Step inside a careful replica that brings Paleolithic scenes to life. At the International Center for Cave Art, Lascaux IV offers a full-scale, exact reproduction of the original underground galleries. This purpose-built center spans 8,000 m² and unfolds across six scenographic spaces that recreate the feel of the hillside and the dark rooms where early artists worked.

The original site has been closed since 1963 to protect fragile paintings, so the replica is the closest way to connect with those masterpieces. Lighting, textures, and exact contours are faithfully reproduced so you can sense the scale and detail the first explorers saw.

Practical notes help you plan your trip: tickets are time-stamped, online booking is recommended, and arriving about 20 minutes early smooths check-in. Summer mornings might release extra same-day tickets at the counter, while evening slots tend to be quieter.

Key Takeaways

• See a faithful full-scale replica inside a dedicated center that respects conservation.
• Experience six themed spaces across 8,000 m² with realistic lighting and textures.
• Buy time-stamped tickets in advance; arrive 20 minutes before your slot.
• Summer mornings may offer limited counter tickets; evenings are often less busy.
• The replica reproduces exact contours so visitors connect emotionally with the art.

Why Choose Lascaux IV for an Unrivaled Cave Art Experience

A full-scale reconstruction puts you inside the scene while the original remains protected.

We crafted an exact replica that mirrors every contour, pigment, and engraving from the original site. The center blends into the hillside and leads you into six scenographic spaces. Sound and light cues guide your path and make the panels feel alive.

Key highlights include the Hall of the Bulls, axial diverticulum, nave, apse, and the Well. These familiar chambers are reproduced so faithfully you’ll recognize them at once. Interactive stations explain techniques and materials, so the art becomes both emotional and scientific.

The interpretive route moves from discovery to analysis. Guides and displays connect you to the people who created the panels. For first-timers and enthusiasts alike, the experience balances wonder with learning.

At a glance

Explore Our Visit Experiences

Find the right rhythm for your day: structured leader-led routes, family storytelling, or a quiet self-guided lunch slot. Each format delivers full access to the main chambers while changing the level of interaction and time you spend in front of panels.

Guided Tour: Expert-led journey through prehistoric art

Morning and afternoon sessions run with an expert guide who highlights techniques, themes, and meaning. The route is structured to show key panels and to answer deep questions.

Prestige Tour: Intimate, special-timetable experience

Small groups at special times give you space to absorb details and ask in-depth questions. This format suits those seeking a quieter, more reflective time.

Storytelling Tour: Fun, explorer-guided visits for children

Designed for children, an explorer-guide uses lively tales and hands-on moments to hold attention across different years of age.

Self-guided and Audioguide Tour: Dive into the replica at your own pace

Available at lunchtime only, the audioguide lets you pause where you want. Ideal if you prefer to linger at favorite panels or fit the visit into a tight time window.

Cave Art and Gastronomy Evening: Extend your visit with a chef’s menu

Combine a Prestige session with a starred chef’s menu and stories about prehistoric daily life for a memorable evening.

• Compare formats to match interests, schedule, and group size.
• Tip: book online early for peak dates to secure your preferred time.
• For fewer crowds, choose evenings or less in-demand times.

Tickets, Prices, and Booking Information

A simple breakdown of fares and options helps families and solo travelers choose wisely.

Traditional tickets cost Adults €23 (ages 13+), reduced €22, disabled €16. Children 5–12 are €15. Children under 5 years old enter free but must hold a ticket and won’t receive an audio receiver or tablet.

Custom tours include the Storytelling Tour at €16 for ages 5–12 and the Prestige Tour at €35 per person (adults and children) for a more intimate experience.

Flex option: add €2 per person to make tickets changeable, subject to availability. Time-stamped tickets are emailed—check your spam folder.

• Payments: cash, ANCV/e-ANCV cheques, debit/credit cards. Pass Culture covers ages 15–18 with proof.
• Reduced rates for students (post-baccalaureate), jobseekers, Famille Nombreuse, and Crédit Agricole sociétaires are sold on site.
• Disabled bookings and rates: email contact@lascaux.fr. Press requests: c.djoudi@semitour.com (48h notice).

Opening Hours and Best Times to Visit

Knowing the daily schedule helps you pick a time that fits your pace and avoids crowds.

Seasonal hours vary to match demand and daylight. Below are typical examples so you can plan without surprises.

Seasonal hours at a glance

• Nov–early Apr: 10:00–18:00 — calmer days, ideal for slow travel.
• Spring & late summer: 09:00–19:00 — good balance of light and access.
• Early July: 08:30–21:30 — extended evening options.
• Late July–Aug: 08:00–22:00 — peak summer flexibility and late slots.

Tour tips: Arrive 20 minutes early and note last admission

We recommend arriving about 20 minutes before your scheduled start to collect devices and settle in. This helps groups move through the entrance smoothly.

Plan around last admission: it is 2 hours before closing. Factor that into transport and meal plans so you don’t rush at the gate.

• Check the official ticketing service for same-day availability and any special openings.
• Choose late-afternoon or evening slots in summer for fewer crowds; mornings often host families and tour buses.
• For outdoor photos, aim for early or late light for softer views of the terrace and surroundings.

For up-to-date information, always consult the venue’s ticketing page before you travel.

Lascaux caves visit: Plan a seamless experience

A little prep removes stress and gives you space to linger where the art moves you most. Book early and pick a slot that fits your pace—this makes the day feel calm instead of rushed.

Book online to secure your preferred time slot

Online booking is strongly recommended, especially in summer. Some same-day tickets may be released each morning, but those go fast. If you must change plans, the flex option adds a small fee for greater flexibility.

Timing strategies: Morning, lunchtime, and evening visits

For independence, target the lunchtime Self-guided and Audioguide window. That slot suits people who want to set their own pace.

Evening sessions are often less crowded in high season. Mornings, by contrast, attract families and organized groups.

Visiting with children: Age guidance and what to expect

Children under 5 enter free but still need a ticket; they do not receive an audio receiver or tablet. For ages 5–12, the Storytelling Tour uses an explorer-guide and special timetables to keep kids engaged.

Accessibility and practical notes for disabled visitors

For disabled rates and practical assistance, email contact@lascaux.fr ahead of time. Planning helps arrange devices and a smooth route through the galleries.

What you’ll see: highlights to anticipate

Expect dim, cooler conditions and a flowing route that moves groups but allows pauses. Key panels include the Hall of the Bulls, the axial diverticulum, the nave, the apse, and the Well with its human figure reproduced in the workshop.

• Book online early to lock in your preferred time.
• Lunch slot = best for self-guided freedom.
• Evenings = fewer crowds in high season.
• Children: special storytelling schedules for 5–12 years.
• Accessibility: contact by email to arrange help.

Make It a Full Day in Périgord

Turn a single ticket into a full-day adventure that blends gallery time, outdoor learning, and valley views. Start at the center in the morning, soak in the terrace panorama over Montignac-Lascaux, then head out to nearby sites at a relaxed pace.

Parc du Thot: Complement your visit with animal park experiences

Parc du Thot sits about 7.9 km away in Thonac. It pairs well with the replica because live animals and interpretive displays link fauna to prehistoric lifeways.

Lascaux II: Private group experiences and an iconic facsimile

Lascaux II is just 1.1 km away in Montignac. It’s the historic facsimile and can be reserved for private groups, companies, or tailored programs.

Nearby highlights: Vézère Valley prehistory sites and Montignac-Lascaux village views

Combine combined tickets to save money and time: Lascaux IV + Parc du Thot — Adults €26.50, Children €17.50. Lascaux IV + Lascaux II — Adults €29, Children €19.

• Easy full-day plan: start at the center, then add Parc du Thot or Lascaux II with combined tickets.
• For families: alternate indoor panels with outdoor park time to keep children energized.
• Group days: consider booking the facsimile privately for a tailored program.
• Timing tip: book your ticket in advance so you move smoothly between sites and enjoy the valley views.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Here’s a clear wrap-up to help you plan timing, tickets, and extras with confidence.

Time-stamped tickets and seasonal hours mean planning pays off. Book online to secure your slot, then arrive about 20 minutes early to collect devices and settle in.

The flex option (+€2) gives leeway if plans change. Under-5s enter free but still need a ticket; combined offers with Parc du Thot or Lascaux II save money and extend the day.

Whether you’re drawn by cave art scholarship or a family outing, the lascaux cave replica balances learning and wonder for all ages and years.

Your ticket is more than entry: it’s a chance to connect with ancient art. Check current prices and hours, then book online to lock in a memorable visit.