Caves to visit in the Dordogne
The choice is vast, but some caves stand out for their worldwide renown or exceptional beauty. Here's a selection to help you plan your discovery of caves in the Dordogne, with your family or with other enthusiasts.
Lascaux IV cave: the world's masterpiece of cave art
Located in Montignac, Lascaux IV is not the original cave (closed for conservation), but a faithful replica of it. The Centre International de l'Art Pariétal (International Center of Cave Art) offers a technological and emotional immersion in the heart of the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistory". Paintings of bulls, horses and deer are reproduced with astonishing precision. A must-see to understand the scale of ancient creations. The Lascaux cave is a must-see.
The Font-de-Gaume cave: the authenticity of an original decorated cave
In Les Eyzies, Font-de-Gaume is one of the last large original polychrome decorated caves still open to the public in France. To enter here is to feel a direct connection with the artists of 15,000 years ago. Colorful bison, reindeer and mammoths are revealed in an intimate, unspoilt atmosphere. Please note that conservation requires a very limited number of visitors per day: booking well in advance is essential for this prehistoric cave in the Dordogne.
The Grand Roc cave: a cathedral of crystals
Overlooking the Vézère valley near Les Eyzies, the Grand Roc cave is a geological gem. No ancient drawings here, but a mineral forest of remarkable density and finesse. Stalactites, stalagmites and, above all, a profusion of gravity-defying eccentrics create an enchanting setting, a veritable " cathedral of crystals". A must-see natural cave in the Dordogne!
Rouffignac cave: life-size mammoths
Nicknamed the " cave of a hundred mammoths", Rouffignac offers a unique experience. Rouffignac offers a unique experience: a ride on an electric train through several kilometers of galleries. You'll discover numerous black engravings and drawings, including an exceptional concentration of mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses and bison. An ideal Dordogne cave for families and those wishing to discover a vast underground network effortlessly.
Villars cave: paintings and natural concretions
Near Brantôme, in the Périgord Vert region of France, the Grotte de Villars is unusual in that it combines the expression of ancient times (a rare human scene, the "little blue sorcerer") with magnificent natural formations. The halls are adorned with spectacular formations(stalactites, draperies, calcite cascades). An excellent choice for those wanting to see both sides of the Perigordian underground world in one visit.
The Proumeyssac chasm: light and depth
Nicknamed the " Crystal Cathedral", the Proumeyssac chasm in Le Bugue offers an impressive descent into an immense underground vault. The classic tour, with light and music, reveals the beauty of the monumental formations. For a more immersive experience, opt for a descent in a gondola, like the first explorers. A breathtaking, unforgettable spectacle, ideal for a family cave tour in the Dordogne.
Practical tips for visiting caves in the Dordogne
Preparing for your visit helps you make the most of it. Here's some useful information for your underground exploration.
Online booking: some caves in high demand
For the most famous caves, such as Lascaux IV and especially Font-de-Gaume (very limited access), you need to book your tickets online well in advance - sometimes several weeks or months for Font-de-Gaume in high season. For the other caves to visit in the Dordogne, reservations are strongly recommended during the summer months to avoid queues.
Dress appropriately: cool temperatures all year round
Whatever the weather outside, the temperature in a cave in the Dordogne is constant, at around 10°C to 14°C. Bring a warm jacket or vest, even in midsummer. Comfortable, closed-toe footwear is also recommended, as the ground can be damp and sometimes uneven.
Accessibility: children, strollers, people with reduced mobility (PRM)
Accessibility varies greatly from cave to cave.
- Children: most of the caves are suitable for children, but some of the long, dark tours can be quite daunting for toddlers. Lascaux IV, Rouffignac (with its electric train) and the Cristal Cathedral (the show) are often popular with families.
- Strollers: often unauthorized or impracticable due to stairs and narrow passages. Use a baby carrier instead.
- PRM: access is often difficult in ancient caves. Lascaux IV is designed to be widely accessible. Le Gouffre offers partial access. Check each cave's accessibility on its website before your visit.
Tour duration and languages available
A classic tour lasts on average between 45 minutes and 1h30. All tours are guided in French. Many offer audio guides or tours in foreign languages (English, Spanish, German...) at certain times or on request. Check the options when booking your cave tour in the Dordogne.
Which grotto is right for you?
Is it hard to choose among so many wonders? Here are a few tips to help you find the cave of your dreams in the Dordogne.
For prehistory enthusiasts
- Lascaux IV: for the quality and scale of the reproductions.
- Font-de-Gaume: for the emotion of authentic polychrome works (booking essential!).
- Rouffignac: for its unique mammoth engravings.
- Combarelles (Les Eyzies): another major original cave, renowned for its fine animal engravings (very limited access, booking essential).
For families with children
- Lascaux IV: fun, educational and immersive.
- Rouffignac: the little train is a guaranteed success.
- Gouffre de Proumeyssac: the sound and light show and the descent in a gondola are awe-inspiring.
- Grotte de Villars: the art/nature combination and outdoor trail are popular.
For lovers of natural formations
- Grotte du Grand Roc: for the exceptional density and finesse of its crystallizations.
- Gouffre de Proumeyssac: for the immensity of the vault and the size of the concretions.
- Grotte de Villars: for its rooms rich in drapery and calcite cascades.
- Grottes de Maxange (Le Buisson-de-Cadouin): famous for their exceptional eccentric concretions.
For a gentle first discovery
- Grotte du Grand Roc or Villars: give a good overview of geological wonders without being too vast.
- Lascaux IV: understand the importance of ancient art in a modern, comfortable setting.
For an immersive experience
- Lascaux IV: technological immersion is strong.
- Gouffre de Proumeyssac: the descent in a gondola and the show in the immense cavity.
- Font-de-Gaume or Combarelles: the intimacy and authenticity of an encounter with original art (if you've been able to book!).
FAQ - Your questions about caves in the Dordogne
What's the most famous cave in the Dordogne?
Without doubt, the Lascaux cave is the most famous in the world, even if the original can no longer be visited. Today, its replica is the most visited site.
Which caves are most suitable for children?
Lascaux IV, Rouffignac (with its shuttle), the Gouffre de Cathédrale de Cristal and the Villars cave are often very popular with children for their playful or spectacular aspects.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it's essential for Font-de-Gaume and highly recommended for Lascaux IV, especially in high season. For the other caves in the Dordogne, it's preferable to avoid waiting times.
Which caves are accessible all year round?
Most of the major monuments, such as Lascaux IV, Proumeyssac, Grand Roc and Rouffignac, are open most of the year, but may have weekly or annual closures in winter (often January). Always check the opening times on the official websites before you visit.
Can we take photos?
In decorated caves (Lascaux IV, Font-de-Gaume, Rouffignac, Villars prehistoric section), photos and videos are strictly forbidden to protect the works and respect rights. In the natural caves (Grand Roc, Proumeyssac, Villars geological section), photography is sometimes permitted without flash. Check the instructions at the entrance to each cave in the Dordogne.
Are the caves accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Accessibility varies widely. Lascaux IV is widely accessible. The Gouffre de Proumeyssac offers partial access to the upper platform. For other caves, often older and more natural, access may be very limited or even impossible. Contact the cave directly for precise information.
Where can I buy tickets for Lascaux?
Tickets for Lascaux IV (Centre International de l'Art Pariétal) are mainly available from the official website www.lascaux.fr. They are also available from partner tourist offices. Online booking is highly recommended.
Looking at a cave in the Dordogne is much more than just a visit: it's an initiation into the depths of the earth and time. Whether you're drawn to the artistic genius of our ancestors or to the raw beauty of the landscape, the Périgord underground awaits you for a memorable adventure into the heart of its hidden treasures. Get your imaginary headlamp ready and let the magic happen! And to extend your immersion in the heart of Périgord, a a stay in the spirit of naturefor example at Slow village Séveillesallows you to fully appreciate the local rhythm after your visits.
