Walking with Ancients: A Journey Through Les Eyzies and Font-de-Gaume

There are places in the world where time seems to fold in on itself, where the footsteps of the past echo beneath your own. On this visit, I find myself in such a place: Les Eyzies and the Font-de-Gaume Cave in southwestern France.

To walk upon stones that have felt human footsteps for over 16,000 years is a humbling thought. It is more than sightseeing; it is a rare opportunity to connect with the ancient past in a way that feels grounding and awe-inspiring.

When my children were little and we visited this region, I would invite them to press their hands against the walls of old castles, just as knights and ladies once did. I encouraged them to slip off a shoe, place their bare feet on the stones, and tune into the energy of the place. It was a way of helping them experience history not just as stories, but as something alive beneath their skin.

Every time I return, I am struck by a profound sense of grounding. The rhythm of this land seeps into my being. My heart rate slows, my breath deepens, and my thoughts grow quiet, aligning with the timeless cadence of those who came before. There is a serenity here that feels almost sacred—a reminder of the simplicity and intentionality that once defined human life.

The lifestyle in southwestern France mirrors this ancient rhythm. It is slower, more deliberate, and deeply rooted in tradition—a stark contrast to the fast-paced, efficiency-driven culture of the United States. Here, life unfolds with a sense of purpose and presence. Meals are savored, conversations linger, and the passage of time feels less like a race and more like a gentle flow. It’s a way of living that invites reflection and connection, both with others and with oneself.

As I prepare to step into the cool, shadowed depths of Font-de-Gaume, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe. These caves, adorned with prehistoric art, are a testament to the creativity and resilience of our ancestors. They remind me that, despite the millennia that separate us, we are all part of the same human story—a story written in stone, in rhythm, and in the enduring spirit of those who walked this earth long before us.

​When was the last time you slowed down enough to feel the rhythm of the land beneath your feet? Sometimes, the most profound connections arise not from chasing time, but from allowing ourselves to dwell in it.

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