Grotte de Niaux are known for the high quality of their Magdalenian paintings, which were finished over 14,000 years ago. An 800 m (2,625 ft) route over wet, uneven ground brings you to the "Black Chamber,” where paintings of large Magdalenian mammals have an international reputation for their amazing quality. Over 100 highly detailed depictions in black outline ibex, bison, horses, and deer. Begin your trek by walking through narrow, dark passages to several impressive galleries before arriving in the Salon Noir, a massive rotunda with walls covered in paintings. Advance reservations are required. English tours are offered at certain times but slots fill up quickly. You can download or purchase a pamphlet with descriptions of each gallery. Using our world travel planner, Niaux attractions like Grotte de Niaux can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
Grotte de Niaux reviews
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A good guide in combination with ancient paintings made the excursion a really pleasant experience. The guide (Jordan) led us through the cave following the footsteps of the Magdalenian tribes that..... more
A good guide in combination with ancient paintings made the excursion a really pleasant experience. The guide (Jordan) led us through the cave following the footsteps of the Magdalenian tribes that..... more »
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There are few caves in France where you can see the originals, this is one of them. Tours take two hours but the actual visit is about 20 minutes, this is to protect the paints. It is a guided tour...
There are few caves in France where you can see the originals, this is one of them. Tours take two hours but the actual visit is about 20 minutes, this is to protect the paints. It is a guided tour... more »
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Fantastic visit to 17,000 year old cave paintings. Reservation mandatory as number of visitors is limited. Need good walking shoes, not for people with poor mobility due to rough terrain inside cave. Total visit about 1h45. One of the only places where you can see the original paintings not reproductions. Highly recommended.
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Absolutely brilliant gallery and experience.
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