The Caves of Lascaux Aquitaine
The caves of Lascaux were discovered by a group of teenagers out walking their dog in 1940. They are one the world's finest examples of prehistoric cave dwellings and their walls are adorned with colourful artworks painted by early man. What the teenagers discovered has now become known as The Hall of the Bulls due to it's huge paintings of prehistoric bulls, some up to 8 metres in length. The hall is the main cavern in a network of subterranean grottos.
Unfortunately word of the discovery spread quickly and soon the caves were attracting huge numbers of tourists. Scientists discovered that the CO2 being dispelled in people's breath was damaging the cave paintings and the caves had to be shut to the public.
However, as the caves had such cultural, historic and scientific significance a life size replica of the caves along with their artwork was constructed at nearby Montignac.
The replica is open every day during the summer with guided tours lasting around 40 minutes.
