Montignac and the Vézère Valley

Inhabited since the Palaeolithic, the town of Montignac expanded in the Middle Ages with the construction of a major defensive fortress. Today, it is famous for the discovery of the Lascaux caves on its territory in 1940. The Vézère River divides the town in two: to the north, the town has kept its medieval charm with narrow streets and houses on stilts. On the Mérilhou quay, Place Carnot the market takes place on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. As for the south bank, there is a priory, converted quays and a convent transformed into an exhibition hall.

Montignac and its surroundings, what to see

A must-see is the Montignac Lascaux International Centre for Cave Art, or Lascaux IV . Located on the hill where the original cave was discovered, this contemporary monument houses a full replica of the Lascaux cave, the Sistine Chapel of Prehistory, as well as exhibition halls on the subject.

Nearby, in Thonac, the Parc du Thot will allow you to deepen your knowledge of prehistory: from prehistoric art to fauna in the time of the Cro-Magnons. There is a ticket valid for both entrances to Lascaux too. 

Those who prefer palaces should visit the Château de Losse . While the walls and the defensive part are of medieval origin, the building with period furniture is in the Renaissance style (from the 16th century). Gardens and an elegant terrace overlooking the Vézère river complete the visit.

If your thirst for castles is still not satisfied, the Louis XIII-style Château de Sauvebeauf can also be visited in Aubas. It has a special feature: its vaulted cellars house one of the largest private collections of prehistory in the world.

Follow the route to Terrasson , a "garden city" that offers a pleasant stroll through its historic centre: among the *échoppes* or shops with retro displays dedicated to craftsmen and the unmissable Jardins de l'Imaginaire . They present sets that invoke the elements and the senses to tell the story of Humanity.

When you retrace your steps, you can change your route to stop in villages full of character to discover an exceptional architectural heritage: Coly-Saint Amand , a village listed as "Most Beautiful in France", has a fortified church from the Romanesque period, the picturesque village of Saint-Geniès and its château-restaurant. A stopover at the Manoir de la Cypierre in Saint-Crépin-et-Carlucet, a small château (15th and 16th centuries) inhabited all year round by the owners who will be delighted to show you around.

Or spend the afternoon in the Gardens of the Manoir de Eyrignac in Salignac Eyvigues. These gardens contain the most beautiful representations of topiary art in France with a unique collection of more than 300 forms of plant sculptures and 50,000 yew, box and hornbeam plants.

It is the ideal starting point for visiting a large number of prehistoric sites and caves with the most important cave paintings from the Upper Palaeolithic. These include the Font-de-Gaumes Caves , the Refuge du Pêche or Laugerie Basse , and a National Museum of Prehistory where some of the prehistoric finds are on display. Following the course of the river, you can visit the cliff of Roque Saint-Christophe or the troglodyte village of La Madeleine .

This part of the valley also hides castles such as the Reignac Fortress House , a troglodyte castle, the Marzac castle in Tursac , or the medieval Commarque Castle in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. Its ruined state but with restored rooms, located in a privileged environment, make it a magical visit!

Halfway between Les Eyzies de Tayac and Montignac, a stop is a must in the charming village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère , one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and its Romanesque church. For hiking enthusiasts, a large number of paths allow you to discover the valley in a different way.