The Dordogne Valley was one of the first places on earth inhabited by man and these caves house their superbly preserved cave paintings. The original caves are closed to protect their irreplaceable artworks, but a short walk finds a number of superb copies that include ‘The Great Black Bull’.

If you’re into castles, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle features one of Europe’s finest fortified castles. The artillery tower displays primitive weapons and there’s also a Middle Ages Siege Warfare Museum. Over 40? Get fortified here.