France Solo Trip Review: Cahors, Les Eyzies, Lascaux, Paleolithic Caves, Medieval Cathedral, 10-Day Tour

It was a well-planned and organized trip that met my needs as I specified. The short, unrequested excursions turned out to be delightful additions that provided an overview of the cultural heritage of the areas visited. Strolls through the historic center of Cahors, with its Medieval cathedral (with curious gargoyles), water clock, and devil’s bridge, were particularly impressive.

The highlight for me was the visit to nine decorated Paleolithic caves/rock shelters, only one of which, Lascaux, was a reconstruction. Two were not on my request list but I was very happy to visit them. My driver/guide was extremely knowledgeable, not only about the towns and cultures but also the caves. My guide was patient with my mobility issues enabling me to visit these sites which could otherwise have been challenging for me.

I had not realized the vast richness of the Les Eyzies valley for caves and rock shelters in the Paleolithic era. These occurred in an extended area all along the river wherever the cliffs meet the river. There were more than the ones I had read about, leaving the tantalizing prospect of many more Paleolithic sites to visit, someday.

I was happy having the bit of time at the beginning and the end of the trip to explore my arrival/departure city on my own. Of course there was time to visit only one of cathedrals and to find a place for a sunset panorama, but it gave me a sense of venturing forth in my new environment. The choice of hotels was excellent.

The only disappointment was that the cave I wanted to visit above all others could not be put last, rather than first, on the schedule. I could not do that cave first with any hope that my knee would survive the rest of the trip. If done at the end, it would not have mattered if I had to ‘limp’ home. The reasoning for its placement first was not clearly explained until after the trip. Other than this, it was a successful and very rewarding trip for me, long to be savored.