Lascaux: Dive into Prehistoric Art from Sarlat | Complete Guide
September 14 2025
en esImagine yourself face to face with our ancestors, contemplating works created over 17,000 years ago. Just a few kilometers from Sarlat, the Lascaux cave offers a unique experience where every brushstroke tells a millennial story. Dive into the heart of the Périgord Noir, a region rich in prehistoric heritage, and let yourself be enchanted by these remarkable cave paintings.
1. The Millennial History of Lascaux
The Lascaux cave was discovered almost miraculously on September 12, 1940, during the German occupation, by four teenagers: Marcel Ravidat, Jacques Marsal, Georges Agniel, and Simon Coencas, accompanied by their faithful dog Robot. While searching for their dog, they discovered a cavity adorned with splendid parietal paintings of an astonishing bestiary.
By the light of their torches, they found themselves face to face with a living testimony of the past, art that would revolutionize the understanding of prehistory. Their emotion was immense, an open door to a millennial universe revealing the profound relationship between man and nature.
2. Art That Tells Stories
The paintings of Lascaux represent more than 600 animals, such as bison, horses, deer, and aurochs, with dynamic shapes painted using natural pigments. They tell stories of hunting practices, spirituality, and the symbolism of prehistoric humans.
The technique used combines hand painting and blowing, while some details show a mastery of the natural relief of the walls to give volume to the figures. These works are marvels of expression, which still invite numerous interpretations of their deep meanings today.
3. Lascaux Today: Between Preservation and Innovation
Due to the fragility of the original site, opened in 1948, and to preserve these treasures, the cave was closed to the public in 1963. Since then, several faithful replicas have been created: Lascaux II inaugurated in 1983, then Lascaux IV, more immersive and accessible, using advanced digital technologies.
Today, visitors can experience an immersive visit thanks to 3D projections, virtual reality, and interactive tours, combining heritage respect with technological innovation to relive the magic of this discovery.
4. Your Art & Prehistory Stay in Sarlat
From Sarlat, you can organize a complete tour including the visit to Lascaux, the National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies, as well as other decorated caves in the Périgord. Sarlat and its surroundings offer an ideal setting, rich in history and gastronomy, to extend this plunge into prehistory.
Stay in Sarlat offers comfortable accommodations and personalized support to organize your stay and discover the jewels of local heritage.
Book your accommodation now with Stay in Sarlat and its Sarlovèze apartment!
Conclusion
Lascaux is much more than an archaeological site; it is an invitation to travel back in time, to feel the power of human expression at its beginnings. Don't wait to live this unique adventure from Sarlat, stay with Stay in Sarlat and let yourself be transported into the fascinating world of prehistory.
Book your stay now and discover Lascaux, an UNESCO jewel and a treasure of the world heritage.
Opening hours and booking rates for Lascaux IV in 2025:
• From February 7 to April 4: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• From April 5 to July 4: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• From July 5 to July 27: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
• From July 26 to August 22: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• From August 23 to November 2: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• From November 3 to January 4, 2026: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Last admission is 2 hours before closing.
2025 rates
• Full adult price (from 13 years old): €23
• Reduced price: €22
• Children (5-12 years): €15
• Free for children under 5
• Combined tickets and flexible options available (see official site)
Tickets can be booked online on the official Lascaux site to guarantee access to the visit.
Useful links:
- Official Lascaux website
- Montignac Tourist Office
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Other caves in Dordogne
- Accommodation in Sarlat