Summer holidays in the Dordogne: all our top tips for Montignac-Lascaux

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The medieval town contains many clues to its past life: houses on stilts or timber-framed houses, wash houses, etc. Stroll along the banks of the Vézère River, looking for the best picnic spot or the most tempting menu. You'll have to choose between a hotel by the water, an unusual night in the middle of the forest, or in the company of the animals at the Petites Oreilles farm.

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The Vézère River invites you to swim and take peaceful strolls on the water. You can also decide to keep your feet on dry land and take a stretch of the GR 36 or GR 461.

What to see in Montignac-Lascaux? Lascaux IV, a fragment of history

This is a must-see visit to discover cave art and try to imagine the lives of our ancestors. The Sistine Chapel of prehistory, as Abbé Breuil nicknamed it, is fascinating. While the original Lascaux cave, discovered in 1940, is no longer open to the public, the facsimiles (Lascaux II, then Lascaux IV) are remarkable.

We discover the complete replica of the decorated cave freely with a tablet or by torch , accompanied by a guide. The aurochs, the deer and the horses transport us into a dreamlike universe thousands of years ago.

Lascaux IV, avenue de Lascaux, in Montignac, 05 53 50 99 10. Online booking recommended, €21 adult admission, €13.50 for children 5 to 12 years old. Prestige tour €35

Dungeon and Hall Manor, Botanical Gardens and Fantastic Beasts

It sits at the entrance to the small village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère. The keep and manor of La Salle was once a private residence. Purchased by Jean-Max Touron, owner of several tourist sites, it has been open to visitors since 2021.

The various rooms of the Renaissance manor and the medieval tower are freely explored. For once, you can even touch the various objects on display. Like a cabinet of curiosities, the second-hand furniture spans the ages, and numerous collections are housed there.

We love the herbalist's shop, the room with fantastic animals, and the watchtower, which offers a glimpse of the imposing roof structure. The park, home to a three-hundred-year-old cedar tree, is also worth a look.

La Salle Keep and Manor House, in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, open from Easter to All Saints' Day. 05 53 42 72 88. Admission: €9 adults; €4.90 to €6.90 for children and students

The oldest continuously operating dry pastel factory in the world is located in Dordogne. Pastels Girault, founded in Paris in 1780, is now based in Montignac and is still a family business. Visit the factory to discover an exhibition of works by international artists, all created with the famous colored sticks. The workshop is not open to visitors, but you can satisfy your curiosity with an explanatory film. Pastel workshops are held regularly.

Pastels Girault, Chambon roundabout, D 46, in Montignac-Lascaux. 05 53 51 88 18

What to do in Montignac-Lascaux? Montignac on foot

Meet at Place Bertran-de-Born. The tourist office is located in the former 14th ^- century Saint-Jean hospital. Download the free Nouvelle-Aquitaine Videoguide app to stroll through the medieval city at your own pace. Various guides will provide information in audio and visual format during this journey through time. Around twenty stops are planned over a 2.3 km route.

To make your visit to the city a game, you can also use the Tèrra Aventura app and its "Montignac, a history of bridges" tour. Highlights include the 18th ^- century bridge, medieval streets, houses on stilts, and the castle, of which only a tower and part of the infrastructure remain.

They are even more impressive from below. The castles of the Vézère Valley can also be admired from the water in a canoe. One paddle stroke, then another, and we're in Losse, then Belcayre and Clérans. From Montignac, it takes us 12 kilometers to reach Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère.

To see the troglodyte city of La Roque Saint-Christophe, you'll have to continue all the way to Tursac. The Vézère River is calm and shallow, and you can sail along it peacefully.

Several canoe rental shops in Montignac and Saint-Léon; on average €20 per adult for the 12 km route (approximately 3 hours)

This grand Renaissance residence overlooks the Vézère River. Stop at the Château de Losse for its architecture, remarkable gardens, and numerous activities.

There are several ways to explore the building: use an audio guide, take a guided tour, or even embark on a treasure hunt. The latter is designed for children aged 5 to 11 accompanied by an adult. The tour passes through the fortifications and gardens. You'll need to solve the puzzles to obtain the reward. The castle can be accessed from the Vézère River via the moat.

Château de Losse, Route de la Princesse-d'Annam, Thonac. 05 53 50 80 08. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in July and August. Adult admission: €10

Chloé Castanier's warm smile welcomes you. At her Parenthèse, you can enjoy homemade food year-round. "I make a point of using quality products. We use fresh produce, and the duck here is French," she insists. Every lunchtime, a full menu is offered for €15.

The evening menu features Périgord staples: foie gras, duck confit, cabécou cheese, and also a rack of lamb in a walnut crust. On weekends, themed evenings are often organized with live bands. Tapas and burgers are served. "I want to spread good humor," concludes the young manager.

La Parenthèse, 18, avenue Jean-Jaurès, in Montignac. 05 53 42 89 12

Walnut trees are everywhere along the roads we travel. To taste their fruit, there's nothing better than the famous tart or cake. In Manestrugeas, milk was once produced. Adeline Boudy, who took over the family farm, opted for nut processing and honey.

Ancient flour from Fanlac, organic eggs from Rouffignac, the supply chain is short and the tart tastes authentic. Mini tartlets are also available. To combine her two flagship products, Adeline has also created "tongues d'abeille," a variation of langue de chat, rich in honey and nuts.

Manestrugeas, in Montignac. Call before coming (the road is winding, so don't waste your time traveling). 06 76 55 83 99. Adeline is also at local farmers' markets.

After visiting the Manoir de la Salle, we linger in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Many craftspeople are based there. At lunchtime, a little away from the other restaurants, we find Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe, on the banks of the Vézère.

Christèle says: "This was the basement of our house. Walkers picnicking on the banks often asked us for cutlery, salt, pepper... So we had this idea." The idea of a menu with gourmet tartines and pies, salads and sandwiches complemented by a grocery store of local products: beers, nut pastries... You can sit down, as you choose, at the tables covered with gingham tablecloths or directly on the grass, and you are called when the order is ready.

Lunch on the Grass, €5.50 for a sandwich, around €13 for toast and pies. Open all day.

At Lucie and Rahno's, the stars are undoubtedly the animals. Ponies, geese, goats, dogs, and sheep happily thrive in the meadows surrounding their Périgord house. The family left the Ardèche after falling in love with the Dordogne. Today, they are proud ambassadors of their region.

"We remain eternal tourists. We've visited certain places dozens of times." They offer two guest rooms year-round, except in summer. During the summer season, the entire house is rented as a gîte. In short, a haven of peace with attentive hosts.

La ferme des Petites Oreilles, 719, route de Fongouge, in Montignac. 06 33 70 36 17. From €135 per night in a guest room, €3,200 per week in a gîte.

Nathalie and Sébastien have found their little piece of paradise on the heights of Montignac, in the heart of the forest. Head to Arborea for an instant disconnection. On a wooded plot, the couple installed two transparent geodesic domes.

Inside the dome, there's no electricity or running water. A solar shower is provided for a complete return to nature. A shared cabin has a kitchen and dry toilets. Three campsites are also available. Nathalie also offers forest therapy outings. A guaranteed boost of good vibes.

Arborea, 110, chemin de la Clairière, in Montignac-Lascaux. 06 16 81 35 00. Open from May 13 to September 17, 2023, in high season 2 night minimum for the dome, €85 per night, €570 per week.

The mansion that sits on Place d'Armes dates back to the ^19th century, but upon entering the hotel, you walk on flooring that dates back to the ^14th century. With its rooms named after rose varieties and its location on the banks of the Vézère River, the place invites relaxation. To find the real flowers, head to the garden.

The century-old rose garden is just steps from the pool. The garden also features the chef's vegetable garden with edible flowers and aromatic herbs. Inside, a large lounge with a library is accessible. The restaurant, open every evening except Thursday and Sunday lunchtime, is by reservation only. 14 rooms, two suites, and a 5-person villa are available.