DESCRIPTION :

Thousands of years ago, unknown artists created breathtaking etchings, drawings and paintings on the walls of caves of which the most extraordinary examples are found in the Dordogne area. The Dordogne region is also famous for its outstanding quality and diversity of food and the culinary capital of the area is without a doubt Sarlat. The town developed around a large Benedictine abbey of Carolingian origin. Because modern history has largely passed it by, Sarlat has remained preserved and one of the towns most representative of 14th to 16th century France. During the guided tour you will discover the most famous monuments and buildings of the town including the mysterious "Lantern of the Dead".

ITINERARY

DAY 1 NATIONAL PREHISTORY MUSEUM / LASCAUX II CAVE VISIT

Begin in Les Eyzies de Tayac and follow your guide for a personalized visit of the National Prehistory Museum. Opened in 2004, this national museum possesses the largest collection of prehistoric artifacts in the world and is the perfect introduction to the art and civilization of Cro Magnon man.

Continue to Montignac where you will visit Lascaux II cave, a perfect reproduction of the original cave. Opened in 1983, Lascaux II is a triumph of technology, unique in the world. Rigorous scientific and artistic methods were used to recreate the incomparable atmosphere of the original cave: a reinforced concrete shell was created using shipbuilding techniques, the relief of the cave was reconstituted down to the tiniest detail, and the polychrome paintings were executed just as the originals were 17 000 years ago, using natural pigments. Night in Sarlat

DAY 2 SARLAT GUIDED WALKING TOUR / BEYNAC & LA ROQUE GAGEAC VILLAGES / DORDOGNE RIVER BOAT RIDE

In the morning, follow your guide for an enriching walking tour of historic Sarlat, a rich merchant town of the 18th century that has kept and renovated its architectural treasures in a traditional style. Then drive to Beynac to admire the village and the Castle. This Middle Ages construction, with its austere appearance, is perched on top of a limestone cliff, dominating the town and the north bank of the Dordogne River. The castle was built from the 12th century by the barons of Beynac (one of the four baronies of Périgord) to close the valley. The sheer cliff face being sufficient to discourage any assault from that side, the defences were built up on the plateau: double crenellated walls, double moats, one of which was a deepened natural ravine, double barbican.La Roque Gageac and enjoy a peaceful cruise on the the Dordogne River on board an authentic Gabarre to admire mighty castles that line the river. >Return to Toulouse.

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