2018 PRESS RELEASE SEMITOUR PÉRIGORD

Transcription

1 2018 PRESS RELEASE SEMITOUR PÉRIGORD

2 Bourdeilles Castle

3 CONTENTS p4 p28-31 Dordogne and Périgord Biron Castle p5-6 p7 p8-14 Semitour- Périgord New for 2018 LASCAUX International Centre for Cave Art p15-19 p32-35 Thot Park Bourdeilles Castle p20-23 p24-27 p36-39 The Prehistoric Rock Shelters of Laugerie Basse Grand Roc Cave Cadouin Cloister

4 DORDOGNE AND PÉRIGORD Dordogne Périgord is one of the jewels in Aquitaine s crown, thanks both to its cultural and natural heritage and to the delights of its gastronomy, and is much sought after by French and foreign tourists alike, all in search of authenticity. Périgord is synonymous with beautiful landscapes and the good life. It provides the ideal destination for a family holiday with its rolling hills and wonderful swathes of countryside. Its plentiful sunshine is tempered by leafy shade, lakes and rivers. The region offers an inexhaustible source of activities and shared experiences. LASCAUX INTERNATIONAL CENTRE THE THOT THE PREHISTORIC ROCK SHELTERS OF LAUGERIE BASSE GRAND ROC CAVE BIRON CASTLE BOURDEILLES CASTLE CADOUIN CLOISTER Périgord overflows with prehistoric sites, castles, cloisters, caves, the most important of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Historical Monuments or Major Sites of Aquitaine. Sunset as seen from Biron Castle 4

5 Lascaux: Panel of the Black Cow (Nave) SEMITOUR-PÉRIGORD PROMOTING AN EXCEPTIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE Semitour-Périgord, a semi-public company founded in 1998 and managed by André Barbé, is the département s largest tourism company. It is dedicated to the development and promotion of tourism and consequently, more generally, of local commerce and all activities and services linked to tourist sites. Semitour-Périgord has been entrusted by the Dordogne Departmental Council with the management of the Dordogne s major cultural, accommodation and leisure sites for 18 years. In 2017, it broke the barrier of more than 800,000 annual visitors for the first time was a year particularly rich in new events with the opening of the International Centre for Cave Art and the new Wolf Park in the heart of the Thot. Lascaux International Centre for Cave Art is a veritable architectural exploit, situated in the heart of the Vézère Valley, at the foot of the Lascaux hill and is now a sanctuary to cave art. This treasure trove of the most amazing facsimiles of decorated cave walls, created by the remarkable artists and technicians of the Atelier des Fac-Similés du Périgord, will benefit the entire tourist economy of the area. As well as the cultural sites mentioned in this document, Semitour-Périgord also manages accommodation centres such as those situated at the Rouffiac, Trémolat, St Estèphe or Gurson leisure bases. The entire region s tourism and wealth of exceptional natural and cultural heritage sites have been honoured to receive this record number of visitors. ANDRÉ BARBÉ Managing Director Semitour-Périgord 5

6 HOW TO REACH THE DORDOGNE BY CAR PARIS / TOULOUSE: A20 MOTORWAY LYON / BORDEAUX: A89 MOTORWAY 4h PARIS 4h LYON 3h TOULOUSE 1h15 BORDEAUX BY PLANE BERGERAC DORDOGNE-PERIGORD AIRPORT PÉRIGUEUX AIRPORT BRIVE-VALLÉE DE LA DORDOGNE AIRPORT Daily flights Orly-Brive - BY TRAIN PÉRIGUEUX TRAIN STATION BRIVE-LA-GAILLARDE TRAIN STATION SEMITOUR PÉRIGORD S SITES 1 LASCAUX INTERNATIONAL CENTRE 2 LASCAUX II 3 THE THOT 4 LAUGERIE BASSE 5 GRAND ROC CAVE 6 CADOUIN CLOISTER 7 BIRON CASTLE 8 BOURDEILLES CASTLE IN FIGURES: PREHISTORIC SITES FLAMBOYANT, GOTHIC-ERA CLOISTER MAJOR SITES OF AQUITAINE LISTED HISTORICAL MONUMENTS 4 8SITES 3 UNESCO 20,000 YEARS OF HISTORY OF MANKIND 1 GEOLOGICAL 2 CASTLES WORLD HERITAGE SITES SITE (MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE) 6

7 BIRON CASTLE The venue continues to assert itself as the setting for Contemporary Art by proposing a new seasonal exhibition until May 21st «Le Temps d un rencontre». It will feature the works of four artists: Bernard Dupuy, Luc Defontaine, Gerard Fioretti and Jerome Anthoine. NEW FOR 2018 Next summer, night and theatrical visits, by the light of the lanterns, will also be proposed. The Maeght Foundation returns during the summer.. BOURDEILLES CASTLE Launching this summer, the castle enters the digital world with an escape game in virtual reality! Equipped with a latest generation helmet, players will solve an enigma in the castle. It will position itself as the first virtual escape game in a castle in France! Bourdeilles Castle will also be offering a gastronomy workshop as early as the spring holidays. Children will handle different spices, honey and grapes to make a hypocras (without alcohol). Every Wednesday at 10.00pm, from July 18 to August 15, the cinema presents itself to the castle and invites you to discover the movies of the moment. Thrown in the courtyard, the Seventh Art is waiting for you! LASCAUX II This year we will continue to host the Lascaux Sessions, allowing new musical artists to record their tracks in quite exceptional conditions. THOT PARK The park welcomed wolves last year, and will be given a footbridge overhanging their enclosure. The Thot Park welcomes a newcomer: the white doe. From spring, a new workshop will be presented: leather work. With the help of prehistoric tools, the visitor can make a small leather accessory worthy of a man of the time. LASCAUX INTERNATIONAL CENTRE The «Pariétal» exhibition is showing the art of A.R. Penck - presented for the first time in France. Inspired by the rock paintings of Lascaux, the works are on display until November 5th. CADOUIN CLOISTER On Fridays from July 13th to August 24th, the Cloister of Cadouin will become English Hour by offering nocturnal visits in the language of Shakespeare. 7

8 LASCAUX International Centre for Cave Art 8

9 The Shelter LASCAUX REVEALS ITS ART - AND MORE The amazing Lascaux epic tale which began with the opening of Lascaux II in 1983 and was followed by the world-touring, international exhibition inaugurated in 2012, is today perpetuated with the International Centre for Cave Art. Lascaux is revealed within the new treasure trove of the International Centre for Cave Art: more than 8500m 2 of visiting space inclusive of a complete and entirely new replica of the cave and 6 exhibition rooms retracing the history of the discovery of Lascaux, its place in the world of cave art and its rapport with contemporary art. The visitor is invited to enjoy a highly unusual and personalized experience at the very heart of Prehistory, thanks to the use of the latest innovative technology. TIME TRAVEL The visit is comprised of 6 separate events: The Belvedere and the Shelter The Cave The Lascaux Studio The Cave Art Theatre 3D Cinema Gallery of the Imaginary and Temporary Exhibition In addition, an interactive tablet, a Visit Mate, available in several languages and adapted to all ages, is issued on arrival to the Centre, enriching the experience of the visit. Once the visit is over, the experience can continue with access to a personalized online space. THE BELVEDERE AND THE SHELTER Armed with their Visit Mates and accompanied by a guide, visitors to the International Centre access the Belevedere which overlooks the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, the Vézère Valley. A sweep of the landscape with the tablet causes a virtual reality map to appear, pinpointing, in particular, the location of all surrounding major archaeological sites open to the public. The guide will next show the visitors into the shelter and time travel can begin. An immersive screen gives us a view of the Vézère Valley as it was almost 20,000 years ago when the landscape of Lascaux was totally different from today, and looked like a steppe dominated by animals. Another leap and we fast forward to The landscape changes. A group of four adolescents crosses the screen. They head off on an adventure in the woods of Lascaux and invite the public to follow them. 9

10 THE CAVE The replica represents the whole of the original cave accessible to the public, reproduced with the techniques and art of the studios, Atelier Périgord Fac-Similiés (AFSP) and Atelier artistique du Béton (Artistic Concrete Workshop). Inside the replica, the atmosphere is like a real cave. It is cool and dark. Sounds are muffled. Visitors can appreciate the splendour of the works in an authentic atmosphere with very few interruptions. The space is dedicated to contemplation. Groups of no more than 32 visitors accompanied by a guide ensure that each visitor s experience will be as personalized as possible. During the time devoted to contemplation of the cave walls, the guide will accompany the group providing specific information to improve the visitor s knowledge of the site and enrich the experience. Each wall represents one of the cave s major works of art: Two Crossed Bison, The Great Black Cow, The Panel of the Imprint, The Apse, The Shaft Scene, The Axial Gallery, The Upside-Down Horse and The Hall of the Bulls. Information on the various representations, techniques and interpretations is available using virtual reality. THE LASCAUX STUDIO Four different displays are available to the visitor: THE MODEL See the cave in a completely original way using virtual reality! THE ART EXPERIENCE With the same tools and techniques used by Palaeolithic man, visitors can create their own virtual works of cave art. A FRAGILE BALANCE How did the cave survive the passage of time? Why was it closed to the public? How can we continue to preserve it on a daily basis? All these questions are answered in a new immersive experience made possible by use of the latest technologies. THE OBJECTS OF LASCAUX Here you can handle the objects found during the archaeological digs and learn more about them via an animated archaeologist s table. Eight large walls of the cave are reproduced in this space where visitors are free to circulate. The Cave 10

11 THE CAVE ART THEATRE Visitors enter a modern theatre or rather a series of small rooms showing a play divided into three acts. ACT I 19 TH CENTURY: THE RENAISSANCE Here the visitors find themselves at the Universal Exposition of 1878 where they discover the first decorated caves and engage with pre-historians who are asking questions about these discoveries and their authenticity. Could prehistoric man really have painted such masterpieces? ACT II 20 TH CENTURY: INTERPRETATION Inside this room, the play brings to life the ideas and methods of two famous pre-historians of the 20 th century, André Leroi-Gourhan and Abbé Henri Breuil. They are discussing the most important archaeological discovery of the 20 th century: the Lascaux Cave. ACT III 21 ST CENTURY: RESEARCH This act is resolutely turned to the present, the future and the incredible world of state-of-the-art technology used by contemporary researchers and archaeologists. LASCAUX AND THE WORLD IN A 3D CINEMA Wearing 3D glasses, visitors are treated to a multiscreen 3D film proposing a unique visit of Lascaux Cave. The first screen shows images made from 3D surveys of the original cave. The second presents scenes of other decorated caves around the world. The film, entitled Lascaux and the World, takes the audience into every nook and cranny of Lascaux Cave and into other decorated caves around the world with breath-taking realism; This journey to the centre of humanity raises questions about Mankind s place in the world. The Cave Art Theatre 11

12 Jean Paul Jouary, philosopher and curator of the exhibition, has selected works with links to the universe of Lascaux: he explores the connection between cave and contemporary art through techniques, themes, types of representation and his own artistic inspiration. Six interactive displays face the public. Visitors are asked to choose images and compose their own exhibition. The selection of images taken from modern and cave art can then be assembled into a single exhibition of the visitor s choosing and displayed to all. GALLERY OF THE IMAGINARY AND TEMPORARY EXHIBITION To be able to guarantee the necessary conservation conditions for the cave and to ensure its survival in the very long term, the site s scientific team advised that the entire Lascaux hillside be conserved and turned into a sanctuary of cave art. This recommendation provided the guiding principle of the project which proceeded to unfold at the foot of the hillside. The International Centre for Cave Art is situated in the municipality of Montignac-sur-Vézère in the Dordogne, on the border of the Vézère Valley and the Lascaux hill and forms a building-landscape which gives the impression of an incision, a horizontal cut in the landscape. This room explores the connections between different works of art ranging from cave art to contemporary art. The surrounding wall, with 90 screens composed of images of works by well-known artists such as Miro, Tapies or Picasso, makes up this unusual exhibition. THE ORIGINS OF THE PROJECT The architecture is sober, unostentatious, does not employ extravagant forms or materials and yet is extremely powerful. SnØhetta Architectural Practice, based in Oslo, Norway and renowned for its creation of diverse architectural experiences, was chosen to undertake the Lascaux project. A Londonbased British company, Casson Mann, which mainly works in the museum sector, was awarded the contract for scenography. Taking into consideration the global experience of the visit, they concentrated on how best to adapt the location and the stories into the space EVENTS An exhibition of cave art, Pariétal, will run from 15 December 2017 until 5 November Themed visits, conferences and signingsessions throughout the year. A FEW KEY FIGURES Cost of creating the International Centre for Cave Art: 50 M + 7 M for external landscaping. Financing the Project: Department (16.6 M ), Région (16.6 M ), Europe (12 M ), State (4 M ), Operator (2 M ). The remaining 5.8 M was raised through the sponsorship and patronage of businesses and private individuals. 12

13 LASCAUX MUSIC SESSIONS Lascaux offers a cultural programme throughout the year, beginning with music sessions in the first replica of the famous Lascaux Cave Lascaux II. The idea is, first and foremost, to provoke an encounter with an artist who is filmed and recorded for a short period of time performing entirely acoustically. Spontaneity and naturalness are the keynotes of the short videos which shall be released on social media (Facebook, YouTube, internet sites ). This is the moment to swim against the tide and embrace the simplicity of these long takes, in total immersion with the artist. A fabulous way of presenting one s talent to a large public and of creating a unique, magical moment with a few notes of music. This cultural project is the first to figure on Lascaux s programme but a wide variety of others will follow. 8 music sessions were scheduled during the summer in 2017, notably July 3 with Pierre Nesta, and July 28 with Un Air Deux Familles. 13

14 LASCAUX II BECOMES EVEN MORE OF A SECRET Within the context of the conservation of the entirety of the Lascaux hill, in a bid to ensure the preservation of the original cave, the International Centre for Cave Art has taken over the running of Lascaux II which is also situated on the hill. The new, extended visit of Lascaux II starts in front of the original cave, right in the centre of the hill. The guided visit conducted in small groups (a maximum of thirty) shows the visitors the prehistoric paintings in an intimate and emotionally-charged environment. Each visitor is accorded the time to fully appreciate the force of Lascaux by situating this work of art in the history of Prehistory and the evolution of Man and his tools. Open: From April to October, contact us for times Prices: Adults: 13, Children: 8.50 Group Rates: Adults: 8.50 School parties and children under 13 yrs: 5.50 Dual visits with Lascaux International Centre and/ or the Thot. All prices can be found on OPENING HOURS /01 > 30/03: 10am - 6pm 31/03 > 08/07: 9am pm July > August: 8am pm September: 9am pm October: 9.30am - 7pm November > 06/01: 10am - 6pm Closed from 06/01/19 to 22/01/2019 PRICES Adults: 17 / Children (5-12 yrs): 11 DUAL VISIT WITH THE THOT Adults: 21 / Children (5-12 yrs): CONTACT LASCAUX - INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR CAVE ART AVENUE DE LASCAUX Montignac Tel.: +33(0) contact@lascaux.fr INFORMATION AND GROUP RESERVATIONS Semitour Périgord Tel.: +33(0) contact@semitour.com Reduced rates for students, the unemployed and disabled persons. CRO-MAGNON FAMILY PASS (2 adults and 2 children) with dual visit to the Thot PREHISTORY PASS Joint visit with Thot and Laugerie Adults: 24 / Children (5-12 yrs): PRIVILEGE CARD (unlimited access for 1 year) with dual visit to the Thot Group rates are available on request. 14

15 THOT Park 15

16 AN INITIAL APPROACH TO CAVE ART, AS A COMPLEMENT TO LASCAUX 2018 EVENTS WORKSHOPS Cave Art Introduction to archaeological digs Spear-throwing Grease-lamp making and demonstration of fire-lighting Introduction to flint-knapping Creation of prehistoric ornamentation Leather-work Expansion of the animal enclosure to include a wolf park Ideally situated at Thonac, the Thot combines in a single educational museum space, an animal enclosure and a series of Prehistory workshops. Open to the public since 1972, it has belonged to the department of the Dordogne since The visit aims to explore the relationship between Man and animal by taking the visitor back to prehistoric times where he can experience firsthand Cro-Magnon Man, hunter and distinguished animal painter. The Thot also offers introductory Prehistory workshops, perfect for children (they run on weekends and school holidays). The workshops provide a fun approach to this era of history. The variety of events, animated by a passionate team, give children the key to understanding cave art, or even archaeological digs for the more curious amongst them. Other workshops include making a grease lamp, demonstrations of fire-lighting, introduction to flint-knapping and the creation of prehistoric ornamentation. The life-size representation of the five major facsimiles of Lascaux s Nave Gallery (the Great Black Cow, Frieze of the Stags, Two Crossed Bison, Panel of the Imprint Panel of the Ibexes ) and of the Shaft Scene - the only human representation in the cave -provide an enlightening introduction to cave art. Thanks to this visit, the non-informed eye will be able to appreciate the finer details of the cave paintings when visiting the Lascaux Gallery. 16

17 THE CLIMATOLOGY ROOM The Thot has designed and created a room devoted to prehistoric climatology with a thought for the future too. The animated 3D film is structured around 6 key stages which recount climate fluctuations since the first appearance of hominids (2.5 million years B.C.) to the time of Lascaux (20,000 years B.C.) describing their climatic cycles. In the 12-minute film, each era is discussed with reference to water-levels, the advance or retreat of glaciers, the evolution of the landscape and the migration of animals etc. The highly successful game, Questions for an Icecube which attracted more than players in 2016, is regularly refreshed with new themes and questions and is always up to date with the latest scientific advances and discoveries and is always as much fun! The tablet space has been increased to allow for a wider participation in competitions it is now possible to compete with up to 7 players. The quiz is, of course, more international than ever, being available in 10 languages: French, English, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. 17

18 NEW IN 2017 THE ARRIVAL OF THE WOLVES SPENDING TIME WITH THE WOLF CARETAKERS Visitors are given the opportunity of spending emotionally-charged time with the park s animals in the company of their caretakers, affording, in particular, access to the wolves, Taïga, Cheyenne and Django. They can watch from the wings as the caretakers prepare the rations, feed the wolves and observe individual animals: two hours in the life of an animal caretaker! The caretakers will share the daily experience of the animal teams and regale the visitors with their animal anecdotes! During these exceptional moments, please feel free to ask the caretakers any questions you may have about the animals. In May 2017, three wolves came to join the Thot: Taïga, Cheyenne and Django. In an area reproducing their natural habitat, two females and a male wolf have found their home to the delight of all, old and young, who have come to meet them. They are European grey wolves (Canis lupus lupus), born and raised in captivity with a pack of wolves in the Auvergne Animal Park. The male was born in the spring of 2015 (April/May); he is unusual in that he has floppy ears. Taïga was born in the spring of 2014 and Cheyenne in the spring of Wolves were present in prehistoric times as can be seen from the cave paintings of the Font-de- Gaume Cave dating from the Magdalenian period. With its expansion and the acquisition of the wolves, the Thot firmly claims its position as a leading centre of learning and entertainment for the understanding of this founding period of Humanity. CINDY RICHOUX, ANIMAL KEEPER I worked for 10 years in the Alpha Park with the Mercantour wolves (Saint Martin Vésubie). Wolves have returned to the wild in the Mercantour which gave me the opportunity of studying the evolution of the wolf in France and the impact of this on pastoralism. I next worked in the Vallée Sauvage (Sisteron) for 6 months and then finally in an ESAT, the Domaine Zoologique de Pesherary (Breil sur Merize) which had an animal park for European wild animals, for 9 months The wolf requires a variety of factors to be happy: it needs to be able to camouflage itself in moments of stress; it likes to strut high above the surrounding land on outcrops of rock; to hide in quiet spots Our role is to improve the quality of life for animals in captivity by helping the wolves find the elements they need and adapting to their individual requirements. We have to know how to observe them to learn to know them better and help reduce their stress. But, above all, these are animals who need to live in packs. (Cindy Richoux) 18

19 OPENING HOURS February > 30 March: 10am pm 31 March > 6 July: 10am - 6pm 7 July > 31 August: 10am pm 1 September > 4 November: 10am - 6pm 5 November > 6 January: 10am - 5pm Open on all public holidays except 25 December and 1 January Closed from 7 January 2019 to 8 February 2019 PRICES Adults: 9.50 / Children (5-12 yrs): 6.20 DUAL VISIT WITH LASCAUX Adult: 21 / Child (5-12 yrs): CONTACT LE THOT Thonac Tel.: +33(0) contact@lascaux.fr INFORMATION AND GROUP RESERVATIONS Semitour Périgord Tel.: +33(0) contact@semitour.com Reduced rates for students, the unemployed and disabled persons. CRO-MAGNON FAMILY PASS (2 adults and 2 children) with dual visit to Lascaux PREHISTORY PASS (CIAPML and Laugerie) Adults: 24 / Children (5-12 yrs) : PRIVILEGE CARD (unlimited access for 1 year) dual visit with the Thot Group rates are available on request. 19

20 ROCK SHELTERS AT LAUGERIE BASSE UNESCO World Heritage Site 20

21 THE CLIFF A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME Situated in close proximity to the Grand Roc Cave at Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, the Laugerie Basse Rock Shelters are a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered a world class site by prehistorians, the rock shelters were occupied from the Magdalenian period (15,000 B.C.) up until the Bronze Age (2,200 B.C.). The site comprises two shelters: the one designated as classic has been entirely excavated while the Marseilles shelter has not been fully unearthed to date as it is partly buried under a rock-fall. The stratigraphy of the site (all the different geological strata or layers present) and numerous other indicators, confirm prehistoric human habitation. These deposits represent an exceptional site in terms of quantity, diversity and often the quality of the works of art which have been discovered here over the last few decades. More than six hundred works of art have been revealed during the excavations. Among the six hundred objects unearthed are ones which indicate an important level of cultural and artistic activity at Laugerie Basse, including several known to date from the Magdalenian period (15,000-10,000B.C.): an engraved bone disc, a harpoon and the statuette of a woman whose head is broken, known as the Immodest Venus, discovered by the Marquis de Vibraye in 1863, as well as a tablet designated the Woman with Reindeer. As for the personal effects found at the site, they are a perfect illustration of the artistic capacities of these modern prehistoric people. IN BRIEF It was in 1863 that the palaeontologist Edouard Lartet and his friend Henry Christy discovered the Laugerie Basse Rock Shelters while visiting les Eyzies. They were amazed by the wealth of prehistoric remains and many discoveries ensued. The following year the archaeologist Paul de Vibraye uncovered the famous Immodest Venus. The discoveries followed one after the other and two years later Elie Massénat unearthed a human skeleton which became known as the Crushed Man. Part of the shelter remains to be explored 2018 ACTIVITIES Guided visits with digital tablet and discovery workshops on Cro-Magnon architects Permanent exhibition of replica pre-historic objects, 3D film 21

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23 OPENING HOURS February > 30 March*: 10am pm & 2pm pm 31 March > 6 July: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm 7 July > 31 August: 10am pm 1 September > 4 November: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm 5 November > 6 January*: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm *Closed on Mondays except during school holidays and public holidays Open on all public holidays except 25 December and 1 January Closed from 7 January 2019 to 8 February 2019 Last admissions one hour before closure. PRICES CONTACT LAUGERIE BASSE ROCK SHELTERS Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil Tel.: +33(0) contact@semitour.com INFORMATION AND GROUP RESERVATIONS Semitour Périgord Tel.: +33(0) contact@semitour.com Adults: 8.50 / Children (5-12 yrs): 6 DUAL VISIT WITH GRAND ROC Adults: / Children (5-12 yrs): 6.30 PREHISTORY PASS Joint visit including CIAPML and the Thot Adults: 24 / Children (5-12 yrs): SEMITOURTV 23

24 THE CAVE OF GRAND ROC An exceptional jem 24

25 A NATURAL MASTERPIECE OF INTERNATIONAL RENOWN Situated at les Eyzies, 25km from Lascaux, the Grand Roc Cave was carved by nature into a magnificent cliff overhanging the Vézère river which offers a remarkable panoramic view. This site is of exceptional importance. Discovered in 1924 and open to the public since 1927, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since Of international renown, this natural masterpiece boasts a veritable mineral forest of crystal structures, famous for their diverse forms. Stalactites, stalagmites, pipes, gours, triangles and a large number of eccentric shapes which defy the laws of gravity The stalactites hanging from the roof are either delicate or imposing, occasionally translucent, and some of them meet stalagmites growing up from the floor and thereby create columns. FALL IN LOVE Visitors be aware when visiting the Grand Roc a cave kiss may be waiting for you; the shortlived token of a special visit! The cave s kiss is the caress of a drop of water on your face, a drop which has been on an amazing voyage before alighting on your cheek IN BRIEF The eccentric colouring and design of the cave s interior is due to the mineral and organic composition of the soil above the cave which creates the unusual décor ACTIVITIES Nocturnal visits by hurricane lamp Every Monday at 8.30pm from 16 July to 20 August 25

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27 OPENING HOURS February > 30 March*: 10am pm & 2pm pm 31 March > 6 July: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm 7 July > 31 August: 10am pm 1 September > 4 November: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm 5 November > 6 January*: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm *Closed on Mondays except during school holidays and public holidays Open on all public holidays except 25 December and 1 January Closed from 7 January 2019 to 8 February 2019 Last admissions one hour before closure. PRICES CONTACT LE GRAND ROC Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil Tel.: +33(0) contact@semitour.com INFORMATION AND GROUP RESERVATIONS Semitour Périgord Tel.: +33(0) contact@semitour.com Adults: 8.50 / Children (5-12 yrs): 6 DUAL VISIT WITH LES ABRIS DE LAUGERIE BASSE Adults: / Children (5-12 yrs): 6.30 PREHISTORY AND GEOLOGY PASS FOR 4 SITES (Lascaux / Thot / Laugerie Basse / Grand Roc) Adults: 32 / Children (5-12 yrs): SEMITOURTV 27

28 Castle BIRON An exceptional stone giant 28

29 ONE OF THE FOUR PÉRIGORD BARONIES Seat of one of the four Périgord baronies, Biron Castle occupies a strategic position on the borders of Périgord and Agenais not far from the fortified town of Monpazier. Its history is linked to the greatness of one family the Gontaut-Birons who held the barony from the Middle Ages (11 th century) for eight centuries until, in 1938 the Marquis of Biron was ruined and obliged to sell his chateau. Today the castle belongs to the department of the Dordogne and is listed among the Major Sites of Aquitaine and as a Historical Monument. Together the buildings present a diversity and accumulation of styles of architecture bearing witness to the former glory of this family of valiant soldiers and powerful landlords who held sway in the royal entourage. Every century from the 12 th to the 18 th has left an imprint of the changing fortunes of this monumental building: 12 th century keep, two-storey chapel, Renaissance apartments, impressive vaulted kitchens, State chambers The result of the incredible juxtaposition of buildings results in an architectural composition with its own special appeal. IN BRIEF Biron Castle presents a wonderful cinematographic back-drop! Many film directors have come here in search of that touch of magic, history and authenticity in this mythical place. The Castle has been filmed, among others, for Bertrand Tavernier s La Fille d Artagnan, (1994) and Christophe Gans Pacte des Loups (2001). WINTER EXHIBITION 2018 From 10 February to 21 May 2018 Meet the artists: DUPUY, DEFONTAINE, FIORETTI, ANTHOINE 29

30 2018 ACTIVITIES Exhibitions throughout the year of Contemporary Art and Craft. To ensure an educational and entertaining visit for children they are given a puzzle book to complete. Treasure Hunt every Friday at 10.00am during July and August. At Biron Castle children have the opportunity to learn while having fun thanks to the puzzle book provided free on entry to all those under the age of twelve. Parents will be pleased to see their little ones take pleasure in learning about the age of chivalry with the help of Armand the Knight. Discovery Workshops*: Easter and Pentecost weekends, school holidays in spring, summer and October: - Create your own coat of arms -Castle architecture -Coin-striking Evening gourmet food markets come and meet local producers of food and drink, buy your supper and sit at long tables in the chateau courtyard. Every Thursday at 7.00pm during July and August. NEW Theatrical nocturnal visits* by lantern. Every Tuesday evening at 9.00pm during July and August. *By reservation only 30

31 OPENING HOURS February > 30 March*: 10am pm & 2pm pm 31 March > 6 July: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm 7 July > 31 August: 10am pm 1 September > 4 November: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm 5 November > 6 January*: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm *Closed on Mondays except during school holidays and public holidays Open on all public holidays except 25 December and 1 January Closed from 7 January 2019 to 8 February 2019 Last admissions one hour before closure. PRICES Adults: 8.50 / Children (5-12 yrs): 5.70 CONTACT CHÂTEAU DE BIRON Biron Tel.: +33(0) contact@semitour.com INFORMATION AND GROUP RESERVATIONS Semitour Périgord Tel.: +33(0) DUAL VISIT WITH CADOUIN CLOISTER Adults: 12 / Children (5-12 yrs): 7.50 SEMITOURTV 31

32 CASTLE BOURDEILLES Two Castles Two Different Periods 32

33 Aerial view of Bourdeilles Castle gardens ONE OF THE FOUR PÉRIGORD BARONIES The castle featured in the film Cartouche and more recently in Richelieu, la Pourpre et le Sang. Bourdeilles Castle dates back as far as 1183, it is classed as a Historical Monument and a Major Site of Aquitaine and is situated to the north-west of Périgueux. It dominates the Drone River from a rocky outcrop and is, along with Biron Castle, one of the four Baronies of Périgord. Defensive in origin, the site of bloody battles and coveted by many, Bourdeilles Castle was captured from the English and given back to the Count of Périgord by the famous Dugesclin. However, it is also very attractive and as such bears witness to the elegance of former times. Transferred from family to family through inheritance, marriage and betrayal, the castle was eventually donated to the département in 1962 and from then until 1972 the restoration was entrusted to two Parisian patrons. Their passion for Bourdeilles Castle spurred them to furnish it with an exceptional collection of antique furniture, unique in France. From an architectural point of view the feudal fortress dating from the 13 th and 14 th centuries, was a fortified enclosure with double windows, dominated by a unique octagonal keep, thirty-five metres high and comprising four levels with vaulted ceilings and walls two metres forty centimetres thick. The 16 th century Renaissance living quarters with richly ornamented ceremonial halls such as the sumptuously painted Golden Salon contain a prestigious collection of furniture dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries, including the Charles Quint bed adorned with gold sculptures. HISTORICAL ANECDOTE In the 16 th century, Jacquette de Montbron, wife of the seneschal governor of Périgord undertook the construction of a Renaissance castle, herself designing the future residence of the Bourdeilles family. She created a flawless palace with a chamber known as the Golden Salon reserved specially for Catherine de Medici and commissioned the Italian painter, Ambroise Lenoble, to decorate it. This immense room covers one hundred and fifty square metres; everything was designed in honour of the Queen who never came to visit! 33

34 NEW 360 SUMMER 2018 Escape Game in Virtual Reality Every day by reservation Are you ready for a real virtual journey through the history of Bourdeilles Castle, one of the four baronies of Périgord? 2018 ACTIVITIES Colouring booklet for 3 to 6 year olds in English and French. Game booklets for 7 to 12 year olds changed in function with each school holiday. In English and French. Nocturnal visits* Evening visits for families, friends or couples; surprises and mysteries await you behind the castle doors (some of which are usually closed). Every Tuesday and Thursday from 12 July to 23 August 2018 from 9.00pm. Discovery workshops and family activities* (Easter and Pentecost weekends and Spring and Summer holidays): - NEW Gastronomy (how to make hypocras) - Seal-making - Heraldry (make your coat of arms) - Calligraphy (the art of lettering) Gerard de Maulmont, Lord of Bourdeilles, gives you an appointment in the year 1284 to complete the construction of his fortress... but the adventure will not stop at this vast site... you will also be transported into the heart of the Hundred Years War, where you will live other adventures - each as exhilarating as the last... Ready to take on challenges? Come test it in the spring at Bourdeilles Castle! Open air cinema Every Wednesday at 10.00pm, from July 18 to August 15, the cinema presents itself to the castle and invites you to discover the movies of the moment. Thrown in the courtyard, the Seventh Art is waiting for you! * By reservation only 34

35 Bourdeilles Castle Gardens OPENING HOURS February > 30 March*: 10am pm & 2pm pm 31 March > 6 July: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm 7 July > 31 August: 10am pm 1 September > 4 November: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm 5 November > 6 January*: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm *Closed on Mondays except during school holidays and public holidays Open on all public holidays except 25 December and 1 January Closed from 7 January 2019 to 8 February 2019 Last admissions one hour before closure. CONTACT CHÂTEAU DE BOURDEILLES Bourdeilles Tel.: +33(0) contact@semitour.com PRICES Adults: 8.70 / Children (5-12 yrs): 5.70 SEMITOURTV 35

36 CADOUIN CLOISTER A Gothic Masterpiece 36

37 A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE Situated in a small valley in the Bessède Forest between Sarlat and Bergerac, Cadouin is a Cistercian Abbey on the pilgrim trail to Santiago de Compostela, listed as a Historic Monument, a Major Site of Aquitaine and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1115, the Abbey was the eleventh to be attached to the Cistercian order, which has as its ideal a community devoted to poverty, charity, solitude and silence. Monastic activity at the Abbey ceased in The Abbey church, sacristy and Romanesque monastic foundations survive. Monastic rigour was the order of the day and the monks lived a life of work and quiet prayer. The Cloister, rebuilt at the end of 15 th century are of astonishing architectural richness, however, and demonstrate the revival of the Abbey s power. They are a flamboyant masterpiece of Gothic architecture in which we can today admire the interplay of light and shadow. Recently and impeccably restored, the Cadouin Cloister now reveal their finery to the world. IN BRIEF For centuries, it was wrongly believed that Cadouin housed the shroud used to cover Christ s face when he was laid in the tomb. This piece of linen, decorated with silk threads attracted devout pilgrims to Cadouin from far-flung destinations for over seven centuries. The material is in fact a piece of 11 th century Muslim cloth, a reproduction of which is currently on display in the reception area of the Cloister. 37

38 2018 ACTIVITIES Saturday themed visits every second Saturday of the month at 3.30pm from mid-march except during July and August. Themed nocturnal visits* from 09/07 to 20/08 at 9.00pm. NEW Nocturnal visits in English on Fridays from 13/07 to 24/08 at 9.00pm. NEW Special visit for children on Wednesdays from 11/07 to 22/08 at 10.30am. *By reservation only 38

39 OPENING HOURS February > 30 March*: 10am pm & 2pm pm 31 March > 6 July: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm 7 July > 31 August: 10am - 7pm 1 September > 4 November: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm 5 November > 6 January*: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm *Closed on Mondays except during school holidays and public holidays Open on all public holidays except 25 December and 1 January Closed from 7 January 2019 to 8 February 2019 Last admissions one hour before closure. CONTACT CLOÎTRE DE CADOUIN Cadouin Tel.: +33(0) contact@semitour.com PRICES Adults: 7 / Children (5-12 yrs): 4.30 DUAL VISIT WITH BIRON CASTLE Adults: 12 / Children (5-12 yrs): SEMITOURTV 39

40 PRESS CONTACT ARTICLE ONZE TOURISME Sabrina Dahmane +33 (0) Delphine Beauchesne +33 (0)