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Prehistoric caves, remarkable sites to visit in the Dordogne!

Prehistoric sites abound in the Périgord. Caves, shelters and other traces of ancient settlements can still be found in the region. It is estimated that the oldest traces date back over 400,000 years! There are many exceptional places to discover. From Eyzies to Lascaux IV, discover the past and travel back in time during your stay in the Périgord!

Natural masterpieces …

The concretions formed in caves come in all shapes and colors, and it’s these that give a cave its originality. It’s always a pleasure to listen to a guide explain the formation of these incredible natural objects, or if we’ve already understood everything, to watch our children marvel at these phenomena! If you’re staying at Les Ventoulines, we recommend a visit to the grotte de Domme, which is just a few minutes from the estate, and has the unique feature of being under the village! There are many other caves and chasms with concretions in our region, and you can find the best ones in the little guide we sent you when you booked, to help you plan your stay.

…used by early man

In France, the Périgord region is considered one of the cradles of European civilization. To date, 50 caves, shelters and burial sites have been discovered here. Prehistoric sites have been found throughout the region, particularly in the Périgord Noir.

If you like spectacular sites, don’t hesitate to visit the rock shelters at Laugerie Basse, Pataud or Cap Blanc. And thanks to the limestone-rich subsoil, numerous caves have been formed. Some are sanctuaries, meaning that prehistoric man did not live in them. Others, on the other hand, were the scene of the lives of our ancestors. The decorated walls are exceptional, and we recommend the Cougnac cave to observe authentic drawings made by our distant ancestors – a guaranteed thrill, and not just because of the coolness of the cave!

Of course, Lascaux is a must for learning and understanding. Other sites with archaeological remains are also worth a visit. We particularly recommend Castel Merle, Régourdou and Laugerie Haute.