AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
-
Enquire 
Domaine des Eymaries Horse Riding, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Guided horse back trail riding in the Eymaries valley
Experience the beautiful Vezere valley and its prehistoric sites on horse back.
Read more about Domaine des Eymaries Horse Riding, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
-
Visit website 
Sarlat Panoramic Lift, Sarlat-la-Caneda
The perfect way to see Sarlat from above, 'Vue du ciel'
The glass lift with panoramic views, housed within the old Church Sainte-Marie’s bell tower offers a unique experience. Once at the top, the lift, whose walls are made entirely of glass, allows you a 360° view of Sarlat.
-
Enquire 
Jacquou Parc, Le Bugue
A mini theme park featuring a water park, farm, restaurant & bar
A relatively small theme park but with a great atmosphere, plenty to do and a good day out for all of the family.
-
Enquire 
Les Sangliers de Mortemart, near Le Bugue
A tour of a boar breeding farm to the north of Le Bugue
This is a great outing for a family as you will have the chance to see these magnificent wild boar in a natural environment where they forage and feed in the forests of oak and chestnut trees.
Watersports in Montignac
Watersports in Montignac
See all Watersports in Montignac-
Enquire
AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Explore the Vézère valley from the peace & tranquillity of the river
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.
Read more about AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
-
Enquire 
CANOEric, Le Bugue
Canoeing and kayaking down the Vereze valley in the heart of the Dordogne
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.
-
Enquire 
Canoe Dordogne
Enjoy a gentle kayak down the river Dordogne from La Roque Gageac
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.
-
Enquire 
Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Canoe hire on the Dordogne river through the beautiful Perigord
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Read more about Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
-
Enquire 
Canoes Loisirs Watersports, Vitrac
Kayak & canoe rental on the Dordogne river south of Sarlat
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.
-
Enquire 
Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Canoe holidays on the river Dordogne
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
Holiday Rentals in Montignac
Holiday Rentals in Montignac
See all Holiday Rentals in Montignac-
Visit website 
Le Mazet Villa
Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.
-
Visit website 
Le Mas & Le Mazet Villas
A combination of two renovated villas in the heart of Dordogne.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Visit website
Le Mas Villa
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
Hotels in Montignac
Hotels in Montignac
See all Hotels in Montignac-
Check Booking.com 
Mounea Hotel, Marquay
Picture perfect views in a typical Périgord Noir village
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.
-
Check Booking.com 
Chateau de la Fleunie, Hotel
Sleep in the authentic tower rooms of this classic château
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.
-
Check Booking.com 
Manoir d'Hautegente Hotel, Saint-Amand-de-Coly
13th Century, ivory clad Manoir
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.
Read more about Manoir d'Hautegente Hotel, Saint-Amand-de-Coly
-
Check Booking.com 
Hostellarie la Roseraie Hotel, Montignac
Pretty rose-themed hotel
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.
-
Check Booking.com 
Laborderie Hotel, Tamnies
Overlooking the stunning valley of the Beune, this spacious abode has it all
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.
-
Check Booking.com 
Le Moulin de Mitou Hotel, Auriac du Perigord
Countryside comfort at its best
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.
Read more about Le Moulin de Mitou Hotel, Auriac du Perigord
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
See all Property for Sale in Montignac-
Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569 
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.
Read more about Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569
