Dordogne Day Tour : Prehistory and The Art of the Caves from Sarlat

Exploring the ancient caves and prehistoric sites of Dordogne is a must-do for history buffs and curious travelers alike. This full-day small-group tour offers a fascinating peek into the lives of our earliest ancestors, all packed into around nine hours of immersive experiences. While I haven’t personally done this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what to expect, and it looks like a genuinely enriching way to connect with the distant past.

What makes this tour stand out? First, its personalized small-group setting (max eight travelers) ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd. Second, the expert guides—praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude—bring the sites alive with interesting insights. Third, all entrance fees are included, making the day straightforward and cost-effective. The main drawback? It’s a long day, with a lot of walking and cave exploration, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full schedule and cooler cave temperatures.

If you’re a history lover, eager to see genuine prehistoric art and artifacts, this tour hits the right notes. It’s also ideal for those wanting a mix of museum learning and real-world cave exploration, all within a comfortable, well-organized experience. Just keep in mind, if you’re traveling with very young children or prefer a more relaxed pace, this might require some planning.

Good To Know

• Small-group size offers a more intimate, personalized experience.
• All entrance fees to caves and museums are included in the price.
• The tour combines museum visits with authentic cave exploration, providing a well-rounded prehistoric experience.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with detailed commentary.
• The tour is around 9 hours, so it’s best suited for active travelers.
• Warm clothing is recommended as caves are cool (around 13°C/56°F).

An In-Depth Look at the Dordogne Prehistory Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour kicks off in the charming town of Sarlat, where you meet your small group and guide. From there, the first stop is the Rouffignac Cave, often called the “Cave of a Hundred Mammoths,” famous for its authentic Paleolithic etchings and drawings. Here, you’ll descend into the caves on a small electric train, which many reviews highlight as a highlight—adding an element of adventure as you travel deeper into the rock. One reviewer mentioned, “I very much like the train ride into the Roffignac grotto going deeper & deeper into the grotte,” capturing how unique this part of the experience feels.

The original drawings in Rouffignac date back over 15,000 years, and seeing them firsthand is a rare treat. The small train ensures limited tourist numbers at a time, maintaining the site’s pristine condition and giving you a quieter experience. Expect to see detailed etchings of mammoths, reindeer, and other animals, giving you a glimpse into the lives of prehistoric hunters.

Next, you visit the Musée National de Préhistoire in Les Eyzies de Tayac, which many reviewers call “well thought-out” and “illuminating.” This museum was listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Greatest Places to Visit in 2018, and it’s easy to see why. It provides context for what you will see in the caves—exhibits include tools, artwork, and detailed explanations of early human life. The museum is especially praised for its clear, engaging displays and the way it sets the stage for the cave visits. A reviewer noted, “The museum put everything into perspective and made the caves even more meaningful.”

The highlight for many is the visit to Lascaux IV, a meticulous replica of the original Lascaux Cave, which was famously discovered in the 1950s. Unlike the original site, which is closed to the public to preserve it, Lascaux IV offers an authentic reproducing experience with detailed wall paintings and reliefs. It’s designed to give visitors a sense of walking through a real Paleolithic painting site. One traveler remarked, “Seeing Lascaux IV was very impressive, and the detailed reproduction made it easy to imagine what it was like thousands of years ago.” The tour includes about 1 hour and 20 minutes here, allowing enough time to appreciate the artwork and learn about early art techniques.

What You Will Experience

Transportation in a comfortable minivan adds convenience, with a carefully timed schedule that keeps the day flowing smoothly. The small group size means you’ll often be able to ask questions and get personalized insights from your guide, often praised for their expertise and friendly approach. Many reviews applaud guides like Benoit, Florence, and Martin, who go beyond just reciting facts—they tell stories, share little-known details, and make the experience lively.

Educational value is high. From understanding the techniques used by prehistoric artists to seeing actual artifacts and tools, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of early human history. Multiple reviewers mention how guides help dispel myths, offering insights into how people survived, hunted, and created art 15,000+ years ago. One review highlighted, “Our guide, Benoit, was very knowledgeable, and the day was very memorable.”

The Actual Cave Experience

Visiting the caves—especially Rouffignac and Lascaux IV—are the main attractions. The caves are at a chilly 13°C (56°F), so bring warm clothing. The Rouffignac Cave features a quiet, almost mystical atmosphere, with the small train journey adding an element of fun and suspense. Reviewers describe it as “deep into the caves” and “a very special experience,” emphasizing how the trains help control visitor flow and preserve the site’s authenticity.

Lascaux IV offers a modern, beautifully curated experience. The use of high-quality reproductions allows you to get close to the original artwork without risking damage. It’s well set up for visitors, with clear pathways and informative panels. An added bonus is the ability to hear explanations in English, as guides provide commentary before and after the visit, since simultaneous translation inside the caves is not permitted.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and Value

At around $197.38 per person, the tour offers good value considering the inclusion of all entrance fees, professional guides, and transportation. It’s a full-day experience, about nine hours long, so it’s best for those ready for an active day. Many travelers comment that the tour exceeds expectations—one saying, “We learned so much about the ancient people of the region,” and another mentioning how the “information was tremendous.”

While there’s no lunch included, the tour’s timing allows for exploring local eateries, and guide suggestions for nearby lunch spots are often appreciated. The meeting point at Place Pasteur in Sarlat is easily accessible, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point, which adds convenience.

What Reviewers Love Most

People rave about the knowledgeable guides who bring history to life, with many mentioning guides like Florence, Benoit, and Martin as highlights. The quality of sites visited—especially the authentic cave etchings and the detailed museum—is another common praise. Finally, the small-group format ensures a relaxed atmosphere where questions are encouraged, and everyone can enjoy a more intimate experience.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The long hours mean you should be comfortable with walking and spending time on your feet.
• The caves are cool and dark, so packing warm, layered clothing is essential.
• If you’re traveling with very young children (under 4), they aren’t allowed on the tour.
• The limited availability of English tours at the caves means you need a guide who can translate or explain in detail, which many reviews say guides handle well.
• Expect a quiet, respectful atmosphere inside caves, as preservation efforts are a priority.

The Best Fit for This Tour

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and curious explorers who want a comprehensive, well-organized look into prehistoric life. The guided nature and small group size make it ideal for those who appreciate detours into expert storytelling and quiet, intimate visits. It’s less suitable for travelers seeking a leisurely pace or those with mobility issues, given the amount of walking and time in the caves.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, insightful journey into prehistoric France that balances museum education with the visceral experience of entering ancient caves. The combination of authentic cave art, expert guides, and careful organization makes it a compelling choice for travelers eager to connect with early human history in a meaningful way.

While the price might seem high at first glance, the inclusion of all entrance fees, transportation, and the quality of guides makes it a worthwhile investment for those passionate about archaeology or cave art. The small-group setup ensures you won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed, and the curated sites promise a memorable day.

If you’re looking to spend a full day exploring some of France’s most important prehistoric sites with a knowledgeable guide by your side, this tour delivers on its promises and then some.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation from Sarlat is provided in a comfortable minivan, making it easy to move between sites without stress.

Are entrance fees to the caves and museum included?
Absolutely. All entrance fees are covered, so you won’t have to worry about extra costs once you book.

How long is the tour in total?
The entire experience runs for about 9 hours, ending back at the meeting point in Sarlat.

What should I wear for the caves?
Caves are around 13°C (56°F) and somewhat dark, so warm, layered clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included, but you’ll have opportunities to grab a meal or snacks during the day.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 4 aren’t allowed, and younger kids should be prepared for a day of walking and cave visits.

Are guides bilingual or English-speaking?
Yes, guides speak English and provide commentary in a way that makes the experience accessible for non-French speakers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund if canceled in time.

To sum it up, this small-group Dordogne tour offers a thoughtfully curated journey into prehistoric art and life, perfect for those who value expert insights and authentic sites. If you’re ready for a full day of discovery, it’s a trip that’s likely to leave a lasting impression.