I visited there a few Lascaux, "the Sistine Chapel of the parietal" art. A wonder of our heritage. Explanations and a little video to show you why you should go!
Lascaux Cave is located in the Périgord, in the Dordogne. In late June, I went there time for a weekend to discover a part of the Perigord. This region has an important cultural and archaeological heritage. Many castles and prehistoric sites dot the territory.
I know very little south-west of France, except perhaps the Gers. A gap because given what I've seen, the Dordogne and its neighboring departments are not without charm.
The most visited site in the Perigord is without question the Lascaux cave. And because this is one of the largest caves in the world. It is also known as the "Sistine Chapel of parietal art." After visiting, I better understand the nickname.
The Lascaux cave was discovered by pure chance. During a September day in 1940, four children, Marcel Ravidat Jean Clauzel, Maurice and Louis Queyroi Perier walk. They are accompanied by their dog Rabot. This continued a rabbit who takes refuge in a hole. Children go then realize that the hole communicates with a large cavity.
Marcel Ravidat returns a few days later accompanied by others to explore the cave. They discover the paintings. Imagine the amazement and wonder who then had to grab them.
The secret did not stay long one. A tent is set up to keep the cave day and night. Lascaux is registered historic building in December of the same year.
Work is then undertaken to develop a public access. All this will change the thermal conditions of a place in isolation for millennia.
In 1955, the first changes are noted on the paintings. The carbon dioxide causes acidification of visitors of the water vapor attacks the walls. "White disease" appears. A veil of calcite deposits on the paintings, which alters forever.
The Lascaux cave is closed to the public in 1963 Mould appear thereafter.
Lascaux is 250 meters long with a vertical drop of 30 meters.
The age of the cave paintings of Lascaux is estimated between 18,000 and 17,000 years, which corresponds to the Solutrean or Magdalenian from the prehistory.
Since the discovery of the Chauvet cave, Lascaux is no longer the oldest cave France. This time, in fact more than 25 000 years.
However, two features make the Lascaux cave one place:
polychrome paintings. These have in fact been made in different colors. Black is not the only color.
the density of paintings and drawings on a surface after all reduced.
There is no consensus on the purpose of the cave. Presumably, the Lascaux cave was a religious monument.
To preserve this heritage, a fac simile has been reproduced all fields, 200 meters from the entrance of the cave. Artists reproduced with great precision paints.
Lascaux II opened in 1983 This is what tourists visit today. Yes, the "real" cave is closed and it is open only on rare occasions for scientific work or sightseeing prestige (ministers, personality).
Certainly this is not the same magic as visit the original cave. However, this is the only way to get an idea of Lascaux. I can tell you that the visit worth the trip and that emotion is still there. I can not imagine what it must feel like visiting the real cave ...
Only part of the paintings have been represented here. The area of the cave was reproduced in the state with its relief and its imperfections. Visitors believe it almost. Only the concrete floor says "deception."
Add to that a passionate and you will not be disappointed of your visit!
Lascaux II will be replaced by Lascaux IV 2016 This new site will be located at the foot of the hill. The entire cave at Lascaux IV will play!
Lascaux Cave is located in the Périgord, in the Dordogne. In late June, I went there time for a weekend to discover a part of the Perigord. This region has an important cultural and archaeological heritage. Many castles and prehistoric sites dot the territory.
I know very little south-west of France, except perhaps the Gers. A gap because given what I've seen, the Dordogne and its neighboring departments are not without charm.
The most visited site in the Perigord is without question the Lascaux cave. And because this is one of the largest caves in the world. It is also known as the "Sistine Chapel of parietal art." After visiting, I better understand the nickname.
The discovery of the Lascaux Cave
The Lascaux cave was discovered by pure chance. During a September day in 1940, four children, Marcel Ravidat Jean Clauzel, Maurice and Louis Queyroi Perier walk. They are accompanied by their dog Rabot. This continued a rabbit who takes refuge in a hole. Children go then realize that the hole communicates with a large cavity.
Marcel Ravidat returns a few days later accompanied by others to explore the cave. They discover the paintings. Imagine the amazement and wonder who then had to grab them.
The secret did not stay long one. A tent is set up to keep the cave day and night. Lascaux is registered historic building in December of the same year.
Work is then undertaken to develop a public access. All this will change the thermal conditions of a place in isolation for millennia.
In 1955, the first changes are noted on the paintings. The carbon dioxide causes acidification of visitors of the water vapor attacks the walls. "White disease" appears. A veil of calcite deposits on the paintings, which alters forever.
The Lascaux cave is closed to the public in 1963 Mould appear thereafter.
Here, an overview of weathering paints.
Lascaux I: the original cave
Lascaux is 250 meters long with a vertical drop of 30 meters.
The age of the cave paintings of Lascaux is estimated between 18,000 and 17,000 years, which corresponds to the Solutrean or Magdalenian from the prehistory.
Since the discovery of the Chauvet cave, Lascaux is no longer the oldest cave France. This time, in fact more than 25 000 years.
However, two features make the Lascaux cave one place:
polychrome paintings. These have in fact been made in different colors. Black is not the only color.
the density of paintings and drawings on a surface after all reduced.
There is no consensus on the purpose of the cave. Presumably, the Lascaux cave was a religious monument.
Visit Lascaux II
To preserve this heritage, a fac simile has been reproduced all fields, 200 meters from the entrance of the cave. Artists reproduced with great precision paints.
Lascaux II opened in 1983 This is what tourists visit today. Yes, the "real" cave is closed and it is open only on rare occasions for scientific work or sightseeing prestige (ministers, personality).
Certainly this is not the same magic as visit the original cave. However, this is the only way to get an idea of Lascaux. I can tell you that the visit worth the trip and that emotion is still there. I can not imagine what it must feel like visiting the real cave ...
Only part of the paintings have been represented here. The area of the cave was reproduced in the state with its relief and its imperfections. Visitors believe it almost. Only the concrete floor says "deception."
Add to that a passionate and you will not be disappointed of your visit!
Lascaux II will be replaced by Lascaux IV 2016 This new site will be located at the foot of the hill. The entire cave at Lascaux IV will play!
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