Visiting prehistoric caves

R. Steves' France book has lots of info on this. But you can go to: http://www.lascaux.culture.fr/infos_pratiques.php?lng=fr

I found this reservation number : tél : +33 (0)5 53 05 65 65.

If you're looking for real caves you can still get into, try Grotte de Font-de-Gaume. It's the last cave in Europe with prehistoric polychromatic painting that's still open to the public. Nearest village is Les Eyzies. My wife and I were there last summer and we reserved at: [email protected].

LOVED the Dordogne - do the canoe ride!

Go to about.com and type this in the search box: James Martin AND lascaux. It brings up lots of information on that region. Also, if you can still get yesterdays NYTimes travel section, page 3 "Q & A Basque country and the Pyrennes, " discusses several of the caves in that region. (We plan to visit them sometime in the next few years.) I tried to find the article on their web site, but no luck.

The cave that Dale mentioned above is NOT the only cave in Europe with prehistoric polychromatic cave paintings that is open to the public, though perhaps it is the only one in France. Tito Bustillo cave, in Ribadesella, Spain is also open to the public, and has free tours (in Spanish only) on Wednesdays (not sure of the admission price on other days).

It is a good idea to book ahead, especially in high season, but there is no need to panic this far in advance.

Font du Gaume is worthwhile, but hardly the only or even the best. In that region I like the Grotte du Peche Merle.

I recommend that you skip Lascaux II, because it's a reproduction; and go for the real thing at Font de Gaume. (You'll still need reservations, especially in July.) Close by is Abri du Cap Blanc, a 42 ft. relief carving of horses, including a species now extinct. See it, too. The town of Les Eyzies also houses the National Museum of Prehistory. My guidebook gives this phone # for reservations for many of the sights in that area: 05 53 06 86 00 and this website: www.leseyzies.com/grottes-ornees

It's worth considering the reason for Lascaux II. It was created because tourists loved the original cave to death. The carbon dioxide from their breathing threatened to destroy the paintings. It's the same with the other caves.

So I wouldn't reject it because it isn't "authentic". Your visit to the other caves does cause a cost.

Loved the Dordogne. Didn't care for Lascau II.

I love history - at least history I can grasp as comprehensible. Ancient history isn't to me. I wasn't impressed with stonehenge either, though.

If anyone is concerned because Lascaux II is not "authentic" then they should also be concerned about Carcassonne as well. Lascaux's reproduction is a LOT more authentic, actually, than Carcassonne.

.....ah, but Carcassonne was restored a couple of hundred years ago and Lascaux II was only done late yesterday afternoon or something..... :)

Karen,

I agree with the previous post that suggested the Caves near Les Eyzies, as that will allow you to also visit the Museum of Prehistory (it's very interesting).

Of course, if you have time a leisurely canoe ride down the Dordogne would also be an awesome way to spend an afternoon (I did that last year).

Happy travels!

Here's the list of things to see in France:

1. Paris

2. National Museum of Prehistory

3. All other miscellaneous stuff