Dordogne Day Tour : Prehistory and the Art of the Caves From Sarlat

Exploring the prehistoric wonders of Dordogne is a captivating journey that transports us back in time. On this comprehensive day tour from Sarlat, we’ll dive into the region’s rich cultural heritage, uncovering the secrets of the world’s largest Paleolithic artifact collection and marveling at the awe-inspiring cave art. With an expert guide by our side, we’re about to embark on an unforgettable adventure that promises to leave us with a deeper appreciation for our distant ancestors and the enduring legacy they’ve left behind.

Key Points

• This full-day small-group excursion from Sarlat focuses on exploring the prehistoric heritage of the Dordogne region.
• Highlights include visits to the National Prehistory Museum, Lascaux IV, and Rouffignac Cave, all of which offer immersive experiences in the birthplace of human creativity.
• The tour includes professional, English-speaking driver guides who provide live commentary, as well as entrance fees and lunch.
• The tour is suitable for ages 4 and up, with a maximum of 8 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.
• Visitors praise the knowledgeable guides and the unique experiences, such as the electric train ride through Rouffignac Cave, though some report timing and group size issues at Lascaux IV.

Tour Overview

The Dordogne Day Tour is a full-day small-group excursion from Sarlat that allows us to explore the region’s rich prehistoric heritage.

We’ll visit the National Prehistory Museum, home to the world’s largest Paleolithic artifact collection. Next, we’ll skip the line and enter Lascaux IV, a reconstruction of the famous Lascaux cave and its prehistoric reliefs.

Our journey continues with Rouffignac Cave, where we’ll see original drawings over 15,000 years old.

With entrance fees, a professional guide, and lunch included, this highly-rated tour provides an immersive experience in the birthplace of human creativity.

Inclusions and Logistics

As part of the Dordogne Day Tour, we’ll enjoy a wide range of inclusions to make our experience seamless and enjoyable.

Our entrance fees to the Prehistory Museum, Lascaux IV, and Rouffignac Cave are covered. We’ll have a professional, English-speaking driver guide providing live commentary throughout.

Lunch and gratuities are included, too. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at our hotel, with a meeting point at Place Pasteur in Sarlat.

With a maximum of 8 travelers, we’ll have a personalized experience. Just remember to dress warmly for the cave temperatures, and infant seats are available upon request.

Tour Details and Recommendations

Departing at 9 am (8:30 am in July), our Dordogne Day Tour is designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of the region’s prehistoric wonders.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, we do offer infant seats upon request. As the caves maintain a constant temperature of 13°C (56°F), we recommend bringing warm clothing. Unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

• The tour isn’t suitable for children under 4 years old.
• We’ll take an electric train ride deep into Rouffignac Cave to view its 15,000-year-old drawings.
• Our expert guides, like Benoit and Martin, will provide insightful explanations of the cave art and prehistoric life.

Some guests have noted issues with timing and group size at Lascaux IV, so we suggest considering a private tour for larger groups.

Tour Experience and Highlights

Our knowledgeable guides, such as Benoit and Martin, consistently earn praise from travelers for their insightful commentary on prehistoric life.

Visitors highlight the unique experiences during the tour, including riding an electric train through the Rouffignac Cave and receiving detailed explanations about the cave art.

Many reviewers recommend the tour for its exceptional educational value, praising the memorable visits to the museum and caves.

While some feedback noted timing and group size issues at Lascaux IV, the majority of reviews emphasize the small group dynamics and the overall exceptional quality of the tour experience.

Customer Feedback and Considerations

The majority of reviews for this tour are overwhelmingly positive, with travelers highlighting the expertise of the guides and the small group dynamics as key strengths.

However, some feedback pointed to a few areas of consideration:

• Issues with timing and group size at the Lascaux IV cave, suggesting a desire for more time in certain areas.

• Mixed experiences regarding language barriers during French-led segments of the tour.

• Suggestions for private tours for larger groups to allow for more flexibility.

Exploring the National Prehistory Museum

What’ll we discover at the National Prehistory Museum in Les Eyzies de Tayac? This acclaimed museum houses the world’s largest collection of Paleolithic artifacts, providing a window into our prehistoric past.

We’ll explore the museum’s exhibits, which showcase tools, weapons, and artwork created by our ancestors thousands of years ago. From stunning cave paintings to intricate stone carvings, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the lives and cultures of our early human species.

With knowledgeable guides to bring these artifacts to life, we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and artistry of our prehistoric forebears.

Discovering Lascaux IV Cave

After exploring the remarkable artifacts at the National Prehistory Museum, we’ll venture to the reconstructed Lascaux IV cave.

Here, we’ll witness the stunning replica of the original Lascaux cave and its awe-inspiring prehistoric reliefs:

• The cave is a precise recreation, allowing us to experience the true scale and atmosphere of the original.

• Detailed explanations from our knowledgeable guide will bring the cave’s ancient artwork to life.

• We’ll marvel at the incredible preservation and technical mastery of the Paleolithic artists.

• The cave’s controlled environment ensures the perfect temperature and lighting to appreciate the cave’s beauty.

Uncovering the Secrets of Rouffignac Cave

Next, we’ll explore the captivating Rouffignac Cave, home to an abundance of original prehistoric drawings that have survived for over 15,000 years.

On an electric train, we’ll venture deep underground, witnessing first-hand the remarkable prehistoric artworks adorning the cave walls. Our guide will provide detailed explanations, bringing these ancient images to life and shedding light on the lives and practices of our ancestors.

The temperature inside the cave is a cool 13°C, so we’ll want to dress warmly.

Prepare to be awestruck by this unique window into the distant past, a humbling reminder of our shared human heritage.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive Dordogne Day Tour offers a captivating journey through the region’s rich prehistoric heritage. From the impressive National Prehistory Museum to the awe-inspiring Lascaux IV and Rouffignac Cave, we’ll uncover the secrets of our ancient ancestors. With an expert guide and a small group setting, we’re sure to come away with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable chapter in human history.