Are there French pre-historic caves that are still open to visitors?

Quick answer- No.

Cecily, google Lascaux, France.

The actual cave at Lascaux is closed to the public. You can view a reproduction only (which they call Lascaux II). There is a cave in northern Spain that has prehistoric cave paintings and is still open to the public, however. It is called Tito Bustillo Cave, and is in the town of Ribadesella. It contains not only images of horses and bison, but is also somewhat famous for its "prehistoric porno" -- depictions of, well, women's nether regions.

Cecily - we visited Peche Merle caves in France. We were able to go into the actual cave, unlike Lascaux where you can only visit the reproduction. I believe Peche Merle is still open to the public - we got the information from RS France tourbook.

Lascaux II is pretty special.And regarding Nancy's post re the prehistoric porno, it appears that men have not evolved much in the last few thousand years, right ladies?

Thanks everyone. I will look into these.

Kent, that's what I told my Spanish friend when he warned me what we would see there. :)

Lascaux II has limited English-speaking tours. Call ahead. The entire area around it is beautiful and worth touring on its own.

Yes, many, too many to count. Not all of them worth a trip to see.

Not all in SW France, though there are lots of fine ones there (Peche Merle is amazing, Font de Gaume worth a visit). Google "Vezere Valley Caves" for some idea.

There is lots else to see, do, and eat in that lovely region if you have the time to get there.

Arguably these caves should not be open to the public--but as long as they are open people will go, and as long as people are going you might as well be one of them.

I was in Font de Gaume last summer while we were in the beautiful Dordogne Valley area. The tour was ok. Maybe I built myself up as I have been hoping all my life to visit a prehistoric cave w/ paintings. I still think it is worth a visit as someday they will all be closed to public view. I wish now I would have also gone to peche merle also to compare.

Kent and Nancy, I'm appalled. I can't believe you assume it was a man who painted it. LOL!

I didn't assume a man painted it, just that the men enjoyed it. But judging by the fact that it was female parts, yes, I would tend to assume it was a male artist. :)