Journey into Prehistory: Museum, Lascaux IV & Rouffignac Cave

FAQ

• How strenuous is this tour?

  This tour is completely fitted for any person traveling even if you have a small walking difficulties. 
  
  The National Prehistory Museum is a very modern building with all the required facilities for persons with small walking difficulties such as an elevator. 
  
  Rouffignac cave is also easily accessible as the tour takes place on board a small electric train that will take you right to the bottom of the cave, seeing the drawings as you move along. Once at the bottom, there is no walking involved except for a very short stroll to admire the ceiling with all its representations. 
  
  Lascaux IV is completely adapted to persons even with light walking difficulties. There are no stairs and everything has been designed in this recently opened museum to be adapted to persons with any type of walking disabilities. Elevators are present on site.

• Do you pick up at hotels on your Dordogne shared tours?

  All our scheduled/shared tours have a precise departure location that is mentioned on your voucher in each city. If you wish to be picked up at your accommodation then you will need to book a private tour.

• What happens if we do not find the meeting point for our Shared Tour from Sarlat?

  You have to be at the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to tour departure. If you are having difficulties finding the meeting point you must call us on our office number +33 556 152 609 so that we may help you find the exact area. Please note that tours leave on time and if you are not there at the designated area and indicated time the driver/guide will leave. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.

• What type of vehicles are used during a shared tour from Sarlat?

  Our company uses only Mercedes Tourer Viano 8 seater minivans that are recent, comfortable and fully equipped including individual A/C, shaded windows, large leg space and on board P/A system for commentaries by the guide.

• Who conducts these Dordogne shared tours from Sarlat?

  We only employ fully accredited, licensed tour guides that are also the drivers for all tours that need visits to be conducted by certified guides. Good examples are: the visit of the National Prehistory Museum, guided walking tours in cities such as Sarlat, visit of historical monuments and so on. In the Dordogne, all our guides are experts in History & Culture. All have a large experience in Paleolithic Art and conduct tours in both Caves & Castles.

• How cold is it in Rouffignac and Lascaux IV caves?

  It is quite cold in both caves: 14° Celsius, 56° Farenheit all year round. It is best advised to wear warm clothing (fleece, sweatshirt, cardigan or shawl). It is also quite damp inside, with high level of humidity which increases the feeling of being cold.

• How does the National Prehistory Museum visit take place?

  First of all, your guide will be the one conducting the tour of the National Prehistory Museum in English. This information is important as there are no English tours other than ours and very little information is available in English. Moreover, your guide is a certified licensed guide that is qualified to conduct tours in National Museums and who is an expert in Paleolithic history and prehistory. During the visit, stop and admire the most stunning artefacts and listen to your guide while you take a leap back in time.

• Where will we have time for lunch during this Dordogne full day trip?

  You will have plenty of time for lunch in Montignac or in a village locate along the Vézere Valley. This will depend on the weather conditions on the day of your tour. Both the town of Montignac and the village offer a number of options from small snacks, local restaurants to more high end semi-gastronomic venues.

• How does the tour of Rouffignac cave take place?

  First of all, your guide will introduce you, during your driving time from the National Prehistory museum, to the visit of Rouffignac cave. Since the tour takes place on a small electric train, it is better to know before hand what to expect and where to look. Moreover, the comments of the guides on the train are made essentially in French and even though you will be given an ipod with English commentaries, because of the noise and comments of the guide, all previous information is important.
  
  Upon arrival, no need to wait in line we have already organized all pre-booking and tickets. Board the electric train and you will then start to make your way to the bottom of the cave. At the bottom of the cave, follow your guide who will show you and explain the different drawings present on the ceiling. This will be in English. Tour ends as you make your way back up to the entrance of the cave by electric train.

• Do you need to do a Tour or can Lascaux IV be self guided?

  Whether you book the tour through us or independently, you have to take the tour of the cave. If you book the tour through our company, you will be introduced by one of our expert guides to the visit of the cave. More important, we pre-book the tour for our small groups and have a direct access to the main attraction. Booking with us means you do not wait in line.
  However, please note that English tours of the Caves are very limited in number, most of the visits are in French. 
  Your guide will explain the cave before and after the tour as simultaneous translation in the cave is strictly forbidden.

• Where can we buy tickets for Lascaux IV?

  For the tickets, no problem, we have you covered. As the main tour operator of the Dordogne we have a partnership with Lascaux IV that enables us to offer our clients fast track access to the visits. 

• Is this tour available in winter?

  Unfortunately, because a large number of sites close during the winter season, this tour is not available between the months of November to March included.