Caves and pits

There are many caves or pits in the Dordogne. And prehistoric vestiges are exceptionally numerous.
Vézère’s valley (or Veyzère, it depends on guides) is called ’’Man’s valley", (insinuated choice : Néandertal or Cro-magnon’man)
Les Eyzies, a little village 10 kms from the campsite, is the well known prehistoric world capital.
 
This page hardly misses of pictures that did not provide me all these prehistoric sites. It’s a pity (and I’m polite !) :-(( Don’t forget to touch them one word while your visits…
 

Grotte de Bara-Bahau

 
In Le Bugue you can visit "la grotte de Bara-Bahau" (it’s possible to visit it by walking, if you follow footpath 4).
Inhabited a long time ago by our ancestors, the environment of this cave is attractive by :
• its authenticity (not too much tourist media adds)
•Planks of prehistoric, simple sculptures. Sometimes in relief .
• Visit duration : about 1 hour.
 

Gouffre de Proumeyssac

(also possible by walking, 4 kms, part of footpath 7)
 

Called crystal cathedral. Very easy to make by any weather, the temperature is constant inside.
This pit is in the middle of the woods, way to Audrix, crossing roads between Intermarché and Bricomarché.
Little exposure and kindergarten .
Discovered at century last, and refitted in 2000.
guided visits in french and english.
 

Grotte de Lascaux

 
Wordly wellknown, no need to present it…
La grotte de Lascaux is at south-east of Montignac on D704. Mostly not to miss while your stay in Dordogne.
 
It’s not possible to visit Lascaux I anymore.
Because of too many visitors, and microbes they bring with them, the fabulous color drawings on rock were likely to be lost forever because of the sedimentation of algae.
Just scientists still can visit it.
 
Lascaux II is a perfect copy. The colors and the drawings are made with the same pigments and techniques that the original ones. The maximum of visitors is limited here to 2000 people per day. (see road 4). Do not miss that!
The only cave with original paintings open to visits today in France is "grotte de fond de Gaume, in Les Eyzies, visits limited on reservation.
 

Les Grottes du Roc de Gazelle

 
This cave is very interesting to visit whith your whole family.
Close to the reception of the caves, there is a small store where you can receive a free French description (to be returned after the visit).
Then you walk through small natural ways, so you discover interesting places.
Children got a "mission" questionnaire to fill.
The characteristic to see, at the end, are the prehistoric dwellings. Those was still inhabited in the Sixties (… of the previous century!!!).
 

Gouffre de Padirac and Grottes de Lacave

(whole day trip)
 
Half an hour trip between the two caves.
You drive through a splendid environment! After Sarlat, follow Souillac. Cross close to Roufillac the Dordogne and follow D50, D12 and D141. Close to Payrac: D6673. In Calès it should be chosen the cave that you want to see first. They are worth to be visited in spite of the distance!
 
In Gouffre de Padirac you go down a long staircase or you can choose the lift, towards the depth, for then sailing on an underground river.
In this pit are enormous stalactites, stalagmites and columns. You will feel very small here.
On your way back, your boat will be photographed. Remind your boat’s number. Pictures are already ready at the end of your visit. Expensive enough , but particular .
 
In Grottes de Lacave you don’t sail, but train trip.
 
On your way back, don’t forget to visit the perhaps most beautiful town in France : Rocamadour ! You can park in the valley and climb by train or by walking.