The Périgord Noir, cradle of Prehistory

After becoming a knight (or princess) at one of the castles of the Périgord, why not step much further back in time and become a Cro-Magnon or Neanderthal at one of the region’s world-renowned prehistoric sites?

Explore the Vézère Valley,

the prehistoric centre of the Périgord Noir

Head for the Vézère Valley north of Sarlat-la-Canéda . Between the river, rock shelters and abundant wildlife, it’s easy to see what brought our distant ancestors here!

In all, the area includes 147 archaeological deposits and 25 sites featuring cave art, including 15 that are listed as World Heritage with UNESCO! While not all the sites are open to the public, certain caves welcome you to these special settings to discover cave paintings, engravings and low-relief sculptures.

Grotte de Lascaux II dans la vallée de la Vézère

Tour the not-to-be-missed

Centre International d’Art Pariétal (Lascaux IV)

Discover the Centre International d’Art Pariétal, better known as Lascaux IV .

This international cave art centre features a remarkable, complete reproduction of the original Lascaux caves. The exhibits also include cave art from all over the world, displays revealing the Cro-Magnon way of life, and interactive digital workshops… For thrills guaranteed! And for a tour on a smaller scale, you may still tour Lascaux 2 !

Walk in the footsteps

of the world’s first people

While the Lascaux caves are world-famous, the Périgord Noir is a region that has left its mark in prehistoric studies in general! In Bayac, you’ll discover that the archaeological deposit La Gravette has made it possible for scientists to study the Gravettian culture, dated between 28,000 and 22,000 years BP (Before Present). Although the site is not open to the public, you may visit the troglodyte village of La Madeleine in Tursac to discover the traces of the Magdalenian culture (17,000 to 10,000 years BP).

And don’t miss the troglodyte shelters such as the Grottes du Roc de Cazelle , La Roque Saint-Christophe and Le Conquil.

A guided tour offers the opportunity to understand how prehistoric people lived in these cave dwellings… Which continued to be inhabited until the 20th century! In 2018, the region celebrated the 150th anniversary of the discovery of the Cro-Magnon fossils for which the site became famous in 1868; but digs are still ongoing to reveal even more secrets…

Travel through time

in prehistory-themed parks and museums

The many prehistoric museums and parks reserve great surprises for you and your family! Offering workshops where you can learn cave painting, spear throwing and flint knapping… What better way to have fun as you follow in the footsteps of our Cro-Magnon ancestors?

And inquire about the Pass Préhistoire !