Lascaux
Area Prehistoric cave complex with Paleolithic cave paintings
Lascaux preserves Paleolithic cave paintings; the original cave is closed to the public, but a facsimile complex and interpretive center near Montignac reproduce the images for visitors.
Lascaux is a complex of Paleolithic cave sites near Montignac in the Dordogne region, famous for its painted panels of animals and symbols. The paintings are among the best-known prehistoric artworks and are widely dated to around 17,000 years ago.
The original cave contains the authentic parietal art but has been closed to the general public since 1963 to prevent deterioration from visitor impacts. Visitors instead explore carefully made replicas and a modern interpretation centre that reproduce the paintings and explain the archaeology.
Discovered in 1940 by local youths, the cave became a major tourist attraction in the mid 20th century and was subsequently closed to conserve the art. Replicas were created beginning with Lascaux II in 1983 and a comprehensive international centre and reproduction, Lascaux IV, opened in 2016 to provide controlled public access and research facilities.
The site is located in the Vézère valley near the town of Montignac in Dordogne, set among limestone hills and prehistoric sites.
- Age of paintings: The cave paintings are Paleolithic and are commonly dated to about 17,000 years ago, depicting large animals and abstract signs.
- Visiting note: Access to the original cave is restricted; contemporary visits take place in the replica sites and the modern visitor centre that opened in 2016.
What to See #
- Original Lascaux Cave (closed): The original cave near Montignac contains the authentic Paleolithic painted panels but has been closed to the public since 1963 to protect the art.
- Lascaux II (replica): Lascaux II is a near-exact replica of sections of the original cave, opened in 1983 to give visitors a faithful view of the paintings.
- Lascaux IV (international centre): Lascaux IV, the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal opened in 2016 and offers a full digital and physical reproduction combined with educational exhibitions and visitor facilities.
How to Get to Lascaux #
The Lascaux visitor facilities (Lascaux IV / Centre international d’art pariétal) are located at Montignac in the Dordogne. The site is signposted from Montignac and has on‑site parking; it’s commonly reached by car from nearby towns (Brive, Périgueux, Sarlat) via departmental roads. Regional trains and buses serve nearby towns-visitors typically transfer by taxi or local shuttle from the nearest stations into Montignac, especially in the tourist season.
Tips for Visiting Lascaux #
- Note that the original Lascaux cave is closed to the public; plan to visit Lascaux IV (the International Centre) in Montignac, which recreates the cave and its paintings.
- Book a timed guided visit to Lascaux IV in advance-entrance is by scheduled tour and the centre includes preparatory exhibits that make the reproduced cave experience more meaningful.
- If travelling from Montignac in high season, look for the shuttle service to the site and allow extra time for the on-site orientation and exhibition before the guided cave visit.
Best Time to Visit Lascaux #
For the Lascaux visitor centre (replica/museum), choose weekday mornings in spring or autumn and reserve timed tickets in advance to avoid the busiest periods.
Weather & Climate near Lascaux #
Lascaux'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 (922 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 (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (78 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 (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 88 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 88 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
