![]() The association and the density of the Paleolithic sites make the Vézère Valley an ensemble that fully reflects the attributes of Outstanding Universal Value. This material, invaluable to the knowledge of the most distant periods of the history of humankind, dates back to the Paleolithic period and is of exceptional interest from an historic, ethnological, anthropological and aesthetic point of view. Furthermore, its potential as an archaeological reserve is considerable, as demonstrated by the discoveries carried out as preventive excavations since inscription on the World Heritage List.Ĭriterion (i): Some of the figurative ensembles found in the caves of the Vézère Valley are universally recognized as masterpieces of prehistoric art: The Venus de Laussel (Marquay), the chevaline frieze in high relief of Cap-Blanc, and especially the wall paintings of the Lascaux Cave (Montignac), of which the discovery, in 1940, marks an important date in the history of prehistoric art: hunting scenes skillfully composed present close to one hundred animal figures, surprising in the precision of their observation, the richness of their colour, and the vivacity of their rendering.Ĭriterion (iii): The objects and the works of art found in the Vézère Valley are extremely rare witnesses of long extinct civilizations, which are very difficult to understand. This property comprises 15 prehistoric sites that bear witness to a strong Paleolithic occupation: decorated caves, funerary places, workshops, exploitation areas for raw materials, habitats, hunting scenes. It also enabled the establishment of a chronological cadre for the prehistoric civilizations of the European quaternary period. This vast territory of roughly 30km by 40km is of outstanding interest from the ethnological, anthropological and aesthetic point of view with its cave paintings, in particular those of the Lascaux Cave, discovered in 1940. To relax, there is a swimming pool and a solarium equipped with deckchairs and parasols, subject to availability, and a play area for children.Located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in the Department of the Dordogne, the Vézère Valley is a priviliged prehistoric territory that contains more than 150 deposits dating back to Paleolithic times and about thirty decorated caves. It is made up of houses and apartments, and the architecture is based on the local tradition of fortified towns: staggered roofs with Roman tiles, façades in stone colours with herringbone patterns, arcades and outdoor staircases. The residence lies in a beautiful, leafy setting on the shores of a lake in a huge landscaped park. Several restaurants are existent around the town, with good French food. It really is very busy on market days, so be careful where you walk (and what you buy of course).īeside the tourist office and the ticket office for Lascaux's Cave II there is an exhibition area selling local goods and produce andĪlong near the main car park is another building that specialises in selling goods from South American, African and Asians countries. There are several shops, and, of course, the busy market place. Can be found by following the footpaths under the new bridge. ![]() Don't forget the sunscreen even if its overcast! Hire a canoe from one of the many kayak tours and enjoy up to 6hours of river scenery.Walk over the bridge, especially quite late at night, as it is beautiful at this time.The small festival, held every summer on the bridge, with fireworks.Note that visitors go see a replica of the caves completed in 1983 as carbon dioxide from tourists previously caused damaged to the original paintings. The prehistoric sites are a UNESCO World Heritage site. 45.049167 1.176111 1 The Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley, Lascaux ( 2km south of Montignac).If you are driving, be aware that the town operates a one way system. There are quite a few roads through Montignac at least a quarter are pedestrianized, so it is mostly best to walk.
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