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France + Caves: Font-de-Gaume

Who has been to any of the painted caves in France? Any recommendations to a particular one? Planning a trip to France in May 2014. Thanks!

Posted by
9110 posts

I've seen them all including the original Lasaux and Altamira.

Pech Merle is the best that remains open in either France or Spain.

Posted by
4181 posts

I''ve been to Font-de-Gaume and the Lascaux replica. Both were amazing to me. If you haven't already, go to this French cultural site to get an idea of what they are like: http://www.lascaux.culture.fr/?lng=en#/fr/00.xml.

Something else not often mentioned and well worth seeing in the area is the Maison Forte de Reignac: http://www.maison-forte-reignac.com/#. Some of the website is in English and some is in French.

We hired a guide to take us around because we didn't have a car. He made all the arrangements, taught us a lot about the area and took us to the Maison which had recently opened at the time. Seeing it and the cliffs in the same Vezere river valley where people lived from prehistoric times to as recently as the early 20th century was fascinating. If Phillippe (http://allophilippetaxi.monsite-orange.fr/) is still doing tours, he is well worth the money.

Posted by
435 posts

I have been to Font-de-Gaume and it was fascinating, as were the two pre-history museums in the same town. I think you should see Font-de-Gaume and any other caves you are able to book. Have a great trip!