So I've done what Rick's France 2011 book advised and emailed for reservations for an English language tour of Font de Gaume. We are planning on going on our last day in the Dordogne region, which is a Sunday. It turns out that particular Sunday is a free day, which is great for my pocketbook but they don't take reservations for that day. All tickets are distributed on a first come first serve basis beginning at 9:30a, but of course they limit tickets to just 200 people. I'm wondering if anyone else has toured on such a day and what experience you had in actually getting tickets and also an English language tour. I'm worried that we won't be able to get in and/or won't get an English tour (I only speak a little French) and as it will be our last day in the area we won't have another opportunity to see it. Should I re-arrange my plans and go on a different day? Or am I being too paranoid? I'd appreciate some insight from those who have been there. Thanks!
Colleen
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Wild guess is the odds are slim of even getting in, much less on a particular tour - - especially in the summer. I've stopped by there and tried to get people in on the same day with no luck - - and I was willing to do the translating so didn't care which tour was available. To the best of my memory it was in the spring, but definitely not summer.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
Change your plans and opt for a confirmed booking -- it'll be the only way if you want to do it. You won't have a chance on that day. 200 people per day is the total; there is only ONE tour time for English, at 11AM, with mandatory check-in at 10:30, and that only accounts for a fraction of that 200 people. It's inexpensive at 7 euros per person + a booking fee of 1.50 on the total... bite the bullet and change your plans if seeing the cave is worth it to you. This one and Pech Merle are quite a unique and awesome experience. I suspect that any access at all will eventually cease or become even more restricted, for the sake of preserving these treasures of humanity's past.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, USA
125 posts
That's what I suspected, I should have gone with my gut! I'll plan it for a different day we're there. Thanks so much for the reality check!
Posted by
Tumwater, WA, United States
118 posts
I would go with the reserved tickets. My wife and I visited Font de Gaume a couple years ago and could not get tickets for the english language tour so went on a french speaking one. The place is so fantastic that we loved the experience even though we understood very little. There were a couple people on the tour that transalated to those of us who could not speak french. The only trouble we had was finding the place. Be sure you have good directions and leave plenty of time in case you make a wrong turn or two like we did. Have a great time in the Dordogne.