The first cave in the Dordogne to be discovered, the Font-de-Gaume is one of around 25 that are open to the public. Since then, hundreds more caves have been found in the surrounding area of the Dordogne, in the Vezere Valley. Other sites in the valley have shown significant evidence of signs of human living, going back more than 300,000 years.

The original Lascaux cave in the Dordogne was closed to the public in 1963, after its art began showing damage. This damage was mainly caused by the carbon dioxide emitted by visitors, around one million in the 15 years after it first opened to the public, in 1948 had visited the cave. Now a replica of the two chambers in the Lascaux cave is open to the public, the Bulls’ Chamber and the Axial Gallery- where most of the artwork was found. This replica opened in 1983, just 200 metres from the original cave.

Many people are attracted to the Dordogne because of its history, art and museums. One British regular visitor to the Dordogne recommends is as the perfect French holiday, Mr Green said: ”The Dordogne is a region as beautiful as any I’ve ever seen. For those who are not interested in what lies beneath the surface of the earth, one can easily spend a week touring the chateaux of Dordogne, which in their grandeur and with their height, make you feel as if you’ve walked into a fairy tale.”

The Dordogne also boasts many castles, and the majority have all been restored by their owners in order to be opened to the public.

Related posts:

1. Dordogne cave art appears on BBC
2. Change of guards at UNESCO World Heritage Committee
3. Sooner better than later for Lascaux Caves
4. Half-term holiday continues in the Dordogne
5. Medieval abbey opens its doors to the Dordogne