Edward2005

There is an interesting travel article on the cave paintings in southern France (link below). Any tips on incorporating any of these caves into a Dordogne itinerary?


http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/RickSte...ory?id=1248640

StCirq

From the article: <<The Grotte de Font-de-Gaume, discovered in 1901 by a village schoolteacher, is the only cave in Europe with prehistoric, multicolored paintings still open to the public.>>

Rick needs better researchers.........

Edward, there are caves and prehistoric sites all OVER the Dordogne. Incorporating them into a trip there will be as easy as driving a few miles in any direction. But for the main ones, you should get tickets in advance, especially if you need an English-language tour. Font-de-Gaume cannot even always guarantee an English tour - but it's well worth a visit anyway.

Edward2005

Thanks, StCirq. I wonder if there is a guidebook with a list and map of all the different original and replica caves? I think Steves was referring to original caves, but it would be great (for me, but maybe not the cave) if there were still lots of originals. I see if I can dig one up on Amazon.

JeanneB

I'll underline the suggestion to reserve in advance to ensure an English guide. We winged it and had to settle for a French tour. The paintings were lovely, but we missed a lot of the history.

StCirq

Combarelles has original chromatic art. Pech Merle has original chromatic art. Even the Grotte de St-Cirq has original chromatic art! And they're all original caves. The only one I know of that's NOT original is Lascaux II.

But anyway, every guidebook I have for the Dordogne describes all the prehistoric sites. I can't think of a book that just lists them all and shows where they are on a map, but any bookstore in the Dordogne, particularly any bookstore near or in Les Eyzies, has reams and reams of books about the prehistoric sites of the Dordogne, so if you can't find one with a list and a map here, you'll almost definitely find one there.

Nikki

On our recent trip to France we saw Font de Gaume, which was wonderful, and which is rumored to close to the public soon. This inspired the trip to this region. The experience was moving, an intimate encounter with art that is thousands of years old and with the people who created it. The cave is very narrow and you are startlingly close to the art. Groups are quite small. In July we reserved a month ahead by calling directly. When we arrived, people were inquiring about available tours and were told they were booked for the next month.

We also visited Pech Merle, which is a much bigger cave and which allows many more visitors. No English tours, but they give you an English handout to take along if you want it. Fascinating art and fascinating cave formations. The tour guide pointed out that since there are no differences between Cro Magnon man and modern man, we are all essentially Cro Magnon. Never looked at it that way before. We had also reserved ahead for this tour, but when we were running late that day I called and changed the time with no problem, even in July. There is a small museum on the premises with an interesting exhibit and a film.

Another interesting prehistoric site in the area is the Roque St. Christophe. Not a cave with paintings, but cliff dwellings that had been used by prehistoric occupants through medieval times.

Books I found helpful:

Michelin Green Guide to Dordogne, Berry, Limousin

The Rough Guide to the Dordogne and the Lot

Drive Around Dordogne and Western France (Thomas Cook)

ira

Hi E,

My trip report has info on various caves we visited last month.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34676645

Edward2005

Freaking sweet! Thanks everyone.

Robespierre

And Rue Cler is the <i>only</i> traditional market street in Paris!

Underhill

Not far from Champagnac de Belair is a cave on private property, entered through a caf&eacute;; archaeology buffs provide guided tours. The cave, mostly underground, is quite large and has a section toward the end with cave paintings. They give you the feel that the people who did the drawings just left--absolutely amazing.

Langcraft

Dear Edward:

Other than having been to the Lascaux caves, which are reproductions, I've visited the Grotte de Niaux, in Tarascon sur Ariege in the Ariege departement, about 10 miles south of Foix. These are ORIGINAL cave paintings, not reproductions, and surprisingly, they are still open to the public.. The area is lovely as well, right in the thick of the Pyrenees, about 1 hr south of Toulouse.

Drop me a line if you need some additional advice..