Font-de-Gaume
Archaeological Site Cave shelter containing Paleolithic polychrome paintings
In Dordogne, Font‑de‑Gaume houses polychrome Paleolithic paintings on cave walls accessible by guided tour. Visitors book in advance to see bison and reindeer images, Paleolithic pigments and the site’s fragile prehistoric art.
Font-de-Gaume is a decorated Paleolithic cave near Les Eyzies in the Dordogne department of southwestern France. It is known for its multicolour (polychrome) cave paintings dating to the Upper Paleolithic.
The cave’s principal interest is a series of polychrome animal figures painted on the walls, including bison, horses and other fauna characteristic of Magdalenian-era art. Because of conservation concerns visitor numbers are limited and access is by guided tour only.
The cave was decorated by prehistoric hunter-gatherer communities during the Upper Paleolithic and the paintings are attributed to the Magdalenian cultural phase, around 17,000 years ago. The site has been studied by archaeologists and palaeolithic specialists since its discovery and documentation in the modern period.
Font-de-Gaume lies in the Vézère valley area near Les Eyzies in the Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, a core zone for Paleolithic caves and rock art in France.
- Age of paintings: The cave contains polychrome Paleolithic paintings executed during the Magdalenian period, roughly 17,000 years ago.
- Visitor restrictions: Visits are limited and conducted only with a guide; photography is prohibited inside the cave to protect the art.
What to See #
- Polychrome gallery: Polychrome gallery - contains the cave's multicolour painted animals, notably bison, horses and deer executed during the Magdalenian period.
How to Get to Font-de-Gaume #
Font-de-Gaume is a prehistoric cave in the Vézère valley near the village of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac (Dordogne). Les Eyzies has a small regional train stop on TER services; from the village the cave is a short drive or a 20-30 minute walk along local roads from the village centre, with parking and footpaths serving the site. Visitors commonly arrive by car from nearby towns or by train to Les Eyzies and then walk or take a short taxi to the cave area.
Tips for Visiting Font-de-Gaume #
- Reserve ahead: Font‑de‑Gaume admits very small numbers by guided tour only, so book your slot as soon as possible-walk-up visits are unlikely.
- Arrive for the earliest tour of the day to avoid the busiest periods and to see the polychrome paintings in the best light before other groups enter.
- Respect site rules: photography and touching the paintings are prohibited; combine the visit with the nearby National Prehistory Museum in Les Eyzies to deepen your understanding of the cave art.
Best Time to Visit Font-de-Gaume #
Best visited in spring or autumn to avoid summer crowds; the cave interior stays cool (~11-13°C) year‑round and daily visitor numbers are limited, so reserve ahead.
Weather & Climate near Font-de-Gaume #
Font-de-Gaume's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (927 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 91 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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