Cultural Immersion in the Heart of Périgord Noir

A Day of Echoes from the Past

Today marked the beginning of our Périgord Noir adventure, and what a start it was! I’ve always been fascinated by history, and today felt like stepping directly into a time machine, journeying back tens of thousands of years. The crisp autumn air and the golden hues of the landscape set the perfect stage for exploring the region's prehistoric wonders.

Our first stop was La Roque St. Christophe, a truly awe-inspiring site. The sheer scale of this troglodyte settlement carved into the cliffs was breathtaking. It's hard to imagine people living in these rock shelters as far back as 55,000 years ago. Walking through the different levels, I tried to picture daily life for those early inhabitants. The ingenuity and resilience of humans to adapt and thrive in such an environment is remarkable. Mei-Ling was particularly impressed by the medieval lifting equipment, and we watched a demonstration of how it worked. It's incredible how they managed to build and operate such complex machinery with the tools they had available. Lin was fascinated by the riddle game that introduced her to the life of the Cliff People.


Explore the prehistoric marvels of La Roque St. Christophe, an ancient cliff dwelling site in the stunning Dordogne region of France.

To walk through these ancient sites is to feel the heartbeat of humanity across millennia.

After immersing ourselves in the world of La Roque St. Christophe, we drove to Montignac to visit the Lascaux International Center of Parietal Art. I had heard so much about the Lascaux Caves, often called the Sistine Chapel of Prehistory, and I was eager to experience it for myself. Since the original caves have been closed to the public to preserve the art, this center offers a complete replica, Lascaux IV, providing an unparalleled opportunity to see the stunning prehistoric paintings.


Experience the wonder of prehistoric art at Lascaux IV: A state-of-the-art replica of the famous Lascaux Cave in the heart of the Dordogne.

Walking into the facsimile was like entering another world. The temperature dropped, the air became damp, and the sounds were muffled, perfectly recreating the atmosphere of the original cave. The paintings themselves were mesmerizing. The depictions of bulls, horses, and other animals, rendered in vibrant colors and dynamic poses, were breathtaking. It’s astounding to think that these images were created by humans over 20,000 years ago. The artistry and skill are simply incredible. The center also included interactive exhibits, hyper-realistic sculptures, and a 3D cinema, making the experience engaging and informative for all ages. Lin was particularly captivated by the virtual reality experience, which allowed her to explore the cave paintings in an immersive way.

Between these monumental attractions, we made sure to savor the local cuisine. Our day began with breakfast at La Vieille Auberge. It was a delightful, peaceful spot, and the homemade dishes were prepared with such care.


Savor authentic French cuisine in a charming setting at La Vieille Auberge - where tradition meets taste.

For lunch, we stopped at Le Frugie • Bistrot culturelle, a charming place known for its French cuisine and cozy atmosphere. The food was delicious, and the ambiance was just what we needed after a morning of exploration. The friendly staff made us feel right at home.


Discover culinary delights at Le Frugie Bistro - where delicious cuisine meets vibrant cultural experiences in Saint-Pierre-de-Frugie.

In the late afternoon, after our cave exploration, we stopped by Les Étains de Jumilhac, a shop specializing in handcrafted pewter items. It was fascinating to see the intricate designs and learn about the traditional techniques used to create these pieces. I even picked up a small pewter trinket as a souvenir.


Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at Les Étains de Jumilhac, a charming gift shop in the heart of Jumilhac-le-Grand.

Finally, as the day drew to a close, we enjoyed a memorable dinner at Le Moulin du Roc. This restaurant, nestled in a charming old mill, is renowned for its exquisite cuisine and breathtaking surroundings. The setting was magical, with the river running through the grounds and the buildings interconnected by footbridges and terraces. The food was exceptional, showcasing the richness of local produce with precise cooking. With over 900 wine varieties in their cellar, I knew I was in for a treat. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Périgord Noir.


Discover unparalleled luxury at Le Moulin du Roc, where fine dining meets exquisite accommodations in the heart of Champagnac-de-Belair.

What struck me most today was the incredible sense of history that permeates this region. Every stone, every painting, every meal seemed to tell a story of the past. It made me reflect on the passage of time and the enduring spirit of humanity.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Gouffre de Padirac and Château de Beynac []. I’m particularly excited about the Gouffre de Padirac, a massive sinkhole with an underground river. It sounds like another incredible adventure awaits! I'm also looking forward to unwinding at Watson's Pub in the evening []. I'm sure it will be a great way to relax and reflect on our day.

As I sit here now, writing this entry, I can’t help but feel grateful for this opportunity to explore such a fascinating part of the world with my friends. I'm already looking forward to what tomorrow will bring. This trip is not just a vacation; it’s a journey through time, a cultural immersion, and a chance to connect with the stories of those who came before us. And I can't wait to share more of these experiences with you all.

I am also grateful for the items I brought, especially my camera, hiking boots, and travel guide. However, I wish I hadn't forgotten my portable phone charger and rain jacket. It would have been useful today!