MANKIND has wandered about the Dordogne River valley for over 450,000 years and evidence of early man is everywhere in this region. The first signs of human habitation (in the form of flint tools) in the nearby Vézère valley area dates back that far. Neanderthal man came into this region about 125,000 years ago and, for a period of time, coexisted with their cousins the Cro-Magnons. The Cro-Magnon man discovered here dates back 40,000 years and by around 25,000 years ago supremely realistic animals were depicted in local caves by them. 

I've been told that nearly 70% of the world's prehistoric cave art is to be found here in southwestern France and viewing the 25,000 year old paintings here at both Peche-Merle & Lascaux II gives you the opportunity of seeing some of its finest examples. Martine & I visit these caves frequently and we are always in awe of these primitive paintings & rock carvings -- we'd love to share them with you. 

   

Ever hear of the Troglodytes? no, not a rock group ... rock dwellers! of prehistorical interest locally are the troglodyte dwellings in Village de la Madelenie. The cliff side shelters at La Madeleine gave its name to the Magdalenian society of hunter gatherers that lived in the area from around 18,000 -10,000BC. These dwellings were continuously lived in right through the Roman Empire, Middle Ages, and into the 19th century.

     

We also have the largest collection of Dolmens, or portal tombs to be found in France. These are simple megalith structures built from stone with construction dating back over 5,000 years. To this date much mystery still surrounds them and who constructed them. Some fine examples of these are within less than a kilometer of Rancho Escargot. a bientôt! Jack