top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

Lascaux IV sees record visitor numbers despite critics

Significant numbers of visitors have flocked to the new Lascaux cave artwork exhibition, Lascaux IV, despite some criticism of the centre.

The famous attraction, which is in Montignac in the Dordogne (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), opened its new international centre for prehistoric art, Lascaux IV, six months ago, seeing an average of 3 300 visitors per day.

Since December 15 last year, 260 000 people have visited.

However, the visitors’ centre has also attracted some criticism, with visitors complaining of too much noise in the cave, due to the number of guided tours inside.

Tours begin once every six minutes, each done in several stages, including ‘contemplation’ of the artwork first, and explanations given afterwards.

One online TripAdvisor review of the visit explains that the number of guided tours caused “echoing inside the cave, which made some noise”, while others have called the site “disappointing”, “frustrating”, and a “tourist factory”.  

An article on the France 3 newspaper website called the cave “a victim of its own success”.

The Lascaux visitors’ centre also offers tours of Lascaux II - which includes some of the most impressive prehistoric cave paintings on site - as well as the animal-focused Thot Park, and the ‘Big Rock Cave’ (Grotte du Grand Roc) and the Laugerie Basse shelter, which is said to show evidence of human life as far back as 15 000 years BC.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Visa and residency cards for France*
Featured Help Guide
- Visas and residency cards (cartes de séjour) for France help guide - Understand when visas and residency cards are required to move to France or come for an extended stay - Applies to Britons (post-Brexit) and to all other non-EU/non-EEA/Swiss nationalities - Useful to anyone considering a move to France, whether for work or otherwise, or wanting to spend more than three months at their French second home
Get news, views and information from France