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    Montignac-Lascaux

    France

    Montignac-Lascaux

    VillageCulture

    Montignac-Lascaux in the Périgord Noir is the gateway to the Lascaux cave art. Above the town, the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal, known as Lascaux IV, showcases a faithful replica of the cave discovered in 1940.

    by Felix Gillen

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    7. Dordogne (Périgord)
    9. Montignac-Lascaux
    Montignac-Lascaux in the Périgord Noir is the gateway to the Lascaux cave art. Above the town, the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal, known as Lascaux IV, showcases a faithful replica of the cave discovered in 1940. The town itself lies on the Vézère and boasts narrow streets with stone and half-timbered houses, as well as a riverside promenade. It's best to book tickets for Lascaux IV online in advance; the early morning and late afternoon are quieter.

    Points of Interest

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Château de la Petite Filolie

    1Château de la Petite Filolie

    The Château de la Petite Filolie is located a few kilometres northeast of Montignac-Lascaux in the hilly landscape of the Périgord Noir. This light limestone country estate is characteristic of the manor houses that were built in the area from the Middle Ages to modern times and rebuilt multiple times. Our tip: Find out beforehand if and when the estate is accessible.
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    Lascaux IV (International Center for Parietal Art)

    2Lascaux IV (International Center for Parietal Art)

    The Centre International de l'Art Pariétal, known as Lascaux IV, showcases a replica of the Lascaux Cave on the hillside above Montignac. The original cave was discovered in 1940, and its paintings are dated to approximately 17,000 years ago. It was closed to visitors in 1963 because breath and light damaged the paintings. The center, which opened in 2016, reproduces the painted chambers down to the unevenness of the rock. Afterward, exhibition rooms with digital media explain the techniques, motifs, and historical context of the cave art. A practical tip: Tickets are time-specific; book them in advance, especially during high season.
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    3Fontaine des Pères

    The Fontaine des Pères is an old fountain in Montignac, near the Vézère and the old town. This simple stone structure makes for a brief stop during a stroll through the town. Our tip: Combine it with a walk over the old bridge and along the riverside road.
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    4The Thot Park

    The Parc du Thot is located a few kilometers southwest of Montignac near Thonac in the Vézère Valley and complements a visit to Lascaux IV. The animal park is home to species that correspond to or resemble the animals in the cave paintings, such as European bison, Przewalski's horses, deer, and ibex. Exhibitions and demonstrations explain how Stone Age people lived, hunted, and created their art. Our Tip: Plan your visit to Thot directly after Lascaux IV; combi-tickets are available. It's quieter in the morning and during the low season.
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    5Höhle von Lascaux

    The Lascaux Cave, near Montignac-Lascaux in France, houses some of the most significant prehistoric cave paintings in the world. Discovered in 1940, these artworks from the Upper Paleolithic, approximately 17,000 years old, depict impressive representations of animals such as bulls, horses, and deer. To protect the original cave, which has been closed to the public since 1963, you visit Lascaux IV today, a faithful replica. Here, you can experience the artworks in an authentically recreated environment that captures the atmosphere of the original. The precise reproduction allows you to study the fine details and coloring of the paintings without impairment. Our tip: A visit in the early morning or late afternoon helps avoid larger crowds and better absorb the quiet, contemplative atmosphere. Plan enough time to explore the various sections and the accompanying exhibitions on Stone Age art.
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    City walks in Montignac-Lascaux

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    In the Footsteps of the Cave Painters: The Lascaux Experience

    Immerse yourself in the world of prehistoric art and discover the centrepiece of Montignac-Lascaux: the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal. This walk leads you straight to the famous Lascaux IV, explores the surroundings that led to the discovery of the original cave, and offers deep insights into Ice Age art and its discovery. Experience the magic of prehistoric masterpieces, surrounded by the nature of the Vézère Valley.

    ~2 Std. 30 Min.
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    Stops (6)

    Dining & Drinks

    Willny’s Café

    Café in 53 Rue du Quatre Septembre.
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    L'INATTENDU RESTAURANT

    Restaurant in 39 Rue du Quatre Septembre.
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    Le Tablier Noir

    Restaurant in 41 Rue du Quatre Septembre.
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    Le Relais De Montignac

    Restaurant in 16 Rue du Quatre Septembre.
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    Spice it up!

    Restaurant in Pl. Carnot.
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    Food and Drink

    Montignac is a market town on the river Vézère. The cuisine is Périgord, with duck, walnuts, and mushrooms at its heart.

    Duck dishes

    Confit, Magret and Foie Gras define the menus. Many local farms sell their preserves directly from the farm.

    Mushrooms of the forest

    In autumn, porcini and chanterelles emerge from the valley's oak forests. They are sautéed with garlic and parsley.

    Walnut products

    Oil, cake, and liqueur from walnuts with Protected Designation of Origin. A walnut museum nearby explains their cultivation.

    Market on Wednesday Morning

    The weekly market fills the riverside street. In summer, it's joined by an evening market with ready-to-eat stalls.

    Art, Culture and History of Montignac-Lascaux

    Montignac-Lascaux in the Périgord Noir is closely linked to prehistoric art. The Vézère Valley, with its caves and archaeological sites, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.The Lascaux Cave was discovered in 1940 and contains some of the most famous Upper Paleolithic paintings. The original cave has been closed to visitors since 1963, and Lascaux IV has showcased a precise replica since 2016.The town of Montignac developed along the Vézère and experienced a golden age in the Middle Ages. Narrow streets and stone houses characterize the townscape, along with remnants of Montignac Castle, which once secured the river crossing. Contemporary architecture was added with the Lascaux IV building, designed by the architectural firm Snøhetta.The cuisine of Périgord, with truffles, Foie Gras, and walnut products, shapes daily life; weekly markets and summer evening markets are part of local life.

    Travel Locally

    Explore Montignac's town center and riverbanks on foot; Lascaux IV is situated about two kilometers outside on the hillside. For excursions to the other sites in the Vézère Valley, a car is the most flexible solution. Bike rentals offer an alternative for shorter distances.

    Accommodations in Montignac-Lascaux

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    Campgrounds in Montignac-Lascaux

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    Nearby

    Dordogne (Périgord)

    Dordogne (Périgord)

    The Dordogne, historically known as Périgord, is located in southwest France. The region is renowned for prehistoric cave art, medieval castles overlooking the river valley, villages of pale limestone, and a cuisine featuring duck, truffles, and walnuts.
    Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Sarlat-la-Canéda, the capital of the Périgord Noir, captivates with its exceptionally well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. Here you'll find an abundance of golden stone buildings, winding alleys, and charming squares that reflect the region's history. Highlights include the Place de la Liberté with its bustling market activity, especially on Saturdays, and the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos. Explore the narrow passages leading to hidden courtyards, and discover historic buildings such as the birthplace of Étienne de La Boétie. The city is also a hub for regional gastronomy, renowned for truffles, foie gras, and walnuts, which you can find in the local markets. To experience the authentic atmosphere without large crowds, a visit during the off-season is recommended, ideally in spring or autumn. For a comprehensive impression of the old town, you should take your time to appreciate the architectural details and sample the local specialties.
    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in the Périgord Noir is known for its castle perched high above the Dordogne. The Château de Castelnaud was repeatedly held by the English during the Hundred Years' War, facing the French-held Château de Beynac. The complex, temporarily in ruins, was restored from the 1960s and now hosts the Musée de la Guerre au Moyen Âge with weapons, armour, and recreated siege engines. The village, with its stone houses and narrow alleys, nestles against the castle rock. It's best to combine your visit with Beynac on the opposite river bank. During the off-season, it is significantly quieter than in summer.
    Domme

    Domme

    Domme, a 13th-century bastide, perches on a rocky plateau with expansive views over the Dordogne Valley. Its golden stone houses define the town's character, which you can explore through its narrow streets and the central Place de la Halle, where the Porte des Tours features historical Templar graffiti. A highlight is the Grottes de Domme, a cave system beneath the town, accessible by elevator. The Belvédère de la Barre offers panoramic views of the river's meanders and surrounding villages. Visit Domme in the early morning or late afternoon to savour its special atmosphere in peace.
    Périgueux

    Périgueux

    Périgueux, the capital of Périgord, unites Roman history with medieval charm. Discover the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Front, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose Byzantine-inspired domes evoke Venice. The winding streets of the medieval old town reveal half-timbered houses and Renaissance palaces. Experience the city's Roman origins as Vesunna at the Musée Gallo-Romain de Vesunna, built around the remains of a Roman villa. The lively weekly markets (Wednesdays and Saturdays are best) are ideal for sampling regional specialties like truffles and foie gras. For a relaxed visit, spring or autumn is recommended to avoid the crowds.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI