© irene waters 2017
Our first peek into a time 12,000 – 30,000 years ago when paleolithic man roamed the hills and lived in the caves we can see in the limestone cliffs we are looking at.
© irene waters 2015
As we explored the countryside we came across mediaeval villages built into the side of the cliffs. We didn’t find any opportunity to see inside one of these dwellings and I wonder whether they too utilised the caves as rooms.
© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
Lascaux caves was our destination. Roger had visited it before it had been closed to the public and was none too keen to visit Lascaux II which had been set up to show the public what the original Lascaux was like. Instead we continued driving until we arrived at Castanets.
© irene waters 2015
This was the site of a current archeological dig but a Frenchman gave the rare person that arrived at the site a tour. We were the only people on the tour and the guide could only speak French. With my schoolgirl French and my knowledge of rocks from university geology and paleolithic man from reading Clan of the Cave Bear books, I interpreted for Roger.
© irene waters 2015
The paintings were none too clear and at times I had to use my imagination. The end result was a lot of laughing and a brief peek at what it must have been like living in this cave system in the South of France.
© irene waters 2015
The Paleolithic man made and used tools from stone, wood and bone as well as weapons for survival. They lived in communities and posted lookouts along the cliffs which would alert the main community should there be an impending attack. Mainly they hunted animals for meat and fur (for warmth) and gathered food, firewood.
© irene waters 2015
There is a huge movement in Australia at least to return to the way of these men. Having had a glimpse into their life – I think I’ll opt for the modern living with hopefully a healthy diet.
In response to weekly Photo challenge
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Such an interesting place. I was able to see quite a bit of France once upon a time, but never had the opportunity to see any of the caves. I guess I’m just going to have to travel back. I’m like you Irene, I think I’ll opt for modern conveniences!
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Travel back sounds like a good idea. You need a lot of time to see everything and I’ve only seen a fraction. That’s two in the modern camp so far.
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To return to living in caves? Not for me. Though I would love to see the cave art, even the reconstruction.
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Yes I think I missed a bit not seeing the reproduction. Roger said the real thing was spectacular and there is no reason why the reproduction would be any different (except that it is not real). Now got a count of 3 to stick with modern living.
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What a fascinating place!
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Yes it was. Thanks for visiting.
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Wonderful post. Thanks for visiting mine.
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Thanks Jim. I always enjoy it when I make it to yours (unfortunately I’m time poor and don’t travel as much as I should) because you have such wonderful photographs that bring back so many memories of time spent in Sydney.
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Great choice Irene.
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Thanks Rupali.
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