Explore the Dordogne's prehistoric heritage: the Lascaux cave
Just a 40-minute drive from our open-air hotel Slow Village Séveilles, the Grotte de Lascaux is an extraordinary prehistoric treasure trove that offers a window into mankind's distant past. This cave contains some of the oldest and most impressive rock art in the world and is a must-see for anyone staying in the Périgord Noir. In this article, we'll explore the history of Lascaux, its fascinating rock art and the unique ways to discover them, including a 3D virtual tour offered on their website!
The story of discovery
The Lascaux cave was discovered in 1940 by four teenagers exploring the area. What they found inside the cave was absolutely stunning: wall paintings dating back some 17,000 years, depicting a variety of animals, such as bison, horses, deer and many others. Not only are these works of rock art incredibly ancient, they are also of exceptional artistic quality, showing remarkable technical mastery.
Historical significance
The paintings at Lascaux are not only beautiful, they are also of great historical importance. They offer us a glimpse into the daily life, hunting and spiritual beliefs of the region's earliest inhabitants. These prehistoric works of art bear witness to the close relationship between man and nature at a time when survival depended on hunting and gathering.
Lascaux II is the first facsimile of the original Lascaux cave, opened to the public in 1983 and located just 200 meters from the authentic cave, now closed. This reproduction presents the two major sections of the cave: the Hall of the Bulls and the Axial Diverticulum, which contain 85% of the preserved paintings. Guided tours immerse visitors in an authentic, intimate atmosphere, recreating the conditions of discovery.
Plan your visit
For guests of our open-air hotel, a visit to Lascaux is an opportunity not to be missed. Whether you opt for a guided tour, or a self-guided tour, Lascaux is a fascinating destination for all lovers of art, history and adventure.
Lascaux IV, inaugurated in 2016 as the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal, offers a complete reproduction of the entire Lascaux cave. Visits can be made on your own or with a guide, and several formulas are available: a storytelling tour for children, a prestige tour for an in-depth experience, or an evening combining the discovery of cave art and a gourmet meal. The site also offers a number of interactive and complementary spaces: workshop, theater, cinema, immersion room and gallery of the imaginary. With its architecture perfectly integrated into the landscape, Lascaux IV offers an immersive and innovative experience.
Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the prehistoric history of our beautiful region by visiting the Grotte de Lascaux, an experience that will undoubtedly leave you with a sense of fascination for our distant past!
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