Lascaux cave

The Lascaux cave, located in the Vézère Valley of the Dordogne department, is one of the most significant sites of Paleolithic cave paintings in the world. Discovered on September 12, 1940, by four teenagers, the cave contains over 600 paintings and nearly 1,500 engravings from the Upper Paleolithic period, dating back approximately 17,000 to 20,000 years. The depictions primarily feature large animals such as aurochs, stags, and horses, with the 'Hall of the Bulls' being the most famous ensemble. Due to damage caused by carbon dioxide and fungal growth from mass tourism, the original cave was closed to the public in 1963 to preserve the artifacts. Since then, several faithful replicas like Lascaux II, III, and IV have been created to allow the public to experience prehistoric art. Since 1979, Lascaux has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage list and is often referred to as the 'Sistine Chapel of Prehistory'.

Nearby cities

Bordeaux

Bordeaux, located on the banks of the Garonne, is the world capital of wine.

Limoges-sur-Vienne

This urban area is part of the Limoges metropolitan region.

Limoges

Limoges is known worldwide for its porcelain and combines craftsmanship, history, and a peaceful setting on the Vienne River.

Poitiers

Poitiers is a historic city with Romanesque churches and a long role as an educational and administrative center.

Pessac

Pessac is a dynamic city in the Bordeaux metropolitan area, renowned for its prestigious wine estates and modern architectural heritage.

Niort

Niort is the gateway to the Marais Poitevin and also an important administrative and insurance center.

Brive-la-Gaillarde

Brive-la-Gaillarde is a lively market town in Corrèze with strong local cuisine and a well-known bazaar.

Angoulême

Angoulême overlooks the Charente and is known as France's comic-book capital and for its city walls.

Bordeaux-Sud

The southern area of Bordeaux includes both residential areas and modern scientific institutions.

Talence

A key university and sports hub in the Bordeaux metropolitan area, world-renowned for the Decastar athletics meeting.

Mont-de-Marsan

Mont-de-Marsan is the 'city of three rivers' and the capital of the Landes department, famous for its sculptures and Gascon culture.

Périgueux

Périgueux is the capital of Périgord and combines Roman traces with a pretty old town and markets.

Agen

Agen sits on the Garonne and is known across France as the capital of prunes and the southwestern way of life.

Villenave-d'Ornon

A lush southern suburb of Bordeaux, famous for its world-class wineries in the Pessac-Léognan appellation.

Saint-Médard-en-Jalles

Saint-Médard-en-Jalles is a major city near Bordeaux, renowned as a hub for the European aerospace and defense industry.