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Ophorus Tours - Journey into History: Dordogne Day Tour from Sarlat
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Adult (Age 13-99) € 160.00 /person
Child (Age 4-12) € 120.00 /person
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Journey into History: Dordogne Day Tour from Sarlat

Sightseeing Day Trips Cultural

Travel back thousands of years on this immersive small-group day trip from Sarlat exploring the prehistoric heritage of the Dordogne. Journey through the Vézère Valley, home to one of Europe’s richest concentrations of prehistoric sites. 

Visit the National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies, where your English-speaking driver-guide provides a guided visit and brings the collections to life through clear storytelling and context. 

Continue to La Roque Saint-Christophe to discover impressive cliffside shelters carved into limestone, then experience Lascaux IV, the remarkable replica of the famous decorated cave. Combining museum interpretation, archaeological sites, and iconic cave art, this tour offers a complete and engaging journey through early human life and creativity. 

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Ophorus Tours - video Journey into History: Dordogne Day Tour from Sarlat
Ophorus Tours - Journey into History: Dordogne Day Tour from Sarlat
Ophorus Tours - video Journey into History: Dordogne Day Tour from Sarlat
Ophorus Tours - Journey into History: Dordogne Day Tour from Sarlat
Ophorus Tours - video Journey into History: Dordogne Day Tour from Sarlat

Why you’ll love this tour

  • Learn about early human life and prehistoric art
  • Experience the Lascaux IV cave replica firsthand
  • Explore ancient troglodyte dwellings at La Roque
  • Visit the National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies
  • Discover prehistoric sites in the Vézère Valley

Your day at a glance

The Prehistoric Heritage of the Vézère ValleyThe Vézère Valley is one of Europe’s most important prehistoric regions, with hundreds of archaeological sites and decorated caves revealing human activity dating back tens of thousands of years. Les Eyzies & the National Museum of Prehistory (Guided in English)Les Eyzies-de-Tayac is often considered the “capital of prehistory” due to its concentration ...

The Prehistoric Heritage of the Vézère Valley
The Vézère Valley is one of Europe’s most important prehistoric regions, with hundreds of archaeological sites and decorated caves revealing human activity dating back tens of thousands of years. 

Les Eyzies & the National Museum of Prehistory (Guided in English)
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac is often considered the “capital of prehistory” due to its concentration of discoveries and sites. A highlight of this tour is the National Museum of Prehistory, where your English-speaking driver-guide leads the visit, making the collections accessible and engaging for international travelers and adding context you wouldn’t get from a self-guided visit.

La Roque Saint-Christophe
This immense limestone cliff shelter reveals a remarkable record of human occupation, from prehistoric dwellings to medieval fortifications carved into the rock.

Lascaux IV Cave Art Centre
The highlight of the tour is the visit to Lascaux IV, the complete replica of the famous cave discovered in 1940. The site faithfully reproduces prehistoric paintings that date back more than 17,000 years. 

An Immersive Journey Through Time
Combining prehistoric art, archaeological sites, and breathtaking landscapes, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the origins of human creativity and life in prehistoric Europe. 

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  • 09:20 am

    Meet your Guide in front of the Bus Stop at Place Pasteur in Sarlat la Caneda

  • 09:30 am

    Depart for Prehistoric caves & museum tour from Sarlat

  • 10:00 am

    Visit the Prehistory museum in Les Eyzies de Tayac

  • 12:00 pm

    Enjoy some free time for lunch in Montignac or a small village along the Vezere River

  • 01:30 pm

    Visit La Roque Saint Christophe

  • 03:30 pm

    Visit of Lascaux IV Cave

  • 05:30 pm

    Drop off at Place Pasteur in Sarlat

Informations

Languages spoken

English

Know before you book

This is a prehistoric-focused full-day experience combining museum interpretation + sites + cave art Tour is operated in English. Minimum number of 2 participants (adults) applies. This tour is not wheelchair accessible. This tour is not available in August. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time The day includes a guided visit in English at the National Museum of Prehistory Warm clothing is strongly recommended for the caves. Good comfortable walking shoes recommended. Photography restrictions may apply inside some exhibits

Included

  • Transportation in premium air-conditioned minivan
  • English visit of the Prehistory Museum.
  • Visit of La Roque Saint Christophe
  • English tour of Lascaux IV.
  • All entrance tickets.

Excluded

  • Lunch and personal expenses
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • Gratuities for the driver/guide.

Meeting point

, Sarlat-la-Canada View in Google Map

Departure

Pick up in front of Bus Stop at Place Pasteur in Sarlat la Caneda. Guide will have a sign with company logo and tour name. Please be ready 10 minutes before tour departure time. All tours leave on time!

Return

Tour returns to original departure point.

Reviews

5.0/5 (41 reviews)
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  • 5
    Martha 03, Nov 2025 Lena was a wonderful guide; she was knowledgeable about all aspects of life in the area, from sites to see to natural history to good restaurants to history of tge area. She was friendly, considerate, and flexible.
  • 5
    Margaret 25, Jun 2025 Wonderful day trip with Anne. A great introduction to the history and beauty of the region. Loved it all. Had been booked on the half day tour, but really glad I joined the full day as we had time to wander under the cliffs in Les Eyzies as well as stop at several other important sites. Thoroughly recommend this tour. Also good communication with Ophorus when they had to change my bookings.
  • 5
    Anne 29, Aug 2024 Brilliant day out. Very interesting. Martin, our guide from Sarlat was amazing. Would highly recommend.
  • 5
    Pat Hicks 14, Jul 2024 We spent the day with your amazing guide, Anne! She took us to the Prehistoric Museum in Les Eyzies, the cave in Rouffignac and Lascaux IV, as wellas Racamadour the following day. Anne was fluent in English, extremely knowledgeable about the area and entertained us during the drives to the various sites, telling us about local history and customs. She treated us to occasional stops for the views and photographs in addition to our planned destinations and was extremely attentive to our needs and wants. She was excellent, the best guide we had during our 15 days of travel in and around the Bordeaux and Sarlat areas. We HIGHLY recommend Anne and will stay in touch for future travels.
  • 5
    Angela Hassler 18, May 2024 We are very, very happy with our Guide Anne. She did everything perfect!!!
  • 5
    Cydney Crampton 15, May 2024 Took a strip with Anne to the prehistoric sites and caves. She was outstanding and spoke excellent English. She gave us restaurant recommendations for Sarlat, as well. Superb driver, as well. Benoit took us to the scenic villages of the Dordogne and he was equally superb in the same respects. Thank you for providing such excellent service and great education.
  • 5
    Kathy Lanza 25, Apr 2024 Excellent tour of Les Eyzies, Rouffignac Cave, and Lascaux IV with great guide Benoit.
  • 5
    Bruce Leidenberger 21, Oct 2023 I wanted to again say thank you for a great tour on not just one, not two, but all three occasions we had the opportunity to spend with you. We took other tours in Bordeaux and Barcelona and yours were the most informative and best ones we took.
  • 5
    Marilyn Mull LCSW 02, Oct 2023 While it was an expensive tour it was totally worth it. Ben, our guide was wonderful and knowledgeable.
    It was so relaxing to not have to drive and be in a small group, 5 plus Ben.
    It was perfect to go to the museum first, then Rouffanac and finish up at Lascaux. It was fantastic!
  • 5
    Carolyn Desfosses 26, Sep 2023 The tour provides a great introduction to the pre-historic caves by visiting the museum, Rouffignac and Lascaux IV and stopping at some significant sites for photos on the way. Admittedly Lascaux is not the original cave but a replica but really fascinating nevertheless. The tours are with small, manageable groups, and the van comfortable and air conditioned. I was fortunate to have Anne on all three tours that I did in the region with Ophorus. She was fantastic - knowledgeable, good fun and accommodated everyone’s needs! Highly recommend especially if you don’t have a car!
  • 4
    Jim Roberts 18, Sep 2023 Ann was a great tour guide, and the tour was fair, just a little over priced, in my opinion. We did have a good time. Thanks.
  • 5
    David 15, Sep 2023 Excellent trip. Anne, our guide, was funny, personable and knowledgable. She was able to adapt to the mixed group’s needs and some last minute timetable changes with the museums and cave tours so we never felt rushed or bored. We had a great day and while you could replicate the day with your own car, having a guide and driver meant I got to enjoy the amazing pre-history scenery and we got a load of little extra recommendations and tidbits. Highly recommend!
  • 5
    Sharon McCulloch 13, Sep 2023 What a wonderful day we had, our tour guide Anne, was extremely knowledgeable, fun and spoke great English. It was a small tour which was lovely, even though it was extremely hot, we still had a great day - thank you.
  • 5
    Yuko Nabetani 12, Sep 2023
  • 4
    Hans Markus 08, Sep 2023 Grotte von rouffignac war grossartig. Lascaux IV: die Kopien der Höhlenmalereien sind top, der Rest sehr touristisch.
  • 5
    Thomas Leslie Roberts 01, Sep 2023 The guide was excellent. SHE HAD A GREAT PERSONALITY AND WAS WILLING TO HELP.
  • 5
    Jessica Wilson 15, Aug 2023 Wonderful tour, excellent guide, very thorough in details and history. Highly recommend.
  • 5
    Cathie Healey 04, Aug 2023 We had a wonderful day tour of Rouffignac Cave, Les Eyzies and the prehistory museum as well as Lascaux IV. We were transported in a very modern, comfortable air conditioned van by our delightful and well informed tour leader, Anne. There were a few bonus stops on the way and plenty of opportunities for toilets, food and photos ( other than the caves where it is not allowed.) This was well worth doing and if you manage to get Anne as your leader you’re in for a wonderful time. Thank you again.
  • 5
    Robbi Matarrese 28, Jul 2023
  • 5
    Jessica Wilson 18, Jul 2023 Wonderful tour, excellent guide, very thorough in details and history. Highly recommend.
  • 5
    Anne Michael 17, Jul 2023 Anne was prompt, friendly and helpful. She spoke very clearly and had an extensive knowledge and pride in this area. She shared with us such a detailed summary of the Prehistoric times and sites in the Dordonne. We appreciated that she stopped at several places to share points of interest and history building on the experience before the Lascaux exhibition. We would definitely take an Orphorus tour again
  • 5
    N/A 16, Jul 2023
  • 5
    Judy Ice Marshall 14, Jul 2023 Would have been great to have full itinerary available prior to trip. Wasn't expecting first cave tour. Would have been nice to be able to do some research prior to tour. Also holds true for museum tour.
  • 5
    Steve 11, Jul 2023 Anne was AWESOME! She gave us a wonderful introduction to the Rouffignac and Lascaux 4 caves, late ice age homo sapiens (Les Ezyies museum), and Perigord area. Her recommendation for lunch was excellent. She is so knowledgeable and a great driver too. A 5 star day! Thank you, Anne! David and Steve from Washington, DC
  • 5
    Jane 29, Jun 2023 It wa a great tour and fabulous day! Our guide, Anne, was spectacular - knowledgeable, interesting, professional, and fun.
    I would highly recommend her!!
    Thanks you,

  • 5
    Caroline Shinn Bailey 27, Jun 2023 Top notch tour, we were beautifully taken care of. Grateful for recommendation to Chai Bodin
  • 5
    Karen Emmorey 24, May 2023 Our tour guide (Ann) was excellent, and the design of the trip was great, starting with the prehistory museum to get us ready for the day, then Rouffignac (real cave drawings - awe inspiring), and the the famous Lascaux (recreation, but still amazing). The stop for lunch was also delightful.
  • 5
    N/A 14, Oct 2022 We had a wonderful day full of excitement, information and wonder with the tour with Benoit! He was a great tour guide and was very patient and knowledgeable.

    I wish we could take him with us on tour for the rest of our time in France!

    Excellent tour, caves were beyond imaginable and we have lasting memories to take home with us! Thank you again to Ophorus & Benoit. Well done.
  • 5
    Ross B. 06, Jun 2022 Mr. Benoit gave us and another couple an amazing tour with a lot of background info only a local guide would know. For example, Cro-Magnon man was so named because prehistoric bones were found on land owned by Mr. Magnon and cro is a term for a limestone hole in the local Occitan language. His English was fluent and he was friendly and helpful. For lunch he led us to a great restaurant and helped us get a good table.
  • 5
    Diane W. 27, May 2022 What a great day! We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Maarten and learned so much! His passion for prehistory is evident and he shares his knowledge in an easy to follow way. My husband has some mobility issues and Maarten was very cognizant if this. He checked on my husband frequently throughout the day and tried to find easier ways for him to traverse some of the areas. This was our second tour with Maarten and I highly recommend him!
  • 5
    NA 24, Apr 2022 An exceptional tour full of history and interesting sites. Our guide Maarten had excessive knowledge of the history of the region. A long and very rewarding day.
  • 5
    mhil 07, Sep 2021 This day trip might seem a bit long to those who just want to see Lascaux IV, but in hindsight it was well worth every minute. Early on, our guide Martin gave us a sweeping overview of prehistory that allowed us to make sense of the overwhelmingly rich collection of the National Museum of Prehistory at Les Eyzies, "the Louvre of Prehistory" as he called it. What we saw and learned that morning provided the background needed to understand and fully appreciate the two prehistorical sites on our itinerary, the Rouffignac caves and especially Lascaux IV.

    Martin was the perfect tour guide for this trip, thanks to the depth and breadth of his knowledge of prehistory as well as his excellent communication skills. I only regret that he was not allowed to accompany us through the tour of Lascaux IV, as the official guide was way below his level of expertise and pedagogical talent.
  • 5
    Myles (United States) 04, Sep 2021 Martin was an outstanding guide. Expert knowledge presented in an easy to understand way.
  • 5
    MRE0001 04, Sep 2021 The guide Martin was excellent, knowledgeable, entertaining, friendly and very helpful. I had traveled out of my way just for this tour and was happily pleased. Sarlat was a very interesting town to visit also. The caves and paintings were wonderful but I think I enjoyed Martins tour of the Museum best of all.
  • 5
    Sue L 17, Nov 2019 Amazed and enthralled

    Florence our delightful guide spoke perfect English and prepared us wonderfully well for our day’s adventure. My long held ambition- to see some cave art - realised at last. She also improvised and in a couple of spare hours in the schedule, took us to see an atmospheric castle and remarkable rock dwelling. (Both from the outside but still fascinating.)
  • 5
    Roberta C 01, Nov 2019 so happy I booked this

    I recommend this company and tour, could not ask for a better driver/guide. He was very knowledgeable about the area and history. Felt very taken care of, when we showed up at each venue, they knew him and I felt like we were getting VIP treatment, very little wait time, plus he recommended a great place to have lunch
  • 5
    by Alice (United States) 29, Oct 2019 This was an amazing day and the knowledge, enthusiasm & kindness of our guide & driver Emilian made it a joy.
  • 5
    Lois H 15, Oct 2019 An Awe Inspiring Experience

    This was one of the key highlights of my trip. The Lascaux caves took my breath away. A great added feature, was the workroom, where they had replicated panels on display. It allows you to get closer to the drawings, and take pictures, but nothing compares to going inside the replica cave and seeing it in its entirety. I want to go back to see this again.
  • 5
    cecirosanes60 08, Oct 2019 A Dream!

    The best tour guide Emilien George and his company Ophorus are absolutely the very best. I had a full day of amazement and wonder. Emilien George knowledge and very friendly manner made the experience even better. If you want to be transported to a magical place do go there and contact Ophorus Excursions Tours of France and I promise you will not regret it! I was there on Oct 5/2019 and planning of going back to explore more.
  • 5
    uisemcd0nald 28, Sep 2019 The Caves!
    Wonderful day. Our guide Florence was extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. We saw the prehistoric Museum first, a very good way to start the day’s tour. The second place we went to was in Rufignac where we were taken down into the caves on a little train. The guide there was passionate and very informative. The last place was Lascaux, the re-creation of the original caves found in the 50’s — so much to absorb, truly amazing. An excellent day. Highly recommended.
  • 5
    by Susan (United States) 10, May 2019 We had come to Dordogne especially to learn more about the Cromagnon caves, so when we arrived at our first activity of the day, we were disappointed to learn that a sudden employee strike had closed the facility for the day. Our guide, Emilien, didn’t miss a beat. He made some calls and soon had an alternative schedule for us that worked perfectly. In the end, we got into one authentic cave, toured the Lascaux IV facility, and visited other sites along the way that the guide knew from having worked there in the past. In the end, we couldn’t have been happier and felt we got good value for our money. I would definitely recommend this company, as they worked hard to ensure that the clients would be happy.

Quick answers

  • How long is the tour?

    Approximately a full day (around 8 hours).

  • Are entrance tickets included?

    Yes, all entrance tickets for the sites mentioned are included.

  • Is the original Lascaux cave open?

    No. The original cave has been closed since 1963 to protect the prehistoric paintings.

  • What prehistoric sites are visited?

    The tour typically includes La Roque Saint-Christophe and the Lascaux IV cave replica. The National Prehistory Museum visited in Les Eyzies makes for a perfect introduction to the day.

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