La Grotte des Combarellesa true prehistoric gem, lies in the heart of the Vézère Valleyin the Dordogne. Located some 25 km south-east of Périgueux, this cave is a jewel of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by bucolic landscapes, it will appeal equally to enthusiasts of prehistory enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visit Grotte des Combarelles is just a few kilometers from the famous Lascaux and Les Eyziesthe cradle of cave art in France. Our establishments Slow Village Saint-Cybranet and Séveilleslocated close to the cave, welcome you for an unforgettable stay, between nature and history.
Discovered on September 8, 1901 by Denis Peyrony, Abbé Breuil and Louis Capitan, the Grotte des Combarelles is now open to the public. Visitors can immerse themselves in the art and culture culture of Cro-Magnon man. Nearly 800 engravings dating from the Upper Paleolithic and Magdalenian periods. The works illustrate animals, human figures and abstract symbols. During his first explorations, Abbé Breuil recorded no fewer than 291 engravings, grouped into 105 ensembles. He went on to describe Les Combarelles as "a gigantic firecracker in the prehistoric field".
The cave is formed byprogressive erosion of limestone by an underground river, and measures around 300 metres long and one metre wide. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the cave continues to attract researchers and visitors fascinated by this ancient heritage.
Our hotels surrounded by nature Slow Village Saint-Cybranet and Séveilles, with their camping sites, cottages and eco-friendly accommodationswelcome you for an immersive and rejuvenating stay in the surroundings of this gem of cave art.
On entering, visitors are immediately immersed in a journey through time. journey through time. The tour begins with a narrow tunnel leading to a vast gallery decorated with fine engravings and detailed engravings. The works are enhanced by subtle lighting, allowing you to grasp every stroke and detail. Among the most striking engravings are depictions of horses, bison and mammoths, revealing the importance of these animals for the people of the time. The human figuresalthough rarer, are particularly fascinating for their style and symbolism. The tour continues to the end of the gallery, where visitors can admire the oldest engravings, bearing witness to the evolution of cave art. the evolution of cave art over the millennia.
The average length of an individual visit in the Grotte des Combarelles is around 60 minutes, giving you plenty of time to admire every nook and cranny of the cave and appreciate the richness of the engravings. Two types of tour are available:
Whichever option you choose, a visit to this cave is an unforgettable plunge into the past, where you'll meet our ancestors and their art.
The temperature inside the cave is cool all year round, generally around 13°C. It is therefore advisable to wear warm, comfortable comfortable clothing. You'll also need non-slip walking shoes, as the floors can be wet and slippery.
Follow the instructions of the guides and the cave rules to preserve this exceptional heritage. For example, photography is forbidden inside the Grotte des Combarelles. These restrictions were put in place to preserve the fragile engravings and paintings, which could be damaged by camera flashes.
In addition, take the time toexplore the surrounding of the cave. The Dordogne is rich in prehistoric sites and offers many opportunities for hiking and outdoor outdoor activities.
La Grotte des Combarelles is located in Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil15 km from Slow Village Séveilles and 27 km from Slow Village Saint-Cybranet. The site is open from May 15 to September 15, 9.30am to 5.30pm (except Saturdays) and from September 16 to May 14, 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5.30pm (closed on Saturdays). Check opening times before your visit, as they may vary according to the season. Visit 13€ for admission (free admission for under-18s). After your visit to the Grotte des Combarellesvisit the Grotte de Font-de-Gaumenext door (same price).
Guided tours of the Grotte des Combarelles are very popular, so it's essential to book book your visit in advanceeither online or by telephone on 05 53 06 86 00.
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Our travel blogSaint-CybranetVisit the Grotte des Combarelles: a journey to the heart of prehistory
