Unveiling Prehistoric Art: Visit Prehistory Museum, Lascaux IV & Rouffignac Cave Private

Experience an unforgettable full-day private tour from Sarlat, starting with a convenient pick-up from your hotel or accommodation. Our English-speaking driver guide will provide you with a detailed program and itinerary for this highly recommended excursion, which includes a fascinating museum visit, a captivating cave exploration, and a visit to the brand new Lascaux IV museum. Hop on board our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as we embark on a journey to Les Eyzies de Tayac, the World Prehistory capital.

Explore the National Prehistory Museum

Delve into the captivating world of prehistoric art that dates back 15,000 years B.C. The Dordogne region is home to extraordinary cave paintings, drawings, and etchings created by unknown artists. This tour introduces you to this mesmerizing art and the people behind it.

Begin your day in Les Eyzies de Tayac with a guided visit to the National Prehistory Museum. Established in 2004, the museum showcases a staggering collection of 18,000 pieces and six million artifacts. Its origins trace back to 1913 when the tenacious researcher Denis Peyrony persuaded the French state to acquire the Château des Eyzies, transforming it into an excavation warehouse and museum.

Discover the world's largest collection of prehistoric artifacts as your guide takes you through the main chapters of Hominids' development, including a fascinating anthropological frieze and an overview of Africa's history, beginning with the early Australopithecus. Immerse yourself in the museum's permanent exhibit galleries, which unfold seven sequences, providing an ideal historiography of the entire Paleolithic era.

Enjoy Lunch in a Local Restaurant (at own expense)

Take advantage of your free time during lunch to savor local cuisine at a recommended restaurant in Montignac or a charming village in the Dordogne region. Your guide will be happy to offer suggestions.

Visit the Brand New Lascaux IV Cave Complex

Next, we'll continue to Montignac, where you'll explore the remarkable Lascaux IV cave, opened to the public in December 2016. This extraordinary replica faithfully reproduces the original cave, offering an immersive experience in the discovery of its famous decorations.

But the adventure doesn't end there. The site also delves into Lascaux's significance in cave art and its connection to contemporary creation. The International Center for Cave Art marks the beginning of an exciting journey that combines the emotional impact of ancestral art with remarkable technological achievements.

Follow a guided tour led by a local expert, and then take your time to explore the exhibitions and the center for prehistoric cave art.

Conclude with a Visit to Rouffignac Cave

To wrap up the tour, we'll visit the awe-inspiring Rouffignac Cave, featuring state-of-the-art original cave paintings, etchings, and drawings. The cave's existence was first mentioned in 1575 and became a popular tourist attraction in the 19th century. Notable prehistorians like Henri Breuil, André Glory, and Martel explored the cave in the early 20th century. However, it wasn't until 1956 that Louis-René Nougier and Romain Robert, two prehistorians from the Pyrenees, rediscovered and authenticated the cave art.

Upon arrival, board an electric train that will take you nearly 2 kilometers deep into the cave. During the journey, the train will make stops in front of spectacular drawings and etchings. Descend further to the cave's bottom for a brief stop. 

Disembark the train and marvel at the ceiling of the cave, adorned with a multitude of drawings. Here, you'll find 66 animal representations seemingly arranged in a swirling, disorganized manner, surrounding a large suction funnel that leads to a well and provides access to the cave's second floor. Mammoths, Rhinoceroses, Bisons, Horses, and the rare Ibex are among the captivating depictions.

After this remarkable visit, we'll return to Sarlat, leaving you with lasting memories of this extraordinary journey into the depths of history. Book your private tour today for an unforgettable exploration of the region's prehistoric wonders.