Page 435 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

The Grotte de Font de
Replica of cave paintings at Gaume is the logical first REGIONAL DISHES
Lascaux Centre International stop after the museum. This High-quality poultry,
de l’Art Pariétal cave, discovered in 1901, ducks and geese form
contains probably the finest the basis of the cuisine
prehis toric paintings still on of this region, and their
the Dordogne has wound public view in France. fat is a key ingredient
down to the Garonne, it is Close by is the Grotte des in many meals from
almost 3 km (2 miles) wide. Combarelles, with engravings simple dishes such as
Don’t be put off by the of bison, reindeer, magic pommes sarladaises
valley’s touristy image. It is a symbols and human figures. (potatoes cooked in
beautiful area for wandering. Further on, you reach the rock goose fat) to confit,
Several villages make good shelter of Abri du Cap Blanc, where the entire duck
stopping-off points, such discovered in 1909, with a rare, legs are preserved in
as Limeuil, Beynac and La life-size frieze of horses and their own fat. The
Roque-Gageac, from where bison sculpted in the rock. ultimate southwestern
gabarres (river boats) ferry On the other side of Les dish has to be cassoulet,
visitors (Easter–October). Eyzies is the cave system a tasty stew containing
Perched high above the at Rouffignac, a favourite either duck or goose,
river, southwest of Sarlat, is place for excursions since the sausa ges, pork and
the 17th-century Château de 15th century. There are 8 km white beans and
Marqueyssac. Its exquisite (5 miles) of caves here; 2.5 km topped with a crust
topiary park offers panoramic (1.5 miles) are served by elec- of breadcrumbs.
views from Domme to tric train. The paintings include
Beynac, and of the medieval drawings of mam moths, and a
Château de Castelnaud on the frieze of two bison challenging Grotte des Combarelles
opposite riverbank. each other in combat. " § 05 53 06 86 00
Tickets for the caves sell out # 9:30am–5:30pm daily
fast, so arrive early or book (book ahead for tours)
13 ahead. Tickets for Combarelles ¢ 12:30pm–2pm Sep–May
must be purchased at the
Les Eyzies Grotte de Font de Gaume. Abri du Cap Blanc
! D6 ⌂ Dordogne £ n 19 Musée National " ⌂ Marquay, Les Eyzies
av de la Préhistoire; www. de Préhistoire § 05 53 06 86 00 # 9:30–
lascaux-dordogne.com 5:30pm daily ¢ 12:30pm–
" = # Hours vary, check 2pm Sep–May
Four major prehistoric sites website ∑ musee-
and a group of smaller caves prehistoric-eyzies.fr Grotte de Rouffignac
cluster around the unassu m- "= # Mar–Oct: 10am–
ing village of Les Eyzies. Head Grotte de Font de Gaume 5pm; July & Aug: 9am–
first for the Musée National # Sun–Fri by appt ¢ Some 6pm daily (tickets at 9am
de Préhistoire, in a modern public hols, check website for and 2pm) ∑ grottede
building at the foot of a 16th- details) ∑ sites-les-eyzies.fr rouffignac.fr
century castle over looking the
village. The exhibits are useful
for putting the vast warren
of prehistoric painting
and sculpture into
context.

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