Small Group Guided Cave Art & Castles Cultural Tours, Dordogne, France

Steve & Judie Burman of Caves & Castles have been offering their small group (usually up to 6) guided tours for over five years now and just one look at the Visitor Comments on their website shows you how successful these are. Both are keen archaeologists. Steve is a professional who taught archaeology at all levels in England before moving to France. He is also fluent in French.
Tours are based at their fermette, Les Rosiers, in the Vezere Valley (Dordogne) known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’. It’s 10 minutes from the Lascaux world famous painted caves, you really are right in the heart of this atmospheric area! It makes a great touring base with caves, castles and medieval towns all within easy reach. Plus with Steve as your personal guide/interpreter you really do get the most out of your visit here. You can chose between residential full board, fully guided Tours, Custom Tours, Self Catering Tours and even Day Tours! There is something for everybody so take a look at their website www.cavesandcastles.com

Steve Burman is a professional ancient & medieval historian and archaeologist. He worked in education for many years in England, latterly for Bournemouth, Bristol and Exeter Universities and Yeovil College. He taught both practical and theoretical archaeology at all levels from beginners to post-graduate. To quote a recent guest: “Steve, you are a passionate archaeologist who is very knowledgeable about the place, the caves, the paintings, the artifacts, and many stories behind the discoveries; I learnt very much from you on this trip “

Prices vary depending on the number of people in your group. As a guide, our price for 2 people (sharing a double room) is 1160 euros. If the group size is 4, you get a 15% discount, if it is 6, you get 20% discount (adjusted on final payment) - see website for full details. This is full board and once you are at Les Rosiers, you only need to budget for personal items as everything is included, including transport to sites/restaurants and entrance tickets. We sometimes have Special Offers, so check out our website!

Our full board, fully Guided Archaeology & Cultural Tours are based at our recently converted fermette (farmhouse) near Lascaux . It’s 5 kms from Montignac-sur-Vezere, a lively market town and the gentle Vezere River is just a stroll away. Our nearest chateau, Chateau de Losse, is 250 metres away and sits majestically on its rocky outcrop overlooking the river.
Les Rosiers is your home-from-home - relax in the comfortable lounge, browse the books, listen to music or perhaps take a dip in the pool. Each bedroom has its own ensuite facilities (shower with thermostatic control for your comfort, toilet and basin). There are cooling ceiling fans and central heating for when extra warmth is needed Alternatively, you might prefer a non-residential tour. That’s fine and we’re happy to recommend accommodation elsewhere. Perhaps you’d like to stay in a chateau?

Known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ the Vezere Valley is full of world-famous Ice Age sites where you really can see the origins of human-ness. Some of our earliest ancestors came through this area more than 300,000 years ago. The first evidence of Fully Modern Humans was found at the Abri Cro-Magnon just down the road. Local place names reflect the many prehistoric cultures that were first recognised here. This valley is so important for prehistory it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Middle Ages left us an equally rich tapestry. All around is evidence of the Cathars, the Templars and the Hundred Years War. Fortified bastide towns mark the ebb and flow of French and English kings’ power. Not only that, but it is a stunningly beautiful region! Both the Dordogne and Vezere rivers are great for canoeing and fishing, there are attractions for all age groups - it’s not just about caves and castles! There really is something for everyone.

There are various ways - some people like to drive here as their time with us is part of a longer holiday and sometimes, travelling by car is simplest. Nearest airports are Limoges. Bergerac or Brive/Dordogne Valley which opened in 2010 (service to/from London City). If you are flying into Paris, coming down by train is by far the easiest (and greenest) way of travelling - and it can be surprisingly cheap!  Plus we offer a free transfer from Brive-la-Gaillarde rail station (lunch time srrival). There is also a service from Toulouse, Bordeaux and Limoges.