Hi, I’m traveling from Chartres to Nice with RSE in fall 2026, and our tour will visit Rouffignac, not Lascaux this year. Should I plan a side trip now to Lascaux IV or not? (Need to get ticket/tour before trip, I’m sure.) I don’t think it would be a wasted day if I didn’t go, since the region is rich in places to see and things to do, but Lascaux was the “wow” moment of many (I always read reviews). And I know I can find part day tours from Sarlat, or travel independently by cab - I don’t think it’s far. The basic question is should I ‘spend’ my free-to-go-anywhere-do anything day in ‘another’ cave! Thanks!!
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
5833 posts
We did that tour in 2019 and on the first day I had mentioned to our guide that I wanted to visit Lascaux. She brought it up to the group that she was going to make arrangements for me and to let her know if anyone else wanted to go. Six of us did and she arranged a driver and tickets at about €20pp. I loved Lascaux and would have regretted not going.
As it turns out, I loved the Dordogne portion of our tour so much that we returned a couple of years ago and stayed for a week in Beynac.
Posted by
Somerville, MA
798 posts
Too early to decide. It’s cool but if you aren’t a cave person you might want to spend the day along the river or visiting castles or both. After you experience the market you will probably want to explore beyond Sarlat.
Posted by
SF Bay Area
1364 posts
I thought Lascaux IV was outstanding. It will only take half a day, leaving you time to relax the rest of the day. Check, but I think you probably only need to book a few days ahead, depending on when you are going. You might even be able to decide the day before.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3222 posts
I doubt you will find a cab to drive you to Lascaux (they are few and mainly used by locals for doctor visits, etc.), but you could check with the TI for drivers on offer, or your RS tour guide may find something for you. I have been to Lascaux II, Lascaux IV, Font de Gaume and the Abri de la Madeleinne. Do go to Lascaux IV. It's a great re-creation, plus the supporting history, displays and info are well done. A half-day will do it. And you should be able to get tickets not too far in advance, it being fall. You do want to choose one of the English-speaking tours. (The website distinguishes the tours by language.) The cafe on site has decent lunch options and you can sit outside near the garden.
Where are you staying overnight...Sarlat? If you have the free time and they are not on the tour, you could spend a half-day at Beynac Castle or Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, or Marqueyssac Gardens, or the Sarlat market, or Domme....lots of options. A car is a definite need. No real public transport, so I would see about hiring a driver for the day, splitting the cost among others. (See Allen's response in this post).
Enjoy!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3222 posts
To answer your question (sorry I didn't before), YES, Lascaux IV is worth it!
Posted by
Los Angeles
255 posts
I think Lasceaux was a lot of fun. Not sure if it's feasible but Roufiggnac is honestly not that far (maybe 35-40 min max) so unless your tour is all day doing other things it might still be feasible to see both the same day.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
2022 posts
We have been to Lascaux IV twice, most recently June, 2025. Definitely worth a visit. Don't worry about booking an English tour, the audio guide is excellent and can be set to many different languages.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you, everyone! These responses all great. Yes, the tour is staying in Sarlat - and that is where we have the ‘vacation from our vacation’ day. With Lascaux close by, a side trip sounds very doable (and maybe I can gather a few other tour members to join). You all have helped a lot.