Prehistoric sites in the Dordogne Perigord ,  |
Situated in the Dordogne, close to the village of Montignac-sur-Vézère, in the heart of
Périgord Noir, lies Lascaux, the masterpiece of prehistoric
art. This cave of medium size for the region extends for about 200 metres and is made up of alternating chambers which are
more or less circular, and passages.
The frescoes represent numerous animals: horses, bulls, deer, ibex, as well as members of the cat family, a bear, a rhinoceros
and even an imaginary creature
commonly known as the " unicorn". These paintings are accompanied by enigmatic symbols. The positioning of certain paintings on
the rock face and the presence
of holes 2 metres from the ground indicate that scaffolding was used.
The organic debris found in the Lascaux cave has been dated at around 15000 years BC, which ties in with other finds that have been attributed to the early Magdalenian period. After the Second World War, the cave was developed for tourism. Between 1948 and 1963 there were a million visitors. But this influx of people disturbed the cave’s natural equilibrium. Fungi and bacteria developed on the walls — " the green sickness" — as did white calcite — "the white sickness" — which is a recrystallisation of the rock itself. On March the 20th, 1963, André Malraux, then minister of Cultural Affairs, ordered that the cave be closed.It took several years to halt the deterioration process and re-establish the proper conditions for ensuring preservation. Lascaux was saved, but only specialists were allowed access. To public demand, it was decided to build a facsimile. It was taken over by the "Conseil General" in 1978 and the first tourist entered Lascaux II on July the 18th 1983. The replica is situated on the same hillside as the original cave and is buried underground. It reproduces the Hall of Bulls and the Axial Gallery which represent 90% of the original Lascaux paintings. Two museographic antechambers retrace the history of the cave and explain the techniques used by the artists. Lascaux II is a triumph of technology, unique in the world. Rigorous scientific and artistic methods were used to recreate the incomparable atmosphere of the original cave: a reinforced concrete shell was created using shipbuilding techniques, the relief of the cave was reconstituted down to the tiniest detail, and the polychromatic paintings were executed just as the originals were 17 000 years ago, using natural pigments. A visit you'll never forget: thanks to this replica, the world's most famous paleolithic "sanctuary" takes on a new lease of life. Free car park (cars and buses) Shop - Bookshop Public phone Tables for picnics Bar during the high season |
 Hall of Bulls Cliché Semitour Périgord / J. Grelet 
Axial Gallery, first of the two "Chinese Horses" Cliché Semitour Périgord / J. Grelet |
| Guided tour: 40 minutes approx. Tickets are sold in Montignac during the high season.
Groups (except in July and August): not less than 20 persons and upon reservation at: 33-553-05-65-60 You can buy a twin ticket for Thot Espace Cro-Magnon. |
PRICES, clic here Groups: not less 20 persons and upon reservation (Tel : 33-553-05-65-60) Free: 1 accompanying adult every 10 pupils - Driver and guide (groups of adults) No special prices for groups in July and August |
OPENING TIMES clic here |
For any further information
SEMITOUR PERIGORD 221 bis route d'Angoulême 24000 Périgueux Tel : +33-553-05-65-65 fax : +33-553-06-30-94 e-mail : contact@semitour.com http://www.semitour.com |
