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Lascaux II – the First Lascaux Replica

Lascaux II, a partial but spectacular and highly accurate replica of Lascaux, was opened to the public in 1983. This allowed 1000s of people to experience the Ice Age cave art of Lascaux that is now closed to everyone. Since the opening of Lascaux IV, a new more in-depth experience is on offer at Lascaux II. Now you get to enter the Hall of the Bulls and see those extraordinary images, as close as is possible, just as the prehistoric people did all those years ago. 

Thomas Dowson

• Last Checked and/or Updated 19 February 2024
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Lascaux was discovered in September of 1940 by four teenagers, Marcel Ravidat, Jacques Marsal, Georges Agnel, and Simon Coencas, looking for Marcel’s dog, Robot. Leading archaeologists of the time immediately realised the site’s significance. In 1948 the cave was opened to the public, and by 1955  around 1,200 visitors were visiting Lascaux each day.

Besides the ongoing natural processes effecting the surface of the rock on which the images had been made, dust and fungal spores were just two of the biggest new concerns resulting from the opening of the cave that had been sealed for millennia. Because of the damage caused to the prehistoric paintings and engravings by thousands of visitors each week, Lascaux was closed to the public in 1963. The Ministry of Culture embarked on an expensive project to create a replica of the cave. Lascaux II opened to the public in 1983. 

Lascaux II contains the main sections of the cave, and provides visitors with an opportunity to see some of the very striking painted panels from Lascaux. Although you are looking at a replica, appreciate that the accuracy of the replica is measured in millimetres. Since 1983, we have had two further projects, namely Lascaux III and Lascaux IV.

Lascaux III is a set of panels reproduced for the purposes of a travelling exhibition. The inaugural exhibition opened in October 2012 in Bordeaux. From there it travelled to many different countries around the world. Lascaux IV is a more complete replica that II, and part of a much more extensive interpretative centre that opened in December 2016, just off the hill where the original cave and the first replica are located. 

The diagram below, in one of the antechambers of the Lascaux II, shows a map of the cave, with highlighted sections for each of the three replicas.

Monique Peytral: Painting Lascaux, Painting Life

Monique Peytrals is the artist who painted Lascaux II in the 1970s. In 2013 Constance Ryder created a documentary about this extraordinary project: Monique Peytral: Painting Lascaux, Painting Life (La Huit Production). You can purchase the documentary, or what the trailer below (French language with English subtitles, this trailer is 2 minutes 50 seconds). 

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The Lascaux II Experience

Since the opening of Lascaux IV, the experience of Lascaux II has changed dramatically. Long gone are the groups of 25 people hastily rushed through the successive galleries. As your group moved from one station to the next, you could see the group ahead of you being ushered out, and the group behind you being ushered in. Visitors only ever got to spend about 20 minutes in the the reproduction.

All that has changed. You can still only experience the reproduction on a guided tour, but the tours last much longer, and there are fewer tours available each day – each with a maximum of 30 people. Having done this new version four times, there has never been more than 20 people each time. People go to Lascaux IV.

Now the experience begins outside the cave, with a walk up to see the entrance to the ‘real deal’. The area has a number of large contemporary photographs, and so your guide will give you the background to the cave, its discovery, its geology, all in a much more relaxed manner.

After entering the replica you enter two antechambers, much like you would if you could visit the cave itself. In the original cave, these antechambers serve to purify the air, to stop airborne contaminants reaching the painted panels. In the replica, these antechambers have interesting displays that cover the archaeology of Lascaux, how the replica was made, and the paintings and engravings in the cave. This introduction to the cave and its art is no longer hurried, and it is possible to ask questions and take a bit more time to look at the displays.

One of the telling displays deals with just how difficult it is too see these images. At  first you see a reproduced panel that you are told is covered with fineline incised images. They are very difficult to see with the naked eye. The guide then turns on a UV light, and the images jump out. While prehistoric people did not have UV lights, and they would not have showed up anyway, this exercise does show how difficult it was for prehistoric people to see them. But perhaps that is part of the point, they were not meant to be viewed as we would view paintings on the walls of our homes and art galleries. 

Following an engaging introduction to the cave, its replicas, and the various types of art found in Lascaux, you are finally ready to enter the Hall of the Bulls. Before, you were simply lead into the chamber, and atmospheric lighting allowed you to see the images.

Now the guide lights a kerosene torch, the doors open and you are confronted with a black void. The guide leads the way in, and you get to see the painted ceiling just the prehistoric artists and visitors saw them. Well, as close as it is possible to recreate the experience. Truly, it is a wonderful way to first lay eyes on those images. My tip, once the demonstration with the UV light at the engraved panel is over, position yourself at the door (next to the large panel with the two black bison), so you are one of the first behind the guide to enter.

Lascaux II or Lascaux IV?

Having visiting Lascaux II many times, four times with the new experience, and Lascaux IV five times, I recommend Lascaux II. There is not that much more of the art at Lascaux IV than II, and I find the experience a bit gimmicky. If you have the time, and can afford to visit both, and you have a very deep interest in prehistoric art, I would suggest visit both. 

If you are short of time, or your level of interest is not that strong but you want a meaningful exposure to Lascaux, and to go away with a good understanding of the site, the Lascaux II experience wins hands down for me. 

Lascaux II is not accessible for wheelchair users, but Lascaux IV is – the whole experience, not just parts of it. 

Where is Lascaux II?

The entrance to Lascaux II is located 200 metres from the entrance to the original Lascaux cave. This is on a small hill just outside the town of Montignac, in the Dordogne Department. Lascaux IV is at the base of that hill. 

For users who have an account on this website, and who are logged in, click on the map icon on the Lascaux II box below.

Buying Tickets for Lascaux II

The tours commence on 30 March 2024, and the last day of tours will be 3 November 2024.

As these in depth tours of the replica are limited, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance. 

Lascaux II Official Website

Official Website for Lascaux II tickets

Add Lascaux II to Your Itineraries & Travel Lists

If you are planning a trip to France to see the cave art, you can create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and an itinerary for your visit. These can also be shared with your friends and on social media. You can see how this is done by watching our Using the Itinerary video on YouTube , or reading the Using the Itinerary page .

For more ideas and suggestions, sites and museums to visit, see our Guide to the Cave Art of France ,  our Regional Guide to Nouvelle-Aquitaine , and our France Travel Guide .

Lascaux II opened to the public in 1983, situated about 200 m from the entrance to Lascaux. About 90% of the original cave is reproduced in this the first replica. With the opening of Lascaux IV, Lascaux II has remained open, itself a historical monument. Visitors now get a very different experience to what was offered before, an what is on offer at Lascaux IV. Long gone are the groups of 25 being rushed through so that as many groups can make it as possible – that is now Lascaux IV. A guided tour starts above ground and takes you to the entrance of the famous cave, before heading into the replica where you are treated to seeing the Hall of Bulls by candle light. An experience for those who have a deeper interest in cave art and prehistory.

Archaeology Travel Writer

The discovery of the monumental Lascaux cave in 1940 brought with it a new era in our knowledge of both prehistoric art and human origins. Today, the cave continues to feed our collective imagination and to profoundly move new generations of visitors from around the world.

• archeologie.culture.fr

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Lascaux II - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Visit the Lascaux cave: tickets, prices, timetables

History of the Lascaux cave

Our advice for a good visit to the lascaux cave, what to do during your visit to the lascaux cave, how much does a ticket to the lascaux cave cost.

• How can I book a ticket for the Lascaux cave online?

Are there guided tours of the Lascaux cave?

Are there combined visits with other monuments.

• Opening hours

How to get to the Lascaux cave?

Where to park near the lascaux cave, where to stay near the lascaux cave, passing through the dordogne don't miss a visit to the lascaux cave, one of the most beautiful representations of cave art known to date.

The cave paintings in the Lascaux cave are considered unique in the world. We no longer visit the original cave, but different replicas, which allow us to discover this masterpiece of prehistory. By exploring the sites of Lascaux II and Lascaux IV, you will live totally different experiences. Torchlight visits, scenographic devices and 3D projections will take you on a journey back in time to our Cro-Magnon ancestors. Discover in this article all the information you need to visit the Lascaux cave in the best conditions. History, schedules, prices, tips: here are all our tips to prepare your stay!

Also read : The 30 most beautiful places to visit in France UNESCO: the 44 World Heritage sites in France The 12 must-do things to do in New Aquitaine The 12 must-do things to do in the Black Perigord

According to legend, the young Marcel Ravidat discovered the Lascaux cave on September 12, 1940 during a walk with three comrades. His dog is chasing a rabbit that disappears into a burrow, at first sight the site of an uprooted tree. Marcel throws pebbles to try to dislodge the rabbit and realizes that the cavity seems deep. He returns a few days later with equipment to clear the entrance and explore the cavity. After some time, he warns his teacher, and specialists soon arrive on the scene. The cave of Lascaux is classified as a historical monument from the year of its discovery. The news spread and visitors soon flocked to the cave. The de La Rochefoucauld family, owners of the site, began work to open it to the public.

The number of visitors exploded and no less than a million people are estimated to have visited the cave between 1948 and 1963. However, the massive arrival of the public poses a problem. Condensation and the exhalation of carbon dioxide began to damage the walls and the paintings. In 1963, Minister André Malraux announced the closure of the cave. A replica of part of the cave, called Lascaux II, was then built 300 metres from the site. This facsimile was opened to the public in 1983. A second complete reconstruction was then built on the road to the cave and inaugurated in 2016. It is integrated into a museum, under the name of Centre International de l'Art Pariétal de Montignac Lascaux (or Lascaux IV). These are the two monuments that we explore today when we come to visit the Lascaux cave.

• The visit of Lascaux II lasts about 1h15 , and allow 2h30 to visit the cave of Lascaux IV. So you can do both visits during the day, but we advise you to visit the site of Lascaux II first.
• For Lascaux IV, you must respect the schedule set for the visit, you will then have access to the free part of the museum.
• For either Lascaux II or IV, remember to bring a sweater, even in summer: it is 13°C inside the caves.
• Pushchairs are forbidden in the caves but not in the open air tour. It is possible to leave them in a deposit box.
• Photographs are forbidden in the caves. They are allowed in the International Centre for Parietal Art.
• A restaurant is open from 10am to 5pm on the Lascaux IV site.

The Centre International de l'Art Pariétal is divided into several areas. After accessing the belvedere for a view of the region, you enter the replica of the Lascaux cave. It consists of 7 decorated rooms . You enter the Bull Room, then you discover the Axial Diverticulum. Then come the Passage, the Nave, the Cabinet des Félins, the Apse and the Well. You will then discover 4 scenographic spaces, a theatre and a 3D cinema.

The Lascaux II facsimile reproduces only the first two rooms, where 90% of the rock paintings are concentrated. You will enter in groups of 30 people maximum , with torches. Your guide will reveal all the secrets of the paintings by torchlight, in a mystical and moving atmosphere.

There are different ticket prices for the Lascaux cave:

• Lascaux II: adult (from 13 years old) 14€ (reduced rate: 13€), child 9€ (reduced rate: 8€) and free for children under 5 years old.
• Lascaux IV: adult (from 13 years old) 20€ (reduced rate: 19€), child 12.90€ (reduced rate: 11.90€) and free for children under 5 years old.
• Combined Lascaux II and IV ticket: adult (from 13 years old) €26 , child €17 and free for under 5s.

How to book online a ticket for the Lascaux cave?

To book your ticket online, you have two options:

• The official website of the Lascaux cave: you will have access to different offers, single tickets and combined visits. Once the payment is made, you will receive your confirmation and an electronic ticket in your mailbox.
• In addition, tour operators offer excursion packages in which transport is also included. Prices vary between 70€ and 1000€ depending on the options chosen.

The visit of Lascaux II is guided. It lasts about 1h15 , with a departure on foot down the hill. You will pass in front of the original cave and then join the reconstruction. The visit is done in small groups by torchlight, which creates a very special atmosphere. It's a real leap 18,000 years back in time!

For the Lascaux IV site, the first part of the visit is guided. A mediator accompanies you from the site reception to the exit of the cave. You also have a "companion", a digital tablet giving you information throughout the tour. In the " free visit" area, other mediators are at your disposal to help you visit the Lascaux cave without missing anything.

It is possible to combine a visit to Lascaux IV with a visit to the Parc du Thot, the Laugerie Basse or the Grand Roc cave . You must book your visit to Lascaux IV, then you will have access to the other sites whenever you wish. You can therefore discover the different sites in one day or spread out your visits over several days. There are also twin tickets for Lascaux II + Lascaux IV, with the possibility of adding entry to the Parc du Thot.

• The Parc du Th ot is located 9 km from Lascaux. It consists of a museum area and an animal park. You will also have access to an augmented reality animation and a 3D projection on the evolution of the climate. During the holidays, participative workshops are organised.
• Prehistoric site The shelter of the Laugerie Basse was occupied between -15,000 and -10,000 years ago. You will take part in an archaeological excavation in augmented reality thanks to a tablet provided for the visit.
• The Grand Roc cave , discovered in 1924, impresses by its density of crystallizations. You will evolve in a real mineral forest between stalactites and stalagmites.

Opening Hours

Lascaux IV :

• January 27th to April 3rd: 10am - 6pm
• April 4 to July 3: 9am - 7pm
• July 4 to July 19: 8:30 am - 8:30 pm
• 20 July to 2 August: 8am - 9pm
• 3 August to 21 August: 8am - 9.30pm
• August 22nd to August 30th: 8:30 am - 8:30 pm
• 31 August to 30 September: 9 am - 7 pm
• 1 October to 3 November: 9.30 am - 7 pm
• 4 November to 3 January 2021: 10 am - 6 pm

Attention, the last admission on site is 2 hours before closing time .

Lascaux II:

• 4 April to 3 July: 9.30am - 12.30pm / 2pm - 6pm
• 04 July to 18 July: 9am - 7pm
• July 19th to August 22nd: 9am - 8pm
• August 23rd to August 29th: 9am - 7pm
• 30 August to 26 September: 9.30am - 12.30pm / 2pm - 6pm
• 27 September to 1 November: 10am - 12.30pm / 2pm - 5.30pm

• Car: you will arrive by the A89 motorway. Take exit n°17 Montignac-Lascaux then continue on the D6089. You will reach the site in 20min . The various signs indicate the site of Lascaux IV. If you wish to visit the cave of Lascaux II, go past the car parks of Lascaux IV and continue towards the forest of Montignac for 1km.
• By plane : the three nearest airports are Bergerac, Périgueux and Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne. You can then hire a car to visit the Lascaux cave. If you choose to reach the region by plane, use a flight comparator such as Skyscanner to find the best deal. The platform will show you the best solution according to your criteria.
• Train: from the stations of Condat-le-Lardin, Périgueux and Brive-la-Gaillarde, you will have to rent a car or take a taxi.

To visit the Lascaux II cave, you have a car park at your disposal at the entrance of the site. For Lascaux IV, parking P1 is located one minute's walk from the entrance to the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal. The P2 car park is located between Montignac town centre and Lascaux IV. You will have to walk 10 minutes to reach the site.

There is a wide range of accommodation available to enable you to visit the Lascaux cave in the best conditions. To be as close as possible to the site, you will put your suitcases in hotels, bed and breakfast or Airbnb for rent in the village of Montignac. But the Dordogne has a lot of charming little villages where you can take your quarters, such as Les Eyzies or Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère. There are many campsites in the area, a good option if you come to visit the cave of Lascaux in the summer.

All in all you have a lot to choose from!

Also read : In which district to stay in Bergerac? In which village to stay in the Périgord?

So, what are you waiting for to visit the Lascaux cave?

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Lascaux Caves: France’s most famous prehistoric cave

• Post published: 16 July 2023

If you’re wondering why exploring the Lascaux Caves is such a unique experience, you’ve come to the right place.

I give you all the information you need to visit Lascaux IV.

The Lascaux caves: a prehistoric treasure in the heart of the Dordogne

The Lascaux caves in south-west France are a national treasure.

Discovered by chance by four teenagers in 1940, these caves are home to some of the most impressive prehistoric paintings known to date .

With over 2,000 representations of animals, signs and symbols, they offer a fascinating window into the world of our ancestors. It is estimated that these paintings were created 17,000 years ago .

These works of art, painted by Paleolithic man, remain a mystery to researchers, but their beauty and complexity are undeniable.

Why are the Lascaux caves called Lascaux IV?

The Lascaux caves are world-famous and have been visited by millions of people.

Since their discovery in 1940, the preservation of these fragile paintings has become a major concern. That’s why several replicas of the caves have been created to allow the public to discover them while preserving the originals.

So, when you visit Lascaux, you’re visiting reproduced caves, not the original ones.

Lascaux IV, officially known as the Centre International de l’Art Pariétal Montignac-Lascaux, is the most recent and complete copy of the cave, opened in 2016 . It offers a complete reconstruction of the original cave, as well as an interactive museum dedicated to cave art.

It should be noted that only Lascaux II was in the immediate vicinity of the original cave, while Lascaux IV is located a little further away in the commune of Montignac.

Highlights of a visit to the Lascaux caves

• Immerse yourself in some of the world’s richest and most complex prehistoric art
• The chance to learn more about human history and our earliest means of expression
• Modern facilities for a pleasant visitor experience
• Competent guides shed valuable light on the history and context of the paintings

Disadvantages of a visit to the Lascaux caves

• The original is closed to the public for preservation purposes, so visits are made in a replica.
• In high season, the number of visitors is very high
• Artificial lighting, although necessary, can slightly alter the perception of the paintings.

What can you see at the Caves of Lascaux?

The Lascaux Caves offer a wealth of opportunities for visitors.

You can admire the famous prehistoric paintings and engravings, depicting a variety of animals including horses, deer and aurochs .

The guides will provide detailed information on the painting techniques used by prehistoric artists and the cultural significance of these works.

As well as visiting the caves, you can also visit the Centre International de l’Art Pariétal. It offers interactive exhibitions and educational workshops to deepen your understanding of prehistoric art.

Finally, don’t miss the 3D films that recreate the environment of the Paleolithic era.

How much does it cost to enter the Lascaux caves?

Several prices and tours of the Lascaux caves are available.

Lascaux IV entrance ticket price:

• 22€ for one person aged 13 and over
• 14.50€ for a child from 5 to 12 years old
• Free for a child under 5.

The price of an entrance ticket to Lascaux IV and the Parc du Thot :

• 26.20€ for a person aged 13 and over
• 17.20€ for a child from 5 to 12 years old

The price for an entrance ticket to Lascaux IV and Laugerie-Basse :

• 24.80€ for a person aged 13 and over
• 16.50€ for a child from 5 to 12 years old

The price of an entrance ticket to Lascaux IV, Parc du Thot and Laugerie-Basse :

• 32.90 for a person aged 13 and over
• 21.50€ for a child from 5 to 12 years old

The price of an entrance ticket to Lascaux IV, Parc du Thot, Grand Roc and Laugerie-Basse :

• 38.50 for a person aged 13 and over
• 25.20€ for a child from 5 to 12 years old

  Check out the current price on GetyourGuide .  

How long does a visit to the Lascaux caves last?

A complete visit to the Lascaux caves, including the Centre International de l’Art Pariétal, usually takes between two and three hours .

Where are the Lascaux caves located?

How do I get to the Lascaux caves?

By car, the Lascaux Caves are accessible from the A89 freeway. Take exit 17, direction Montignac.

For those traveling by public transport, take the train to Brive-la-Gaillarde or Périgueux station, then the bus to Montignac.

What are the opening times for the Lascaux Caves?

Lascaux IV opening times vary:

• January 23 to April 7: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• April 8 to July 9: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• July 10 to August 27: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• August 28 to November 5: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• November 6 to December 31: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 Opinions on the Lascaux Caves: is it a good visit?

I went to see the Lascaux Caves with enormous pleasure. I’d been hearing about this cave and its paintings since elementary school. Seeing it once in my life seemed almost an obligatory step.

Admittedly, you haven’t seen the original cave for a long time. But the replica of the original cave is very well done, and the atmosphere is truly unique. You feel transported back in time to a world where people still lived in the Stone Age .

The cave paintings are astonishingly detailed and vivid, especially when you consider that they were made thousands of years ago. I felt a sense of humanity in these paintings, made by men whose lives were very different from ours.

The guides do an excellent job of explaining the paintings and I’ve learned a lot about the history and culture of this distant era.

Lascaux IV features interactive exhibits on prehistoric art and the life of Cro-Magnon man. It’s interesting and well done, and really adds something to the visit.

It’s worth knowing that the visit can be quite tiring, especially if you’re not used to walking on uneven terrain. What’s more, it’s quite cool inside the cave, so remember to bring a jacket.

What else can you do near the Lascaux Caves?

In addition to a visit to the Lascaux caves, there are many other wonders to discover in the region:

• Explore the charming town of Sarlat , famous for its market and medieval heritage.
• Visit Château de Beynac , a magnificent 12th-century château with panoramic views over the Dordogne.
• Relax in the Jardins de Marqueyssac , a French-style garden.
• Visit the Musée de la Préhistoire in Les Eyzies to complete your prehistoric experience.
• Discover other caves in the region, such as Grotte de Rouffignac and Grotte de Font-de-Gaume .

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Pratical information

You have free access to the Lascaux IV car parks.

Car park P1 has spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility.

Car park P2 is specially designed for motorhomes.

Car park P3 is reserved for buses.

The official Lascaux IV gift shop lets you continue your visit with a selection of souvenirs. Decorative items, books, toys… Discover a wide selection of products made in France and made in Périgord for all ages. You’ll also find products made by the Atelier des Fac-Similés du Périgord Noir. A great opportunity to take a piece of the cave home with you!

Café Lascaux offers a menu combining tradition and modernity: aperitif platters, cooked dishes or a drink with friends…

Info: Open at the same times as Lascaux IV.

If you have any questions about the menu (allergies, intolerances, etc.), please contact us at the following e-mail address: [email protected]

The visit to Lascaux IV has been entirely designed and adapted for people with reduced mobility or walking difficulties.

Lascaux is committed to limiting its ecological impact, and offers its visitors a number of important guarantees, including charging points for electric cars. These can be found in car park P2. All operating details are displayed directly on the terminal. In the event of a breakdown, simply contact the following number: 09.69.32.47.47

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Lascaux 2 or 4 : Which to choose?

You are planning to visit the Lascaux Cave , ” Chapelle Sistine du Périgord ” located in the Vézère Valley in the town of Montignac. Now is the time to book and especially to decide between the two reconstructions proposed to the public. But which replica to choose? Lascaux 2 or Lascaux 4? A spectacular and immersive experience versus a sensory and intimate experience? To help you in this dilemma and appreciate this rock/art masterpiece to its fullest, here is everything you need to know before making your decision.

A mythical cave, 4 versions:

Lascaux cave is one of the most important decorated caves of the Upper Palaeolithic by the number and aesthetic quality of its works. It is listed, along with 14 other prehistoric caves and caverns, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jewel of Parietal Art, it contains nearly 1900 representations painted or engraved with flint or bones by our Cro-Magnon ancestor, about 18,000 years ago. Among these are many animals such as horses, aurochs, bison, deer and goats, the dangerous bears, rhinoceros and big cats or the legendary unicorn.

• Lascaux: The original cave discovered in 1940 by four teenagers on the lands of Montignac, visited by millions of visitors, and closed to the public in 1963 by Malraux as a measure to safeguard the paintings threatened by carbon dioxide.
• Lascaux 2 : The first replica of Lascaux inaugurated in 1983.
• Lascaux 3 : The travelling and international exhibition.
• Lascaux 4 also known as the International Centre for Parietal Art: the complete reproduction opened to the public in 2016.

Lascaux 4, a 100% reconstitution combined with technological prowess

• The only complete replica , it faithfully depicts the original Lascaux cave: the painted and engraved murals, the cool and dark atmosphere, the humidity level and the particular acoustics of the cave.
• Drawings and engravings are reproduced to the millimetre according to the techniques and art of the Cro-Magnon men.
• More than a reproduction, it is a playful and interactive experience . The discovery of the cave is accompanied by a digital journey. A visit of between 2 and 3 hours to learn all about the most famous cave in the world, to understand everything about its place in prehistoric art or its influence on contemporary creation.
• The latest museography and scenography technologies are used. Augmented reality, 3D, interactive stations, an immersive picture wall offer an immersive and personalized experience.

The practical side:

• It can be visited all year round (except for a few days in January).
• All areas are accessible to people with limited mobility.
• And the tour is suitable for all disabilities.
• Guided tours in alternation “baby switch” are proposed to the new parents to take turns in the cave where silence is requested.
• Small pets, carried in a carrier, are allowed during the visit.

Special tours are offered to visit the cave at your own pace ” Visite Contemplation ” (not all year round) or with children ” Visite Famille “.

The weak points of Lascaux 4:

• The length of the visit to the cave is around 40 minutes and in the form of a guided tour. This may seem too short and constraining for some visitors who wish to linger freely in front of the masterpieces.
• Saturation in high season. The most visited tourist site in the Dordogne department, it is also the most visited decorated cave in the world. It is therefore very popular in high season with the inconveniences that this implies: crowds, noise, waiting, less pleasant atmosphere.
• The ubiquity of digital. The guided tour of the facsimile is followed by an open tour of the museum space. With the help of a tablet and through immersive and interactive installations, the experience may seem too focused on new technologies, very individual, not adapted to the prehistoric subject or not very user-friendly for some.

Good to know:

• Online booking up to 1 hour in advance
• Take a jumper, the temperature of the cave is around 13°C.
• Pushchairs are forbidden in the cave but allowed in the open-air tour / baby carriers permitted.

Our last minute tip: Remember to book in high season. And if you couldn’t or have forgotten, there are often foreign language slots available. You won’t understand the guided tour, but you will have access to the magnificent rock paintings.

Lascaux 4 – Centre International de l’Art Pariétal, for who?

• People wishing to discover the cave at 100%, without missing a shred of the original.
• People at ease with new technologies, sensitive to new digital tools.
• Holiday makers who have time. The visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
• More comfortable budgets.
• People willing to share this treasure with the crowds in high season.
• People in wheelchairs or with a disability requiring an adapted route.

The official website, here

Lascaux 2, getting closer to the soul and power of the original cave

• Historical copy of the Lascaux cave . Inaugurated in 1983, it is the result of the crazy project initiated in 1970 to rebuild the closed cave identically.
• An experience close to the original . Like the four teenagers in 1940, visitors enter the cave by torchlight. The walls, the prehistoric paintings, the pigments and the lines are revealed by the flickering light, impregnating the place with the special, authentic and moving aura often sought after.
• A serene rhythm . The 1 hour visit is reserved for your group. It offers the comfort and leisure to linger more easily in front of the works. You can also take the time to exchange ideas and get all the explanations you want about cave art, prehistoric life and the techniques used.
• The intimate atmosphere . Lascaux II supplanted by the latest Lascaux IV attracts fewer people than in the past. In addition, the visit is made in small groups, restoring or almost restoring the calm and timeless atmosphere of the original.
• Privileged access . This reconstitution is located on the sanctuarised hill that has become almost “sacred” of Lascaux, 200 metres away from it. The visit allows you to see the entrance to the original cave immersed in a natural, wooded and protected setting conducive to time travel.
• The two most spectacular galleries : the Bull Room and the Axial Diverticulum are reproduced. The reproductions were made by the painter Monique Peytral and a group of artists over a period of eleven years with the utmost meticulousness and according to the methods used by our hunter-gatherer ancestors in Prehistory.

Les Points faibles de Lascaux II:

• The copy is not complete. 90% of the parietal paintings of Lascaux are reproduced.
• It is not accessible all year round. Only from April to November.
• Not accessible to wheelchairs.
• Access is on foot, more difficult for some people.
• Almost 40 years since this replica first saw the light of day. The magic is still working, but it’s getting worse. It was doomed to close but in the face of success, its access is still possible.
• Reservation recommended. The capacity is smaller than Lascaux 4 and its charm attracts crowds.
• Take warm clothing. It is cold there
• Park at the foot of the hill (Lascaux IV car park) and walk a few minutes.
• There is less equipment/facilities than in the new replica (children’s area,…).
• Not accessible to pushchairs.
• No pets allowed.

Lascaux II, for who?

• People looking for a simple and authentic experience.
• those resistant to new technologies.
• People sensitive to the charm of nature without human presence and to the emotional dimension of the experience.
• People who wish to escape the crowds, the hustle and bustle of summer tourism and visitors with limited budgets. The rate is less expensive than Lascaux IV.
• Tourists with little time (very short stays in the Périgord Noir) or families with small children. A good hour at Lascaux II compared to 2 to 3 hours at Lascaux IV.

Hesitant people who have the opportunity to come back to the region. Lascaux II is doomed to disappear. Lascaux IV will go on for several more decades.  

The official page, here.

Lascaux 2 or 4? : A tie break

The answer to that question is entirely up to you. It’s a matter of taste. The important thing is to be well informed to fully appreciate the exceptional beauty of these outstanding replicas.

On the one hand, Lascaux IV, high-tech: the perfect copy, complete, precise, enriched, adorned with all the latest technology, housed in a modern architectural setting.

On the other hand, Lascaux II, the authentic: the historical copy, simple, intimate, silent, touching, powerful and nestled on the sanctuary hill that prehistoric man walked on so much.

So, if you have the time, money and desire, the ideal would be to opt for the twin ticket to discover this testimony to the beginning of mankind from every angle, both handcrafted and sophisticated.

One thing is certain, even if artificial, the cave remains the queen of the Valley of Man and magic invariably operates.

To go further:

• The visit of Lascaux II by France 3
• Lascaux IV – Centre international de l’art pariétal en images on TF1

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Home Best things to do Learn More The caves of Dordogne Lascaux Use the online ticket office to visit the Lascaux cave

Use the online ticket office to visit the Lascaux cave

You plan to visit Lascaux IV during your holidays in Dordogne? It is indeed an essential passage for a discovery of the riches of the prehistoric era! Remember to reserve your places and visits online to be sure to enjoy the cave whenever you want, with preferential rates. 

Why use the Lascaux Cave online ticketing?

The Lascaux cave, in Montignac-Lascaux in Dordogne, is a popular tourist site: You might as well plan your visit with peace of mind! By booking on the website, you not only benefit from an advantageous rate but you can also save time. Enough to plan other activities to discover the Périgord Noir.

A more advantageous price than on site

By reserving your place before going to Lascaux, you will see that the rates are lower than on site . And this applies both to individual places and to group rates (schools, for example). Do you come together with your family ? For children under 5 years old, entry is free but you must also reserve.

Please note:

Discounted tickets for students, job seekers and people with disabilities are only available for purchase on site.

Choose a niche to save time

To organize your visit and be sure to access the Lascaux cave at the desired time of day, better to book . Also remember to find out about the opening hours , which may vary depending on the seasons and times of the year. The opening hours are, for example, a little wider in summer, with opening hours until 22 p.m. in July-August.

The last departure for the visit is 2 hours before the cave art center closes.

Take the time to choose your visit before coming to Lascaux

A visit to the cave with a guide, a combined ticket with the Parc du Thot or a discovery of several prehistoric sites in the Périgord Noir? By using the ticket office, you can select one or more activities before coming to Dordogne, and find out about the content of each activity.

Visits to the Lascaux cave

Do you want to see the Lascaux cave? Several tour options are available to explore the Lascaux IV facsimile:

• Visit with a guide  ;
• The prestige visit by torch  ;
• The narrated visit for kids  ;
• The free visit audio guide .

Depending on your choice, you will also have access to spaces other than the cave: theater, cinema, immersion room, etc.

Ticket combined with Parc du Thot or Laugerie-Basse

If you have planned several activities, opt for twin tickets and their preferential prices. They give you access to visit the Lascaux cave art center, and to another site in the Vézère valley, of your choice:

• Le Thot park , south of Montignac-Lascaux, to understand the relationship between man and animal in Prehistory;
• Or Laugerie-Basse and its prehistoric rock shelters.

Prehistory or geology pass

You can also book 3 to 4 activities from Black Périgord around Lascaux, with the same ticket.

• The prehistory pass gives access to the Lascaux IV cave, the Thot park and Laugerie-Basse.
• The geology pass offers a complete panorama of the riches of the Vézère valley, with 4 sites: Lascaux IV, the Thot park, Laugerie-Basse and the Grand Roc (mineral cave listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). 

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Lascaux 4 or Lascaux 2? – that is the question!

As our 2017 season draws to a close, autumn is really setting in here in the Dordogne. In the last week, the leaves have gone from being green to being well on their way to full autumnal golden glory. It really is a beautiful time of year here in the Vezere Valley. The mornings are misty and mysterious, often with the sun faintly visible through the mist, but not able to break through yet – that will come later (we hope!)

It’s time to reflect on our season. How has it been? Once again, we have met delightful people through our Tours. The great thing about them is that our visitors all have something in common before they arrive – a wish, and sometimes a long held wish – to visit the caves. Groups bond instantly and naturally – and the saying is so true, ‘arrive as strangers, leave as friends’. And for us too, whilst we have got to know our visitors to a certain extent through exchanging emails during the booking process, it is when we meet up that we begin to really know one another. It is a most enjoyable aspect of running Caves & Castles Tours.

This year it is also time to consider the question we posed earlier in the year. What will our visitors’ reactions be to the newly opened Lascaux 4, compared to Lascaux 2? We have our own views, of course, but have been careful not to influence our guests’ with our thoughts – it was what they thought that was important to us and we feel, to you.

It has been very interesting!

This year and next year – after that, who knows? – it is possible to visit Lascaux 2. For our folk it is usually their first visit, so they don’t know what to expect. But for us, of course, it is a familiar place – Steve must have visited hundreds of times over the years we have been running our Tours and he still gets a buzz from it. But the visit there now is even better than it used to be! For a start, not so many people are going there as they are attracted to the higher profile Lascaux 4 – and a smaller group makes for a much more intimate visit. Secondly the visit is longer giving more time to pause, think and appreciate what is in front of ones eyes – and it is an awesome sight. Thirdly, the guides now extinguish the lights and light a flame lamp. The effect is dramatic! In the flickering light, you see as closely as it is possible to, what the artists saw as they worked. It also brings out the feeling of movement in the animals intended by the artists by using the advanced artistic techniques of twisted perspective (Cubism 20,000 years before Picasso!), 3D and animation.

So what of Lascaux 4? It is bigger – much bigger! The configuration of the cave is very different, following more closely the actual layout of the original cave, winding more sinuously. The quality of the artwork is once again, stunning – how wonderful that modern day artists have the time, patience and skill to reproduce this ancient art. As in Lascaux 2, the same materials and techniques have been used as those employed by our ancestors. The accuracy is even more ‘spot on’ than in Lascaux 2 which is an incredible feat – Lascaux 2 was accurate to within 5 mm and thanks to the aid of vastly advanced computerised surveying techniques, Lascaux 4 is accurate to less than 1 millimetre! Also, now we can see many of the engravings for the first time.

Without exception our visitors have enjoyed both sites. The general consensus was that Lascaux 2 is more “cave like” and has a better ‘feel’ to it – or ‘plus authentique’ as the French would say. Of course, it cannot be the same as a visit to an original cave, but there are other opportunites to do that – Font de Gaume, Les Combarelles, Rouffignac and Cougnac all feature in our Tours.  All are original, all are different and all are most definitely atmospherically awesome!

Without doubt the opportunity to take photographs in the exhibition area which is visited after the ‘cave’ visit is a winner with visitors – and there are some great photo opportunities to be had. The suspended panels are painted to the same incredibly high standard and are able to be scrutinised at close quarters.

To our mind, this year and we are informed next year – after that who knows? – it is possible to have the ‘best of both worlds’ by visiting both Lascaux 2 and Lascaux 4. We deliberately included both this year having made our first visit on the opening day of Lascaux 4 and we must admit we do have a ‘soft spot’ for Lascaux 2! The layout may not be quite as accurate as in Lascaux 4 – 90% of the paintings have been cleverly ‘woven’ into what people have commented as the “more cave like” space – but it does make for the most amazing visit. Being surrounded by the bulls in the Chamber of Bulls and then walking out along the decorated Axial Diverticule to pass the incredible ‘falling horse’ (the artist could not have seen both ends as he worked on this masterpiece!) is such a privilege. Perhaps we are biased being so familiar with Lascaux 2 – why don’t you join us on a Tour next year as see what you think? It may be your last chance!

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US lawmakers pledge support for Taiwan and its new president after China's military drills

A U.S. congressional delegation has met Taiwan’s new leader in a show of support shortly after China held drills around the self-governing island in response to his inauguration speech

TAIPEI, Taiwan — A U.S. congressional delegation met Taiwan's new leader on Monday in a show of support days after China held drills around the self-governing island in response to his inauguration.

Rep. Andy Barr, the co-chair of the Taiwan caucus in the U.S. Congress, said the United States is fully committed to supporting Taiwan militarily, diplomatically and economically.

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Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the U.S.-PRC Talks on AI Risk and   Safety

Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Technology and National Security Tarun Chhabra and Department of State Acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology Seth Center led an interagency U.S. delegation with officials from the White House, the Department of State, and the Department of Commerce to meet with a PRC delegation including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology, National Development and Reform Commission, Cyberspace Administration of China, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Chinese Communist Party Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission on May 14 in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) risk and safety.  This meeting followed the Woodside summit between President Biden and President Xi Jinping in November 2023, where both leaders affirmed the need to convene U.S. and PRC government experts to address the risks associated with advanced AI systems. 

In a candid and constructive discussion, the United States and PRC exchanged perspectives on their respective approaches to AI safety and risk management.  The United States reiterated the importance of harnessing the benefits of AI for sustainable development, for developing and developed countries alike.  The United States underscored the importance of ensuring AI systems are safe, secure, and trustworthy in order to realize these benefits of AI, and of continuing to build global consensus on that basis.  The United States also raised concerns over the misuse of AI, including by the PRC. 

The United States affirmed the need to maintain open lines of communication on AI risk and safety as an important part of responsibly managing competition. 

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