May 9 - The Vezere Valley 400,000 years to now

 There is no other place in the world with such a concentration of prehistoric objects and caves.   An exciting area to explore!

We drove to .. Les Eyzies-de-Tayac  from  Sarlat.

Our first stop was their Monday market.   After the HUGE market on Sunday in St.Cyprien, this one turned out to be very small, but with a great backdrop of The National Museum of Prehistory's cliff background.

Another gorgeous day!   Finally put on some sunscreen.  Afterwards we drove over to the Prehistory Welcome Center.  (it's free)

This is an introductory center that has exhibits showing the origins of man.  

After you orient yourself with this general knowledge, then it's on to The National Museum of Prehistory.  (200 yd walk, about 14 euros each)

Many many exhibits and objects from Neanderthal to Cro-Magnon, and a succession of cultures perceptible through tools, collecting, hunting, fishing, processing of raw materials, living spaces, burials, ornaments, art, etc.

During the Ice Age, the Vezere Valley enjoyed a micro-climate that provided a refuge area with an abundance of natural resources.   This area has an abundance of sites and caves and sheltering cliffs.

For 400,000 years, this area has had inhabitants!

This woolly rhinoceros was discovered in a mine in 1929, about 40 feet below ground.  The salt and crude oil had preserved the soft parts of the body and the skin.  It is thought to be about 30,000 years old.

Some of the art found -   small carvings

I'll show you the cave paintings when we visit Lascaux II later in the day.  We ventured outside the museum at the top floor which was under a cliff overhang, common in the area, with great views.

This one is looking down on the village of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac.

We stopped for lunch in the village before driving to the cave.  I had to try some foie gras.   Yummy!!

We headed for Lascaux II and a cave adventure.   On the way we came upon the Chateau De Losse.   The Losse family came from Flanders in the 11th century and built a stronghold on the right bank of the Vezere.  The hall was built in 1576 inside the fortress.

On to Lascaux II.   This is a reproduction of the original cave, discovered in 1940 by four teenagers.   The age of the paintings is now usually estimated at around 17,000 years. (early Magdalenian)

.. later in the tour I found out I was NOT supposed to be taking pics!!

Very impressive!   No matter how old the artist, if you have the talent it will show!   To see more of this talent, type-in 'lascaux II paintings' in Google .. and view the images .. 

On to the nearby town of Montignac for some ice cream and a soda.

After another long day, we headed back to Sarlat.    Grabbed our dirty laundry and went to the 'laverie'.   Made it to dinner around 8.   Sat next to a couple of Canadian ex-pats living in Brittany on vacation in Sarlat.   Very interesting couple.   

Tomorrow should be a more relaxing day.   Domme & Montfort and maybe a few 'side' trips.... :)