Montignac: Lascaux, history and trails

Montignac offers several different reasons to stay: Lascaux, historic buildings, walking trails and activities with canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. If you’re looking for a hotel in Montignac, it helps to first consider which of these themes will shape your travel plans. The original Grotte de Lascaux is located within the municipality of Montignac in the Dordogne department. Around the name Lascaux, there are also different types of visits, trails and a viewpoint to choose from.

Lascaux and Montignac’s architectural history

The tourist office is located in the former Saint-Jean Hospital, dating from the 14th century. The Prieuré Saint Georges was built in the same century as a chapel for the nearby hospital, which is 30 metres away. Today, the Prieuré hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. These two buildings bring together the hospital’s former history and the Prieuré’s current cultural offerings.

The streetscape offers another way to explore the town’s history: a medieval street lined with 13th-century half-timbered houses is considered particularly picturesque. The street is therefore a distinct aspect of the town’s architectural history, alongside the former hospital and the Prieuré.

Plan visits and walking trails

At Lascaux IV, the type of visit depends on the time of day. Guided visits with an interpreter are offered in the morning and afternoon. At lunchtime, a self-guided visit with an audio guide is available. If you prefer a guided visit with an interpreter, you can include the morning or afternoon options in your plans; the lunchtime option differs in being self-guided. As schedules may change, check visiting times in advance.

Two circular trails offer different planning options. The “Montignac – promenade de Lascaux” trail is 7 kilometres long, starts at the tourist office and is designed for walkers to take about two hours. The 4.5-kilometre “Dans les pas des inventeurs de Lascaux” trail follows in the footsteps of the discoverers of the Grotte de Lascaux. The distances can be compared directly; an approximate duration is given for the longer trail, while the shorter one specifically focuses on the history of the discovery.

Views, paddling and the market

The viewpoint at Lascaux IV offers views of the Vézère Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This adds the opportunity to take in the landscape associated with this World Heritage status during your visit.

For paddle sports, the Lascaux Canoë base is located in the heart of Montignac-Lascaux, 400 metres from Lascaux IV. Four routes are offered, ranging from 4 to 17 kilometres. You can choose from canoes with two to five seats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards; the routes have no time limit. This lets you consider the route lengths and boat types as a planning option in its own right, alongside visits and walks.

Local producers are represented at the Montignac-Lascaux market, on Quai Mérilhou, Place Carnot and the surrounding streets. If you’d like to include local producers in your stay, you can make a note of these three market areas when planning. The visit programme therefore offers a variety of options: architectural history and Lascaux, trails of different lengths, paddling, and the market with its local producers.

Discover more destinations: Vezac, Campsegret, Lanouaille, Bertric-Burée, Saint-Jean-De-Côle, Biron, Paunat, Clermont-D'excideuil.

For the main travel overview: Dordogne.