Located near Sarlat, Lascaux houses the most impressive and well-known artworks of the Paleolithic era. These paintings not only astound with their age but also depict animals in motion and enigmatic human figures. Journey into a world where art began and experience the extraordinary.
Lascaux 4 is a fun and fascinating visit and also holds great historical significance. The original Lascaux cave is considered one of the most important sites in human history. By visiting Lascaux 4, your family will not only learn about our ancestor’s incredible artistic abilities but also contribute to the preservation of this valuable piece of history.
Lascaux 4 will impress you and be entertaining for your kids. Don’t feel put off by the idea of visiting a ‘copy’. We went for the audio tour, which comes in many languages and offers us and the kids an opportunity to go explore in our own pace.
The Discovery of Lascaux
Lascaux is a complex system of caves located above the Vézère River valley near Montignac, in Dordogne. Lascaux shows a world where art first took shape and reality merged with imagination. Uncover the mysteries of the most remarkable examples of Paleolithic art in Europe.
In 1940, four French teenagers and their dog stumbled upon the cave while out exploring. What they found were hundreds of wall paintings that appeared to have been made over 20,000 years ago by Upper Paleolithic people.
Preserved for thousands of years, these vibrant (mostly) large animal paintings were hidden behind a landslide at the end of the Paleolithic era. Untouched until 1940.
In 1963, Lascaux opened to the public, but popularity brought a threat to the delicate paintings. The humid atmosphere and exhaled carbon dioxide from visitors posed a danger. Public visits were halted, and a replica cave, Lascaux II, was created. Now, we can experience the ultimate replica with Lascaux 4.
Exploring Lascaux 4
Lascaux 4 is much more than a mere replica of the original cave. Skilled artisans have spent years crafting a truthful representation of the cave’s essence and magic. You can experience some of humanity’s earliest creations up close, while also learning about the research and discoveries made by archaeologists over the years. The large team of experts utilised digital photography and laser imaging to recreate the paintings, ensuring every detail is identical to the original. Even the temperature in the cave, the air pressure, the dampness, and the sounds. Interactive guides and multi-screen displays guide you through the workshops and exhibitions.
The Enigmatic Artworks
The most striking features of Lascaux’s paintings are its colors, images of large animals, and the technical skill involved in creating them. These ancient artworks were made by blowing and painting mineral pigments onto the walls using ochre, charcoal, and manganese.
However, despite our fascination with these timeless creations, they still remain a mystery to us in many ways. Questions such as why they were painted and what they represent is still subject of research.
A Brief History of Humankind
The fascination with Lascaux’s prehistoric paintings has been amplified through the works of bestselling historian and author, Yuval Noah Harari. In his book “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind,” Harari describes his first encounter with the paintings, stating, “I had seen many great works of art, but nothing like this.”
Harari’s descriptions of Lascaux’s paintings and their significance offer a perspective on these ancient artworks. His writings have inspired people to visit Lascaux 4 and other ancient sites, exploring the mysteries of our past.
Plan Your Visit to Lascaux
Lascaux 4 is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes drive away from our holiday home and offers an ideal day trip for families. We recommend booking tickets online in advance and opting for the audio tour, available in multiple languages for convenience and adaptable for kids and adults. After your visit to Lascaux 4, you can also explore the nearby town of Sarlat and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Lascaux’s ancient cave paintings offer a unique and captivating experience for families. From its discovery to the preservation of the past, there is much to explore and learn at Lascaux 4. So, whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day trip, make sure to add Lascaux 4 to your bucket list and experience the magic of our ancestors’ creativity firsthand.
