Dordogne caves and castles question: Ever since learning about the painted caves many years ago it has been my goal to see them! I am planning on Lascaux, Font de Gaume, and Rouffignac and also a day trip to see Pech Merle. I am wondering about some of the smaller/lesser known caves and cliff dwellings if any are worth visiting? Many of them seem to have tours of an hour so it seems doable. Comberelles, Abri du Cap Blanc, Abri Poissson, Grotte de Sorciere, Roque St Christophe, Abri de le Madeleine are a few in the Les Eyzies area that look interesting. Cougnac going SE on the way to Pech Merle also, and since we are flying into Bordeux maybe stop at Pair non Pair. We plan on Beynac and Castlenaud since they are iconic castles, also Chateux Milandes as I am interested in Josephine Baker. Any other castles worth visiting for history? We also plan a canoe trip down the Dordogne. The rest of our time would be just strolling villages and some short hikes(and eating of course!). Thanks so much for any ideas from those who have been there or live there!
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1289 posts
Depending on when you are going, take a look to see what town has recently hosted the Felibree. This year it was Sarlat-le-Caneda in early July. There may be decorations (strings of fake flowers) still up. When I was there in late September 2018, the Felibree had been in St. Cyprien. Driving through here by chance was how I found out about it. Very cool and unique displays.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2325 posts
Can't comment on small caves, but I have visited Chateux Milandes and really enjoyed it. I particularly like her costume exhibit and the information on her intelligence role in WWII.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
5314 posts
Those three caves and two castles are the same that I've visited and all worthy. Font de Gaume tickets can be hard to get. Start researching now to prepare. Here's a link to my Trip Report from last Fall if you're looking for more ideas. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-part-2-hills-and-castles-dordogne
Posted by
France Southwest
3120 posts
Regarding these sites:
L'Abri du Cap Blanc
L'Abri du Poisson
Font de Gaumes
Combarelles
Information and ticketing are available on the "Prehistoric Sites of the Vézère Valley" website.
Tickets:
https://tickets.monuments-nationaux.fr/en-GB/families
There are specific time slots for tours in English.
Given the number of things to do and places to see, for other caves, shelters, troglodyte sites, castles, villages, and various activities, see if my map can be of any help to you. It includes website addresses and brief descriptions.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1OdPOg8AgsNn0Jlv1cNHkujaWv9p_Jpc&usp=sharing
Posted by
California
28 posts
Good lists of archeological sites. I’m more partial to that dimension of the Dordogne, but chateaux are wonderful as well. So, for the sites, especially caves, your one hour horizon is optimistic. Most require you arrive 30 minutes prior, even with tickets, and there’s usually some introductory comments before entering the actual cave. Cap Blanc is great and has large carved horses that anyone would appreciate. I would highly recommend Combarelles.
Many caves don’t have many English tours, but operators don’t mind non-French speakers on tours… just follow the penlight lines with all of your concentration and read up a bit. Prep your mind for looking at faint lines from the many excellent books with photos. A visit to Lascaux IV before viewing actual caves is a really good idea.