A week close to the world capital of Prehistory!
Mode of transport : electric bike / car
Ideal season : Spring
Recommended starting point : Les Eyzies
Departing from Les Eyzies, the world capital of Prehistory, you will discover all the prehistoric richness of the Vézère valley through this itinerary. We will take you to visit the most famous prehistoric caves in Montignac-Lascaux and always have fun on the theme of Prehistory in Le Bugue.
DAY 01
Step 1: The Prehistory Interpretation Center
Located in Les Eyzies, the Prehistory Interpretation Center welcomes you to the heart of the Vézère valley, occupied by humans for 400 years. It is the ideal place to learn about and understand the heritage, cultural and landscape resources of the valley.
Step 2: National Museum of Prehistory
Located in the heart of the Vézère valley in Dordogne, between Le Bugue and the Lascaux cave in Montignac-Lascaux, the village of Les Eyzies well deserves its nickname of capital of prehistory. Ideal introduction to any visit to sites classified as World Heritage Sites, the National Museum of Prehistory invites you to discover the oldest traces left by Man.
Step 3: Restaurant Le 1862
Former post office in Les Eyzies, hostelry of charm and character since 1862. Surrounded by lush greenery, a panoramic terrace overlooks a lush garden. You can enjoy gourmet cuisine, prepared with vegetables from the vegetable garden.
DAY 02
Step 1: The Cave of Font-de-Gaume
Located in Les Eyzies, in the heart of Périgord Noir, the Cave of Font-de-Gaume is one of the most beautiful Paleolithic sanctuaries in the world. Famous for its polychrome paintings, but also its engravings, it brings together animal figures and numerous “signs” dated around 14 years ago.
Step 2: Nosco Restaurant
Local restaurant – Wine bar located in the heart of Les Eyzies, world capital of Prehistory. us is a friendly table where you can taste local products selected for their quality and where you can drink French wines and local drinks.
Stage 3: Canoeing on the Vézère
Enjoy the incredible adventure on the Vézère with different canoe descents to choose from, exploring this wild and family-friendly river that crosses the Périgord. Your journey will be embellished with majestic castles and historic villages, offering a unique experience in the heart of nature and heritage.
DAY 03
Step 1: The Prehistoric Labyrinth
Come and surprise Cro-Magnon in real life! Become explorers, go on an expedition in search of the last Cro-Magnon still alive, discovered by the famous archaeologist: Professor Jean Netessur. Over more than 1000 m2, you will have to solve 35 puzzles throughout your journey, crossing 7 different atmospheres…
Step 2: Head for the Beunes valley and picnic at Cap Blanc
On the road, enjoy the view of the preserved landscape labeled Grand Site de France. Meet at theCap Blanc shelter for an intimate and exciting visit. Then have a picnic on the tables available with a view of the Commarque castle.
Step 3: The Madeleine Village
The troglodyte village of Madeleine has been home to humans for millennia. Known worldwide for its eponymous prehistoric site from the Magdalenian (- 17 / - 000 BC), this large natural site is made up of cavities built since the early Middle Ages and inhabited until the end of the 12th century.
DAY 04
Step 1: The Rouffignac Cave
The Cave of Rouffignac is one of the largest decorated caves known, with eight kilometers of gallery. First frequented by the cave bear, it was decorated, around 15000 years ago, by prehistoric artists who drew and engraved more than 250 representations of bison, horses, ibex, etc.
Step 2: Laugerie Basse Restaurant
Simple local cuisine, ask for a table in the troglodyte part of the restaurant for a total change of scenery!
Step 3: The Grotte du Grand Roc
North of Les Eyzies in Périgord Noir, travel back in time to discover the wonders of the Cave of the Great Rock. Discovered in 1924 and opened to the public in 1927, this natural cavity is nestled in a cliff overlooking the Vézère, a terrace on the side of the rock offering a panorama of the village of Eyzies and the river valley.
DAY 05
We rest… and we enjoy!
Short walk, markets, strolls, nap... The choice is yours!
DAY 06
Stage 1: Lascaux IV
The International Center for Cave Art
In Périgord Noir, the Lascaux Cave is a masterpiece of prehistoric art with frescoes representing around 600 animals (horses, bulls, deer, felines, etc.) and enigmatic signs. The site can be rediscovered today at International Center for Cave Art, space of more than 8000m² at the foot of the Lascaux hill.
Step 2: Walk in Montignac-Lascaux
Helped by the “discovery trail” offered by the Tourist Office, you will enjoy the charm of the city. As you walk along the quays, you will appreciate the houses on the right bank. This pleasant walk takes you to discover bourgeois houses, on stilts or half-timbered.
Step 3: Neanderthal site of Regourdou
800 meters above the Lascaux cave, in Montignac-Lascaux in Dordogne, the Regourdou Neanderthal Site is a major archaeological site. The story of the discovery is told to you in an exceptional place containing the oldest Neanderthal burial in Western Europe.
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