Lascaux is a Palaeolithic painted cave (roughly 17,000–22,000 years old) near Montignac-Lascaux in the Vézère Valley of the Dordogne, in France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Its walls hold nearly 6,000 figures — monumental aurochs, horses, stags and more — earning it the nickname 'the Sistine Chapel of prehistory'; it was discovered in 1940 by four teenagers and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 as part of the Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley. To protect the fragile paintings the original cave has been closed to the public since 1963, so visitors today experience the art through the full 1:1 replica 'Lascaux IV' (International Centre for Cave Art) in Montignac, or the partial replica 'Lascaux II'. As of 2026 the replica centres remain open year-round with an immersive, near-authentic viewing experience.
Hall of the Bulls (Salle des Taureaux): the signature chamber, dominated by an auroch up to 5.2 m long — the largest single animal figure known in cave art.
Axial Gallery (Diverticule Axial): a corridor of vivid, dynamic paintings including the 'Falling Cow' and the so-called 'Chinese Horses'.
The Shaft / Well scene (Le Puits): the cave's only human figure — a bird-headed man beside a wounded bison — the subject of long-running interpretive debate.
The Nave (La Nef): swimming stags and the 'Crossed Bison', an early use of perspective, overlap and transparency.
Lascaux IV itself: a millimetre-accurate 1:1 facsimile plus interpretation galleries that explain Palaeolithic technique and the cave's discovery and conservation story.
Good to know
RulesThe original cave has been permanently closed since 1963 and cannot be entered. You visit an exact replica (the full Lascaux IV or the partial Lascaux II) — don't expect access to the real cave.
SeasonIn July–August and French school-holiday peaks, guided time slots sell out fast. Book online via the official site several days ahead.
SafetyThe replica reproduces the cave's climate and is cool and humid (around 16°C). Bring a light jacket even in high summer.
SeasonThere is a winter maintenance closure (roughly early January to early February). Check opening dates on the official site before an off-season trip.
SafetyPublic transport is limited, so a rental car is easiest. Parking is free, but when the P1 lot fills in peak season you'll use P2, a 7–8 minute walk away.
MannersGuided tours run on timed slots by language. Confirm the tour language when booking (multilingual audioguides are available), and observe quiet and photo restrictions inside.
CautionBuy tickets only from the official site (lascaux.fr) or the on-site box office; third-party resellers may add markups or make refunds difficult.
Practical info
The original cave is closed; you view a 1:1 replica of the paintings at Lascaux IV (International Centre for Cave Art) in Montignac-Lascaux (Avenue de Lascaux, 24290 Montignac; about 25 km from Sarlat, free parking). Opening hours, prices, tour languages and the winter closure vary by season, so always check the latest on the official site, lascaux.fr.
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