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Rouffignac Cave: A Journey into Prehistoric Art

Discover prehistoric art in Rouffignac Cave, home to hundreds of ancient mammoth drawings and accessible via a unique electric train tour.

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Explore the Rouffignac Cave, also known as the Cave of a Hundred Mammoths, and discover over 250 prehistoric drawings and engravings dating back 13,000 years. Ride an electric train deep into the cave to witness stunning artwork of mammoths, bison, horses, and rhinoceroses created by Magdalenian hunter-gatherers.

A brief summary to Rouffignac Cave

Local tips

  • Book tickets online in advance, especially during peak season (July and August), to ensure entry and avoid long queues.
  • The cave maintains a constant temperature of 13°C (55°F), so bring a jacket or sweater, even in summer.
  • Tours are primarily in French, but audio guides are available in English, German, Dutch and other languages.
  • Arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled visit to collect your tickets if you have booked online.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If driving, head towards Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac. From Sarlat-la-Canéda, take the D47 road northeast for approximately 18 km. Follow signs for 'Grotte de Rouffignac'. The cave is located at Grotte de Rouffignac, 24580 Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac. On-site parking is available. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Rouffignac Cave via public transport, take a train to Le Bugue station. From Le Bugue, a local bus or taxi can take you to Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac, approximately 17 km away. Check local bus schedules in advance as service may be infrequent. From the bus stop in the village, the cave is about 5 km away; follow the signs. A taxi from Le Bugue to Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac will cost approximately €30-€45.

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Discover more about Rouffignac Cave

Rouffignac Cave, nestled in the heart of the Périgord region, is a remarkable journey into the world of prehistoric art. Known also as the Cave of a Hundred Mammoths, this vast cave system stretches over 8 kilometers and contains over 250 drawings and engravings from the Upper Paleolithic period. These artworks, created around 13,000 years ago by Magdalenian people, depict a variety of animals, including mammoths, bison, horses, and rhinoceroses. The cave has been known since the 15th century, with the writer François Belleforest describing the cave in 1575. In 1956, the cave art was authenticated as being from the Upper Paleolithic period. To preserve the delicate environment and ensure visitor access, an electric train was installed in 1959. This unique feature allows visitors to journey a kilometer into the cave's depths, witnessing the impressive artwork without causing harm to the site. The highlight of the Rouffignac Cave is the Great Ceiling, adorned with over 65 black drawings of various animals. Cave bears also frequented the cave, leaving claw marks on the walls. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 13°C, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing. The tour lasts approximately one hour and ten minutes and is primarily in French; however, audio guides are available in multiple languages.

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