Cave Art Center & Lascaux Cave Guided Tour

Have you ever wondered how ancient humans expressed themselves through art? At the Lascaux IV International Center for Cave Art, you can explore an impressive replica of one of the most significant Paleolithic caves in France.

Importance of the Lascaux Cave Paintings

Renowned for their remarkable artistry, the Lascaux cave paintings found in the Périgord region are often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of prehistoric art. Their exceptional quality sets them apart in the realm of ancient visual expression.

While the original cave is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, public access has been restricted since 1963 in an effort to safeguard its precious artwork.

With your entry to the Lascaux IV International Center for Cave Art, you will uncover the breathtaking prehistoric art that this region of France is celebrated for. Your visit will consist of two segments. Initially, you will spend an hour navigating a highly accurate replica of the Lascaux Cave, guided by either a live expert or an audio guide, depending on your selected option.

This exact copy, which captures every nuance of the original structure, offers you an opportunity to appreciate one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, showcasing hundreds of prehistoric artworks and engravings.

After your exploration of the replica, you will have an hour and a half to personally enjoy the rest of the center at your leisure:

L'Atelier: experience the main panels of Lascaux along with augmented reality features to delve deeper into their detailsThe Theatre: learn in three linked rooms about the contributions of prehistorians, archaeologists, and researchers from the 19th century to the presentThe Cinema: view a film about the original cave and similar decorated locations globallyLa Galerie de l'Imaginaire: explore a virtual art gallery that connects prehistoric cave art with 20th-century artistic movementsImmersion Room: experience prehistoric times through an engaging immersive show

Tour Options

When reserving your ticket, you can choose between the following formats:

Self-guided tour: if you select this, you can explore the center at your own rhythm, supported by an audio guide that is available in multiple languages including English, German, Dutch, Japanese, and Chinese, ensuring a fulfilling experience for all visitors!Guided tour: opting for this will mean having a guide accompany you throughout your cave exploration.

Visiting Hours for Lascaux IV

Depending on whether you choose a guided or self-guided tour with an audio guide, you will need to select a starting time for your tour during the booking process.