Lascaux IV Cave Art Half-Day Tour from Sarlat - Small Group

Summary Description

Travel from Sarlat to the world-famous Lascaux IV International Centre for Cave Art. Discover the complete replica of the prehistoric cave, admire Paleolithic paintings, and explore one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

Highlights

Visit the world-famous Lascaux IV cave replica
Discover prehistoric cave paintings over 17,000 years old
Explore the International Centre for Cave Art
Learn about Paleolithic life and artistic techniques
Guided commentary on prehistoric discoveries

Description

Step back into the world of prehistoric art on this half-day small-group tour from Sarlat to Lascaux IV, the International Centre for Cave Art in Montignac. Known as the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory,” the Lascaux cave contains extraordinary paintings created more than 17,000 years ago by early humans. Because the original cave is now closed for conservation, Lascaux IV offers an exact replica allowing visitors to admire the paintings in remarkable detail.

During your visit, discover scenes of horses, bison, and deer painted by Cro-Magnon artists and learn about the techniques, beliefs, and daily life of prehistoric societies. This immersive experience provides a fascinating journey into humanity’s earliest artistic expressions.

The Discovery of Lascaux

The Lascaux cave was discovered in 1940 near the village of Montignac in the Vézère Valley, an area exceptionally rich in prehistoric sites and now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage area.

The “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory”

The cave contains hundreds of paintings and engravings representing animals such as bulls, horses, and deer, created by prehistoric artists more than 17,000 years ago.

Lascaux IV: The Complete Replica

To preserve the original cave, the modern Lascaux IV center reproduces the entire cave in full scale using advanced scanning and artistic reconstruction techniques.

Visitors walk through the facsimile cave before exploring interactive exhibition spaces dedicated to prehistoric art and human history.

An Immersive Prehistoric Experience

The International Centre for Cave Art also features interactive galleries, educational displays, and multimedia installations explaining the techniques and meaning of prehistoric cave paintings.

A Unique Cultural Experience in the Dordogne

Located about 25 minutes from Sarlat, Lascaux IV offers one of the most fascinating cultural discoveries in southwestern France.

Included / Excluded

Transportation in premium air-conditioned minivan
English-speaking driver-guide
Lascaux IV entrance tickets
Small-group experience (max 8 guests)

Meals and personal expenses
Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Gratuities for the driver/guide.

Start / End Locations

Start Location: Place Pasteur, Sarlat-la-Canéda, FR

Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time at Place Pasteur Bus stop, Sarlat.

End Location: Place Pasteur, Sarlat-la-Canéda, France

Commentary

Guide : English

Important Information

Know Before You Book

Lascaux IV is a replica of the original cave, which is closed for preservation
Minimum number of 2 participants (adults) applies.
Tour is operated in English.
Prices are per person.
Hotel pick up not available.
This tour is not available in August.

Know Before You Go

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time at Place Pasteur Bus stop, Sarlat.
You must wear good walking shoes for this tour.
You must bring warm clothes for the visit of the cave.
Visit includes walking through museum spaces
Photography inside the cave replica may be restricted

Cancellation

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours and no-shows are non-refundable.

Options and Pricing

Lascaux IV Museum & Vezere Valley Half Day	RETAIL PRICE
Adult (13 - 99 years)	€90.00
Child (4 - 12 years)	€70.00

Points of interest

Terms and Conditions

All our terms & conditions can be found here: https://www.ophorus.com/terms-sales

Additional Information

The Vézère Valley contains one of the world’s greatest concentrations of prehistoric sites, with more than 150 archaeological locations and decorated caves recognized by UNESCO.

Please note that we do not distribute water bottles anymore to limit our environmental impact. We strongly recommend that you bring a reusable bottle.

FAQ

Is the original Lascaux cave open to visitors?

No. The original cave has been closed since 1963 to protect the prehistoric paintings.

What is Lascaux IV?

Lascaux IV is a full-scale replica of the cave combined with a modern museum dedicated to prehistoric art.

Are tickets included?

Yes, the entrance ticket to Lascaux IV is included.

How far is Lascaux from Sarlat?

Approximately 25 minutes by road.

Is this suitable for families?

Yes, the museum includes interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.

Operator Website

Operated by:

About operator:

Ophorus Tours is both a licensed Tour Operator, member of Atout France and ETOA, and a Transportation company with headquarters in Bordeaux. We operate since 2005 and conduct Walking Tours, Day Trips, Private Tours, Shore Excursions and multi-regional Tours throughout France.

Our multilingual office staff is made up of France Travel Experts that design unique itineraries for both individuals and groups. Their perfect knowledge of the destination allows them to suggest carefully crafted programs to professionals of the Travel Trade all over the world.

Our in house team of licensed, multilingual Tour Guides are local Experts that can conduct any type of tours including (but not limited to) Cultural & Historical, Food & Wine, Luxury, Battlefields, Active, Family friendly, Faith-based etc...

Basic Information