MONTIGNAC – The Vezere Valley, Valley of Prehistory and gastronomy
Staying in Montignac offers the opportunity to discover major prehistoric sites on a global scale.
The newly opened (2016) Montignac-Lascaux International Parietal Centre with its full scale replica of the original Lascaux cave, the Rouffignac cave, the Cro-Magnon shelter at Eyzies de Tayac, the Roque Saint-Christophe ... but also some of the 1001 castles of the Périgord including Hautefort, Losse or Commarque. Walk in the footsteps of our ancestors.
This valley owes its name to the river that crosses it, the Vézère. Descending from the Massif Central, the river flows through Terrasson, Montignac, Saint-Léon sur Vézère, Les Eyzies de Tayac described as the "World capital of prehistory", Le Bugue, finishing at Limeuil where it joins the Dordogne river.
Enjoy a canoe trip along the river with unspoiled, wild landscapes. Famous all over the world, the Vézère Valley is the Valley of Prehistory par excellence. With its 15 World Heritage sites classed by UNESCO in 1979, it is part of the history of humanity.
The genius of parietal art is expressed in the frescoes of the Lascaux cave at Montignac and also in the ornate caves and shelters bordering the valley of Les Eyzies de Tayac where the National Museum of Prehistory and the International Center of Prehistory remind us in particular that it is here that the Cro-Magnon Man was discovered.
The troglodyte fortresses of La Roque Saint-Christophe, La Madeleine and Reignac illustrate the turbulent history of the valley. Remarkable castles like Hautefort, Losse, Commarque, along with the city of Terrasson and its Jardins de l'Imaginaire enrich this exceptional heritage.
Prehistoric shelter of Laugerie Basse
Monuments and Cultural Heritage
18 Km leaving Les Eyzies direction Périgueux.
The prehistoric shelter of Laugerie Basse has been inhabited by our ancestors at various times, including Cro-Magnon 15,000 years ago. Listed as World Heritage of Humanity an exceptional site with 600+ works of art. A 3D film explaining the formation of this type of shelter, another room houses copies of the most beautiful pieces. The visit uses digital tablets or leaflet, guided tours in summer. Ticket grouped with the cave Grand Roc.
Why we recommend a visit !
A great family adventure in the heart of the underworld, an ideal complement after Lascaux 4 and 2. Ideal to do with family ... thanks to many digital tools and a treasure hunt on a tablet.
Losse Castle
Monuments and Cultural Heritage
4.6 Km direction Les Eyzies.
The castle, classified M.H. dominates the Vézère. Enclosed inside walls with deep moats, the medieval fortress was replaced in 1576 by an elegant Renaissance Logis. Remarkable decor and precious furniture. Renaissance style gardens classified and labelled "Remarkable Gardens
Why we recommend a visit !
After Sauveboeuf, it is the castle to visit, both for its gardens and architecture.
Commarque Castle
Monuments and Cultural Heritage
15.2 Km
Experience life from Prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, in a natural setting. Well-documented free or guided visits, exhibitions and screenings, 3D tours, free or supervised workshops, ancient games and a treasure hunt always in relation with the different eras present in Commarque.
Why we recommend a visit !
Turn pages of the History of France and Périgord. A must do !
Castelnaud castle and Middle Ages War museum
Monuments and Cultural Heritage
27.8 Km
Castelnaud, dominating the Dordogne valley with a magnificent panorama of Beynac, Marqueyssac and Roque Gageac. Open since 1985, this castle is entirely dedicated to the art of war in the Middle Ages. Discover the large collection of weapons and armour, furniture, life-size reconstructions of war machines.
Why we recommend a visit !
A real museum of war in the Middle Ages, many activities for children and experiences where children can become knights and princesses. A breath-taking view of the Dordogne River, La Roque Gageac and Beynac. An unparalleled movie set and inspiration to start your Gabarre cruise on the Dordogne. Our favorite
Lascaux II
Monuments and Cultural Heritage
1.3 Km
Lascaux II, created in 1983, is the first facsimile of the famous prehistoric cave discovered quite by chance in September 1940 by four boys. Sense the atmosphere of the world's most famous Palaeolithic sanctuary on a visit to the hall of the bulls and the Axial Diverticulum.
Why we recommend a visit !
An intimate torch-lit guided visit to live and breathe the sounds and echoes of the cave and the movement of light on the drawings of the walls of the cave. Don't miss, a beautiful experience whilst in the Dordogne.
Sauveboeuf Castle
Monuments and Cultural Heritage
3.2 Km from Montignac-Lascaux
The castle of Sauveboeuf sits between its orchards and the river. Built on the site of a 15th C fortress, the castle is razed in 1633 then rebuilt in the 17thC century by Charles Antoine de Ferrieres de Sauveboeuf: the new castle is a modern and comfortable house, with large mullioned windows andvbeautiful chimneys. Patiently restored over tens of years by its owner Claude Douce you will discover the monumental stone staircase, the dining room and its large tapestries. A superb view of the Vézère River from the Renaissance terrace.
Why we recommend a visit !
A remarkable restoration by Claude Douce. A castle like no other in Périgord: its uncluttered facade with large windows announces an architecture style Louis XIII (XVII century) in its entirety. The collections: magnificent pieces of the British Museum, Egyptian collection. You will go back to the time of the Gauls, the Romans, the renaissance and the eighteenth century, with rare paintings and furniture, not to mention the magnificent views of the Vézère. A beautiful experience.
Eyrignac Manor house and Gardens
Monuments and Cultural Heritage
18.4 Km
Midway between Montignac-Lascaux and Sarlat, Eyrignac and its 10ha gardens are considered as the most beautiful French garden of Périgord. In the same family for 22 generations, they were drawn in the 18th century and then transformed in the 19th century into English park, before returning to their original style in the 20th century.Topiary art with more than 300 unique vegetal sculptures and 50 000 yew, box and beech trees. Al fresco summer evenings with fireworks see www.happy.eyrignac.com.
Why we recommend a visit !
One of the most beautiful gardens in the Dordogne, along with Marquessac. Restaurant and shop. Unmissable
Le Thot - Espace Cro-Magnon
Monuments and Cultural Heritage
4.6 Km in Thonac.
Discover Le Thot - espace cro-magnon, the perfect complementary visit to Lascaux. Continue the magic of Lascaux in the museum with the facsimiles of paintings, Reconstitution of a workshop of Magdalenian artists. Climatology room with 3D film. Animal park with the animals painted in Lascaux: bison, deer, aurochs, etc. Online booking from April.
Why we recommend a visit !
Area of interpretation and discovery of Prehistory and Parietal Art. A site dedicated to help children understand everything a about Cromagnon. With real animals that could be seen at this time. Visit before Losse castle or Saint Léon.
A.P.A Canoes
Sports and leisure activities
4.6 Km at St-Léon-sur-Vézère.
7 courses from 4 to 30 km. Admire the prestigious sites from the Vézère River (Losse, Castel Merle, Conquil, La Roque Saint Christophe, Madeleine...) Rental and lessons. Rando 2 to 3 days. Rafting from January to April. Geolocalized audio-guides. Canoes with back support available.
Why we recommend a visit !
Beautiful trip on the Vézère from Saint-Léon, quality equipment, a friendly and welcoming team.