which dordogne caves AND in which order?
 

Hi - have read conflcting info on which caves to visit and in which order. We will be staying near Sarlat for a week June 25-July 2. Going with DH and 2 kids, 12 and 14. Thanks

Pech Merle is breathtaking - wonderful paintings.

Perhaps it was a great guide, but I was glad we visited Lascaux II first since so much history and background information about the prehistory of the area was provided. We later visited Font de Gaume, Rouffignac and the wonderful little Grotte du Sorcier. Each unique and fascinating.

We loved Font de Gaume.....so eerie, I think because it was not a reproduction.

It has been several years since we were there, but my husband and I loved Font de Gaume and Pech Merle. Also, while not a cave, more a cliff dwelling, the Roque St. Christophe was very worthwhile.

I agree that Pech Merle is breathtaking, and was glad I saw it last, but it isn't actually in the Dordogne, is it? I think it's in Lot.

I was very pleased with my choice of caves in the Dordogne -- les Combarelles (engravings, not chromatic paintings, and NOT for the claustrophobic!), Roque St. Christophe (as noted, a cliff dwelling used well into modern times), the Abri de Cap Blanc (another cliff dwelling with unusual deep-relief sculptural work), Font de Gaume (glorious chromatic paintings), and Lascaux II (well worth seeing, IMO, even though it is a reproduction).

I would worry less about the order than about whether you can get reservations.

Thanks all. Pech Merle is too far to drive. Have not been able to secure reservations for any yet. Some have suggested to see Lascaux II first and others last but it seems that the explanations there will help at the other caves.

Think twice about Pech Merle. Everything is original, and from some aspects, you find the best paintings of all prehistoric sites there. I would go as long as it is open to the public. Who knows when it will be closed for tourists?

Actually, if you don't have enough time see only Pech Merle and skip the others.

Peche Merle looks astounding but it is almost 2 hr drive from our base in Sarlat. Question-(sorry but have no sense of direction).
When we leave Sarlat we then drive to Goult in Provence. Is Peche Merle on way by chance?

look at viamichelin.com

2 hours to see Pech Merle is not a heavy price to pay.
But it is your trip.

BTW, unlike most (all?) of the caves with prehistoric art in the Dordogne, Pech Merle has some stunning geological features -- stalactites and stalagmites and a stunning variety of unusual formations. I would have enjoyed it for just that; add in some of the most extraordinary prehistoric art anywhere, and OMG!!! So I, personally, would have thought it worth a long drive. And if you can, I would make it the last of your caves.

Bookmarking

Hi plambers

I think with Lascaux II and the Roque St. Christophe (which I've actually been to twice as I think you really get the idea of how/where prehistoric people lived and its a wonderful setting) you have two outstanding cave/shelter experiences. You can always seek more/better/original but sometimes those long drives take away the pleasure and I think you can overload on "pre-histoire" if your not careful.

Best

Peter Horrocks

La Roque-St-Christophe is not just a prehistoric site, at all. It represents 100,000 years of habitation, only a small part of which was prehistoric. It's one of the most magnificent sites in the Dordogne.

I know I'm going against the grain here, but we both found Lascaux II a real disappointment. We couldn't get by the fact it was an imitation of the real thing, it felt sterile to me, and don't go if you're claustrophobic.

Now Peche Merle, that was amazing! If you're looking for an English tour, they were infrequent in September, but summer you may have more choice. Totally worth the drive from Sarlat.

The whole family will enjoy La Roque St, Christophe, and while not a prehistoric cave, we really loved Gouffre de Padirac.

We got back last night from Provence and Nice, and we both agreed that we would go back to the Dordogne before returning to Provence!

Sugarmaple, I have been to Provence before but in early June. I so want to see the lavender bloom so we will be there mid July. I have to say at one point I considered staying in the Dordogne area for 2 weeks and not doing Provence but want kids to get a good overview.

Roque St Christope is in too. Thanks all.

Hi plambers, If I realized you were going to Provence as well, I wouldn't have made such a comment! I really dislike it when folks pooh pooh thoughtful decisions already made.

SM, no offense taken at all. I am just so excited to see this area and folks seem to love it.