The prehistoric valley of La Vézère

"The Vézère Valley contains 147 prehistoric sites dating from the Paleolithic and 25 decorated caves. It is particularly interesting from an ethnological and anthropological, as well as an aesthetic point of view because of its cave paintings, especially those of the Lascaux Cave, whose discovery in 1940 was of great importance for the history of prehistoric art. In and around the town of Les Eyzies de Tayac are a series of prehistoric rock dwellings, the caves include some of the most significant archaeological finds of the Upper Paleolithic (from about 40,000 to 10,000 years ago) and Middle Paleolithic (200,000 to 40,000 years ago) periods they are especially noted for their extensive wall drawings." www.thevezerevalley.com


Just the highlights today, I bored myself to sleep with yesterday's journal!!

An early start to the day for a personal guided tour of the grounds of the Abbey of Faise (extra photo 1). The Abbey dates back to the eleventh century and  dominates the tiny hamlet whose dozen or so houses (including that of our host) date back to the same era and were built to house the people who worked in and around the abbey.

Then back on the road, for a 275km round trip (another 6 hours)! The weather was wonderful, as was the scenery: more vineyards that soon gave way to the banks of the river Dordogne, then the valley of La Vézère with towering cliffs on either side, riddled with signs of prehistoric life.

First stop was Les Eyzies de Tayac for (a requested) lunch, with views of prehistoric rock dwellings (extra photo 2).

Our next stop was La Maison Forte de Reignac (extra photo 3), a fortified Manor House that has been built into the rock. The front of the house was built in the 14th century and its windows added in the 16th century, though the rock shelter has been occupied since historic times. Sadly there was no time to visit inside. A further brief stop was then made at the world-famous Lascaux caves but again there wasn't time for us to tour the caves.

Heading back towards Périgueux, we stopped in the picturesque village of Auriac du Périgord (main photo and extra photos 4 and 5), for a quick wander to stretch our legs.

After a detour into the centre of Périgueux to admire the city's Roman remains, we headed west back to base, stopping off at the supermarket to buy a few bits and pieces. Arriving home, we all collapsed onto the terrace in the evening sun, to enjoy a glass of Crémant de Bordeaux and a spaghetti supper!!