# Dordogne and Vézère

> The Vézère valley in the Dordogne holds prehistoric sites and decorated caves of World Heritage rank. Book cave visits ahead, and plan nights on campsites, si

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/dordogne/

The Vézère valley in the Dordogne holds prehistoric sites and decorated caves of World Heritage rank. Book cave visits ahead, and plan nights on campsites, since camping on public land is restricted.

- **Region:** Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
- **UNESCO:** Vézère valley sites, since 1979
- **Nearest town:** Les Eyzies
- **Best season:** Spring to autumn

## Before you go

- UNESCO inscribed the Vézère Valley in 1979 with 147 prehistoric sites and 25 decorated caves. Daily access to the caves is limited.
- Lascaux IV, the full-size replica near Montignac, requires a reservation in summer and at peak times. The visit takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Camping on public roads, paths and squares is not allowed in France. Local bans can apply, so use campsites and check municipal rules.

## Planning

The Vézère Valley lies in the Dordogne département in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, centred on Les Eyzies, called the capital of prehistory. UNESCO lists 147 prehistoric sites and 25 decorated caves. Lascaux was discovered in 1940 and closed to the public in 1963. Lascaux II opened in 1983 and Lascaux IV in 2016 as a facsimile. Daily access to the caves is limited, so book ahead and check each site's official page.

## Camping

In France, camping is not allowed on public roads, paths and squares, on beaches, in nature reserves and, according to camping guides, within about 500 m of monuments. Mayors and prefectures can issue local bans, which must be signposted. Use campsites, including municipal ones, or signed aires. Before staying overnight near the sites, ask the municipality or tourist office.

## Getting around

Lascaux IV sits on a hillside above Montignac and has on-site parking. The valley also suits cycling: one route links Lascaux IV with Font-de-Gaume over about 60 km. Check height and width signs on narrow valley roads and in village centres, and use the official information on each cave's visit conditions.

## FAQs

**Can I visit the original Lascaux cave?**
No. The original closed to the public in 1963 because of environmental damage. Lascaux IV, a full-scale replica opened in 2016, shows the paintings.

**Do I need to reserve for Lascaux IV?**
The Dordogne tourist board says reservations are mandatory in summer and peak seasons. Arrive at your ticket time and check the official site for current conditions.

**Can I camp wild in the Vézère valley?**
Camping is not allowed on public roads, paths and squares in France, and local bans can apply. Use campsites or signed aires and ask the municipality.

## Places to see

- [Château de Beynac](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b12-beynac/)
- [National Museum of Prehistory](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b12-musee-prehistoire/)
- [Sarlat-la-Canéda Old Town](https://camping-spirit.com/places/sarlat-la-caneda/)
- [La Roque Saint-Christophe](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b12-roque-st-christophe/)
- [Gardens of Marqueyssac](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b12-marqueyssac/)
- [Château de Castelnaud](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b12-castelnaud/)
- [Domme](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b12-domme/)
- [Lascaux IV](https://camping-spirit.com/places/lascaux/)