Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Vézère valley packs the greatest masterpieces of Palaeolithic art into a few kilometres. This two day route links a full-scale replica, decorated caves and the leading museum, at a sensible pace that leaves time for the villages and the food of the Périgord. It is a loop of about 40 km, and works best from April to October.
Day 1
Morning: Lascaux IV
Start with the full replica of Lascaux IV: the best way in to understand Cro-Magnon art before you see the real caves. Next: 10 minutes by car to Le Thot.
Lunch in Montignac
Take a break in the medieval town on the banks of the Vézère, or picnic with produce from the market. Next: 15 minutes by car to Le Regourdou.
Afternoon: Le Thot park
The Le Thot park extends the Lascaux story with reproductions of panels and living animals (bison and Przewalski's horses) of the kind that roamed glacial Europe. It is perfect with children. Next: 25 minutes by car to Les Eyzies.
Day 2
Morning: National Museum of Prehistory
In the heart of the 'world capital of prehistory', the National Museum of Prehistory unfolds 400,000 years of history and gives you the keys to everything you will see around. Next: 5 minutes on foot to Font de Gaume.
Afternoon: Font de Gaume
Font de Gaume is one of the last caves with polychrome paintings still open to the public: bison and reindeer face to face, seen in a small group. Next: 10 minutes by car to Cap Blanc.
Late afternoon: Cap Blanc
Finish in style with the frieze of horses and bison carved in high relief at Cap Blanc, a rare case of monumental wall sculpture.
Good to know
Plenty of lodging is available in Montignac and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, and the ideal is to sleep halfway between the two. Producers' markets run in the morning at Montignac and Sarlat, handy for lunch. For more caves, see our guide to the painted caves to visit in France.
Practical information was checked in October 2026: please confirm opening times and book on the official website before your visit.