Here are some of the things I learned:
This artwork is more than 15000 years old, created by Neanderthals (who basically were like us). There is such stylistic unity in the work that scholars think each cave must have been designed, supervised or executed by one person over a period of time. The caves were not dwellings! Instead, they seem to have been spiritual sites, reserved for decoration. There are no images of people in these caves; the hypothesis is that there was a rule against depiction of humans in the holy place. No hunting scenes, no conflict among animals, no killing or sacrifice--the beasts appear healthy and peaceful. Some show real personality and humor. It is clear that the artists really loved and respected those bulls, horses, reindeer, bears and mammoths.
We also visited the National Museum of Prehistory at Les Eyzies, where we did see depictions of humans, lots of tools and weapons, beads, and decorated ivory and stone pieces. And skeletons of prehistoric people. So much to see and learn.
And then there was the food. And the lovely scenery. Which I would love to show you, but Weebly won't upload the photos! I will try again later; maybe the program will have decided to cooperate.