Périgueux and the Lascaux Caves: the perfect van getaway between history and nature

Discover Périgueux, a picture-perfect medieval town, and step back into prehistory with the Lascaux Caves. A van road trip where every stop is an adventure.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 11 October 2026

Hit the road for the Périgord Noir, a land of gastronomy, castles and prehistoric treasures! From the cobbled streets of Périgueux to the mysteries of the Lascaux Caves, your van will take you through breathtaking landscapes and history-rich sites. Pack your walking shoes, camera and appetite: the adventure starts here.

Old Town of Périgueux

Wander through Périgueux’s medieval streets, past half-timbered houses and lively squares. Don’t miss Saint-Front Cathedral, an architectural gem with its majestic domes.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping-Car Park Périgueux Motorhome area ★ 3.8 Paid area €10, near the historic centre. 16-minute walk, practical and well-rated (471 reviews). › Quiet riverside parking Marsac-sur-l'Isle Parking ★ 4.1 Free parking by the River Isle, quiet at night. Large equipped space, car access (5 km). › Flat parking near hiking trail Coulounieix-Chamiers Parking ★ 3.8 Free forest parking, shaded and flat. Ideal for a short overnight stay, easy access (5 km). › Périgueux free car park Parking ★ 3.5 Free riverside parking, near the centre. Flat and shaded ground, 12-minute walk. › Camping Sandaya Le Grand Dague Campsite ★ 2.5 5-star campsite with water park, family activities. Spacious pitches, car access (6 km). ›

Lascaux Caves

Dive into the fascinating world of prehistory with the famous cave paintings of Lascaux. A visit to Lascaux IV, an exact replica of the original cave, offers an unforgettable immersive experience.

Where to sleep nearby

campsite 3 Stars Le Moulin du Bleufond Montignac-Lascaux Campsite ★ 5 3-star campsite in Montignac, perfect rating. 14-minute walk from the caves. › Parc de Loisirs Motorhome area ★ 4.8 Private area €10/night, full amenities. 24-minute walk, quiet and well-rated. › Village parking Valojoulx Parking ★ 4.6 Free flat parking in Valojoulx, 24/7 toilets. 5-minute drive (5 km). › Camping Castillonderie Campsite ★ 4.6 Family campsite in nature, heated pool. 5-minute drive (4 km) from Lascaux. › La Ferme Aux Canard Du Bois Bareirou Campsite ★ 4.7 Duck farm, free parking on grass. 7-minute drive (6 km). ›

Castelnaud Castle

This medieval castle offers stunning views over the Dordogne Valley. Explore its ramparts, its Museum of Medieval Warfare and its terraced gardens.

Where to sleep nearby

Castelnaud castle parking Parking ★ 4.5 Shaded and quiet dead-end parking, 4-minute walk from the castle. Free, ideal for a discreet night under the trees. › Camping Pech de Caumont Campsite ★ 4.9 4.9/5 campsite in nature, pool and valley views. 6-minute drive, warm welcome. › Camping la Plage Campsite ★ 4.6 3-star campsite by the Dordogne, beach access. 25-minute walk, shaded pitches and modern facilities. › Theatre parking in the woods Carves Parking ★ 4.2 Free and discreet forest parking in nature. 7-minute drive, slightly sloped gravel ground. › Camping Les Magnanas Campsite ★ 4.6 Family campsite by the Dordogne, direct beach access. 18-minute walk, large shaded pitches. ›

Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil

The world capital of prehistory, this village is home to the National Museum of Prehistory. A must-visit stop to understand the story of cave-dwelling humans.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Le Tilleul - (ancien Camping Bouyssou) Campsite ★ 5 3-star campsite in nature, pool and warm welcome. 6 km, 5/5 from 10 reviews. › Free parking along the railway track Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil Parking ★ 4.1 Free and quiet parking near the station, 7-minute walk from the centre. Flat ground, very discreet. › Camping Vezere Campsite ★ 4.6 Family campsite in the forest, heated pool and slide. 5 km, 4.6/5 from 24 reviews. › Roadside parking near castle Campagne Parking ★ 4.5 Spacious parking facing Campagne Castle and its cedars. 5 km, 4.5/5 from 28 reviews. › Camping Ferme de la Brauge Campsite ★ 4.9 Farm campsite, pool and heated facilities. 5 km, 4.9/5 from 36 reviews. ›

Vézère Valley

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this valley is packed with prehistoric sites and preserved landscapes. Perfect for a van ride between cliffs and rivers.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping-Car Park Périgueux Motorhome area ★ 3.8 11-minute walk from Périgueux’s historic centre, €10/night. Rating 3.8, 471 reviews, urbanised and practical pitch. › Tree-lined parking with picnic tables Saint-Laurent-sur-Manoire Parking ★ 4.1 Free tree-lined park with toilets and playground, 7 km. Rating 4.1, spacious and green parking. › Quiet riverside parking Marsac-sur-l'Isle Parking ★ 4.1 By the River Isle, quiet at night, 6 km. Large equipped space (bins, recycling), rating 4.1. › Pond-side quiet parking Boulazac Isle Manoire Parking ★ 3.9 Very quiet near a pond, 4 km. Flat and infrequented ground, rating 3.9. › Camping Sandaya Le Grand Dague Campsite ★ 2.5 5-star campsite with water park, 6 km. Family activities, rating 2.5 but premium comfort. ›

Cro-Magnon Shelter

Discover the site where the first Homo sapiens skeleton in Europe was found. A deep dive into the origins of humanity, just a stone’s throw from the decorated caves.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Le Tilleul - (ancien Camping Bouyssou) Campsite ★ 5 3-star campsite in nature, pool and warm welcome. 5 km, 5/5 (10 reviews). › Camping Ferme de la Brauge Campsite ★ 4.9 Farm campsite, pool and heated facilities. 5 km, 4.9/5 (36 reviews). › Roadside parking near castle Campagne Parking ★ 4.5 Spacious parking facing a park with century-old cedars. 5 km, 4.5/5 (28 reviews). › Camping Vezere Campsite ★ 4.6 Forest campsite with heated pool and slide. 5 km, 4.6/5 (24 reviews). › Troglodyte village parking Tursac Parking ★ 4.4 Free parking at the troglodyte village of La Madeleine. 48-minute walk, 4.4/5 (7 reviews). ›

See all spots on the map