Font de Gaume

Les Eyzies de Tayac, the site where the skull of the Cro Magnon man was found is considered the prehistoric capital of the world. In the area are many prehistoric caves, many of which have been closed to the public in order to protect and preserve them. There are however, two caves just outside Les Eyzies de Tayac that are still open to visitors, Font de Gaume and Les Combarelles. On the edge of the town of Les Eyzies de Tayac, the Font de Gaume cave has prehistoric wall paintings of horses, bison, mammoths, and reindeer with colors still so rich that it is hard to comprehend the actual passage of time. The caves are a bit damp and dark and entail a steep 400-meter climb to reach the entrance. The grotto is deep, winding, and narrow in parts. There are some 230 drawings, of which about 30 are presented and discussed. Displayed in three tiers, some drawings are marred by graffiti, others are not clearly visible as the walls tower above the floor of the cave. Entrance is limited to 200 people per day but you can make reservations in advance by calling the tourist office in Les Eyzies (tel: 05.53.06.97.05, fax: 05.53.06.90.79). There is a small additional charge for advance booking. With the closure of more caves each year, it is uncertain how much longer the opportunity to visit Font de Gaume will continue. (Open all year.)