Lascaux, Prehistoric cave system in Montignac-Lascaux, France.
The cave network contains over 600 wall paintings depicting large animals from the Upper Paleolithic period, including horses, bulls, and deer.
Four teenagers and their dog discovered the cave system in September 1940, leading to groundbreaking research on prehistoric art and human civilization.
The paintings demonstrate advanced artistic techniques from 17,000 to 22,000 years ago, using mineral pigments to create detailed animal representations.
Visitors access the replica caves at Lascaux IV International Centre for Cave Art, which opened in 2016 near the original site.
The cave system features nearly 6,000 figures across multiple chambers, including the Hall of Bulls containing four black bulls measuring over five meters.
Location: Montignac-Lascaux
Part of: Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
Address: Grotte de Lascaux, 24290 Montignac-Lascaux, France 24290 Montignac-Lascaux
Website: https://archeologie.culture.gouv.fr/lascaux/fr
GPS coordinates: 45.05377,1.17096
Latest update: November 20, 2025 21:43
Underground locations provide insights into geological processes and human history. Natural caves display limestone formations, stalactites, and subterranean rivers formed over thousands of years. Artificial sites include Roman catacombs, medieval cellars, and mining tunnels that document economic and social developments. This collection features prehistoric burial chambers with wall paintings, extensive cave systems with lakes and passages, and historical mines for salt, copper, or coal. Visitors can explore archaeological findings, mineral formations, and technical installations from earlier periods. Temperatures remain constant throughout the year, and many sites offer guided tours through their underground chambers.
These ancient sites reveal human civilization's development. From Egyptian pyramids to Peru's Nazca Lines, these locations showcase construction methods, religious practices, and social structures of past cultures.
The underground world contains caves with crystals, limestone formations, and prehistoric art. These geological structures range from ice caves in Austria to marble chambers in Chile. Some caves house underground rivers, luminescent glowworms, or fossil deposits.
France presents diverse landscapes in winter, from Alps to Mediterranean coast. Cities display historical architecture under snow, while mountain regions offer ski areas and alpine views. Coastal areas and historical sites remain accessible during cold months.
Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
422 m
Château de Losse
4.3 km
Le Parc du Thot
4.3 km
Le Régourdou
631 m
Château de la Grande Filolie
3.3 km
Château de Sauvebœuf
5.1 km
Château de la Petite Filolie
5.7 km
Hôtel de Bouilhac
1.6 km
Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens de Montignac
1.6 km
Montignac Duchêne house
1.3 km
Église Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte d'Aubas
3.5 km
Lascaux Centre International
490 m
Église Saint-Laurent de Valojoulx
4.5 km
Église Saint-Loup de La Chapelle-Aubareil
4.7 km
Ancien hôpital Saint-Jean de Montignac
1.3 km
Cabanes de Valojoulx
5.1 km
Château de Coulonges
4.2 km
Lascaux 2
280 m
Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens de Thonac
5.6 km
Chapelle de l'ancien prieuré
1.3 km
Hôpital de Montignac
1.4 km
Lascaux 4
506 m
Couvent des Clarisses
1.4 km
Maison, quai Merilhou
1.5 km
Maison, quai Merilhou
1.5 km
Maison à galerie
1.5 km
Couvent des Clarisses
1.4 km
Chapelle du château de Coulonges
4.2 kmReviews
Real people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Fascinating visit to this reconstructed cave so that we can visit it without degrading the existing one.
Fascinating visit to this reconstructed cave so that we can visit it without degrading the existing one.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes