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Sarlat-la-Canéda
A Private Day Trip from Sarlat to Pech Merle & Cougnac Caves
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private tours
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Sightseeing
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08 hours
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Small Groups ( 2~8 )
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Quiet
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Multi-languages
English Français
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Visit two Extraordinary Decorated Caves of the Quercy on this private full day trip from Sarlat. Both Pech Merle & Cougnac caves still bear original drawings & etchings dating back thousands of years. A stunning experience.
Highlights
- Take in the Original Cave Drawings of the Pech Merle Cave
- Admire rich parietal paintings as well as fascinating natural concretions
- Visit one of the most intimate caves, Grotte de Cougnac
- Dordogne Tour can be customized to suit your interests
- Local Tour Guide, Expert of the Dordogne & Lot Region
What is Included / Excluded for this tour
Program & Itinerary
Discover the captivating wonders of Quercy's decorated paleolithic caves on an immersive full-day tour. Immerse yourself in the ancient world as you visit Pech Merle Cave, home to magnificent depictions of mammoths, bison, and horses. Experience the Cougnac Cave, adorned with images of ibex and Megaloceros—an extinct deer. This exclusive tour ensures an intimate cave art experience, led by an expert ...
Explore the Enchanting Paleolithic Caves in Quercy on a Full Day Tour
Discover the captivating wonders of Quercy's decorated paleolithic caves on an immersive full-day tour. Immerse yourself in the ancient world as you visit Pech Merle Cave, home to magnificent depictions of mammoths, bison, and horses. Experience the Cougnac Cave, adorned with images of ibex and Megaloceros—an extinct deer. This exclusive tour ensures an intimate cave art experience, led by an expert guide.
Meet your Knowledgeable English-Speaking Driver/Guide, a Local Paleolithic Art Expert
We will pick you up directly from your Sarlat hotel or accommodation in the surrounding area. Meet your English-speaking local guide, a passionate expert in paleolithic art, who will accompany you throughout the day. Your guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the day's program and itinerary. Climb aboard our comfortable and air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, setting the stage for an extraordinary adventure to Pech Merle Cave. Our vehicles are equipped with an on-board P/A system, ensuring that everyone can hear the guide's commentary even from the back of the van.
Marvel at the Ancient Cave Drawings of Pech Merle and Uncover its Fascinating History
Prepare to explore the captivating Quercy region on this private tour, with Pech Merle Cave as our first destination. Located near the charming villages of Cabrerets and St Cirq Lapopie in the Lot area, Grotte du Pech Merle is an awe-inspiring cave renowned for its prehistoric paintings and rock art dating back 25,000 years.
Secluded amidst a wooded area, this cave presents a unique combination of remarkable parietal paintings and fascinating natural concretions. As you embark on a guided tour of this vast prehistoric cave, marvel at artwork that has endured for nearly 30,000 years, surrounded by stunning stalactites and calcite pearls.
Highlights of the visit include striking depictions of black bison and mammoths, bear heads engraved in the rock, stencil-like negative handprints, and the renowned spotted horses—an exceptionally well-preserved prehistoric masterpiece.
Follow your guide inside the cave and enjoy a specially arranged English tour to maximize your understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary site. In the rare instance that the English tour is unavailable due to high visitor numbers, a booklet will be provided to ensure you don't miss out on any details. Your guide will be available to answer any questions during the tour.
Time for lunch (at own expense)
Afterward, we will transport you to Cabrerets village or another nearby village, allowing you free time for lunch.
Experience the Intimate Cougnac Cave, Another Marvelous Gem of the Region
In the afternoon, we venture to the prehistoric site of Grotte de Cougnac, also known as Cougnac Cave. Discovered in 1949, this historic monument features human figures, animal depictions such as Megaloceros and ibex, and intricate utilization of the cave's relief to convey the animals' volume.
Similar to Pech Merle, Cougnac offers two treasures: a geological marvel with a wealth of concretions, including countless stalactites and stalagmites adorning the ceiling and floor, and a prehistoric treasure where our ancestors left their mark through cave art. Radiocarbon dating places the cave at 25,000 years BP, with paintings and drawings showcasing animals, handprints, and geometric signs.
Embark on a guided tour of Cougnac Cave, where expert commentary sheds light on the prehistoric paintings and the artistic dialogue with the cave walls. The tour will last approximately one hour, leaving you with a profound understanding of this ancient masterpiece.
Conclude the Tour and Return to Sarlat
After the enlightening visit, it's time to return to Sarlat, reflecting on the awe-inspiring paleolithic art you've encountered. We also offer private tours to Lascaux IV from Sarlat—another remarkable opportunity to delve into the world of prehistoric wonders. Book now for an unforgettable journey into the depths of history and artistry.
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Meet your Guide at your Accomodation in Sarlat
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Visit stunning Pech Merle Cave and its museum
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Free time for lunch near Pech Merle
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In the afternoon visit of Cougnac Cave
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Drop off at your accommodation in Sarlat
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Know before you book
- Dordogne Tour available from April to October
- 8 hour Private Cave Tour from Sarlat
- Tour is operated in English, other languages on request
- Entrance tickets to Cougnac and Pech Merle can be purchased during booking process
- Warm jackets are highly recommended – 14°C (57°F) inside the caves
- Tour is not wheelchair accessible
- Prices are per group from 2 to 8 persons - Larger groups please contact us
Meeting point
Your Hotel or accommodation in Sarlat la Canéda
24200
Departure
We will come and pick you up at your accommodation in Sarlat la Caneda or surrounding area radius of 30 kms (20 miles) around Sarlat.
Other possible pick up locations :
Other possible pick up locations :
- Montignac
- Les Eyzies de Tayac
- Beynac, La Roque Gageac, Domme
Return
Tour returns to original departure point.
Reviews
5.0/5 (2 reviews)
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Sharon & Steven
25, Apr 2023
Our group or 4 adults schedulded 3 days of tours with Ophorus. Our two tour guides (Benoit and Martin) were well informed, funny and gave us a great experience.... -
orietta b
04, Sep 2020
Visita guidata della celebre grotta, molto interessante e "autentica" (mentre di alcune fra le più importanti come Lascaux e Chauvet in Francia e Altamira...
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Included / excluded
Included
- Reservations for Pech Merle and Cougnac Cave
- English-speaking driver guide, Expert of the Dordogne
- Travel in recent, comfortable & fully equipped minivan
- Bottled water in the minivan
- Free WiFi access on board
Excluded
- Entrance fees to the Caves
- Personal insurance and expenses
- Meals, drinks & wine tasting fees
- Gratuities for the driver/guide
FAQ
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Do you organize pick up and return at accommodation for Sarlat private tours?
Yes, absolutely, we will come and pick you up at your hotel or accommodation in Sarlat. We can also pick you up within a radius of 30kms (20 miles) around Sarlat at no extra cost. -
What type of vehicles are used during your private tours from Sarlat?
Our company uses only Mercedes Vito Tourer 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 private 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 villages such as Rocamadour, 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 strenuous is this tour inside the Caves of Pech Merle and Cougnac?
The tour inside the caves is not recommended for persons with walking issues. The ground is uneven and the lighting inside is quite dim. You will need to wear good walking shoes for the tours inside the caves. We strongly suggest that persons with walking disabilities do not book this tour. -
Is it cold inside the Caves of Pech Merle & Cougnac?
Inside the caves of the Dordogne in general the temperature is of 13° Celsius, 56° Fahrenheit. It is therefore recommended that you bring warm clothes for the visit. -
Is lunch included on this private tour from Sarlat?
No, we never include lunch on our private full day tours from Sarlat. If you would like to include a lunch in a local restaurant don't hesitate to reach out and our travel advisors will take care of your restaurant reservation. Also, don't hesitate to ask your guide in the morning for recommendations.
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