Best Caves in the Dordogne  Due to the number of rivers and the local geology it's no surprise that the Dordogne has some  magnificent cave complexes.  You will find two different types: "Gouffres" are underground caves, whilst "Grottes" are usually accessed from a rock face.  Most offer traditional stalagmite/stalactite formations, although some are famous for their ancient cave paintings.  The Gouffres de Padirac and Proumeyssac are our favourites.

Lascaux 11 Show Caves

Location:  Near Montignac, off the D704, 25km north of Sarlat.
General Info: Open daily from 10.00am April-mid Nov, rest of year daily except Mondays and January.  You should buy your tickets in Montignac first.  These are timed tickets.  There is ample parking at the site.  English Website.
Description: Discovered in 1940, these show caves feature paintings (see above) claimed to be 17000 years old.  What you actually see is a replica of the real thing - this is located on the same site but was closed to visitors in 1963 as the original cave paintings were being slowly eroded by the combined effects of the visiting hordes.  However the detail has been faithfully re-created in the Lascaux II caves which took 15 years to construct.
Our recommendations: A fascinating and unique place – perfect if you are interested in historical attractions.  Not so much entertainment value though.  Try to take one of the guided tours in English.  And take a pullover – it is only 13deg C in the caves.
For the children: Not really so interesting for them.

         - Gouffre de Padirac
         - Gouffre de Proumeyssac
         - Grotte du Grand Roc
         - La Roque St-Christophe
         - Lascaux Show Caves

There are several websites that you may like to browse giving further information on caves in the region:

- Perigord dot com
- Showcaves

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