Les Eyzies Attractions: The Ultimate Guide
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil (commonly called Les Eyzies) is universally known as the **World Capital of Prehistory**. Nestled in the Vézère Valley in the heart of the Périgord Noir, this small village is home to the National Museum of Prehistory and is the gateway to some of the most important decorated caves and prehistoric shelters in the world, many listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
With over 40 major prehistoric sites within a few kilometers—including Font-de-Gaume, Abri Cro-Magnon, La Micoque, and Laugerie-Basse—Les Eyzies has been central to the discovery and understanding of Cro-Magnon man and Paleolithic art since the 19th century. Today, it offers an unparalleled journey into humanity’s deep past through world-class museums, guided cave visits, and stunning valley landscapes.
This ultimate guide covers Les Eyzies' history, the National Prehistory Museum, the most important caves (especially Font-de-Gaume), a suggested exploration route, and practical tips – everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit to this cradle of prehistoric science.
History of Les Eyzies & Prehistory
History of Les Eyzies & Prehistory
Human presence in the Vézère Valley dates back over 400,000 years (Lower Paleolithic). The cliffs and rock shelters provided natural protection, making the area one of the densest concentrations of prehistoric sites in Europe. The modern discovery of prehistory began here in the mid-19th century.
In 1868, workmen building a road near Les Eyzies uncovered the first Cro-Magnon skeleton in the Abri Cro-Magnon shelter – the type specimen of anatomically modern humans in Europe (dated ~30,000–28,000 years ago). This find, along with tools and art objects, sparked global scientific interest. In the following decades, eminent prehistorians (Édouard Lartet, Henry Christy, Denis Peyrony) excavated dozens of sites in the valley.
Les Eyzies became the epicenter of Paleolithic research. In 1913, the National Museum of Prehistory was established in the Château de Tayac (a 16th-century castle built into the cliff). The 2002 opening of the completely rebuilt and expanded museum cemented Les Eyzies' status as the world capital of prehistory. In 1979, several valley sites (including Font-de-Gaume and Lascaux nearby) were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley".
Today, Les Eyzies (population ~800) is a quiet village entirely devoted to prehistory tourism, with museums, cave visits, research centers, and a landscape shaped by 40,000 years of human history.
National Museum of Prehistory (Musée National de Préhistoire)
Housed in a modern building integrated into the cliff (designed by architect Jean-Pierre Buffi and opened in 2002), the National Museum of Prehistory is one of the world’s finest museums dedicated to the Paleolithic era and the single most important place to understand Cro-Magnon life and art.
Collections & Highlights: Over 18,000 objects on display (from millions in reserve), including original tools, weapons, engraved bones, Venus figurines, and exceptional replicas of cave art. Key sections cover:
- Chronology of human evolution in Europe
- Daily life of hunter-gatherers (hunting, fire, clothing, art)
- The birth of symbolic thought and art (30,000–12,000 BP)
- Reproductions of major cave art (Lascaux, Font-de-Gaume, Rouffignac)
- Temporary exhibitions on recent discoveries
Why visit: This is the definitive museum for understanding Paleolithic Europe. The architecture alone (glass façade blending into the cliff) is striking, and the collection is unparalleled.
Practical info: Allow 2–3 hours. Audio-guides in multiple languages. Wheelchair accessible. Combined tickets available with cave visits.
The Caves & Rock Shelters of Les Eyzies
Les Eyzies is surrounded by dozens of prehistoric sites, many open to the public. The most famous and accessible decorated cave is Font-de-Gaume, the last original polychrome cave still open for public visits in France.
Font-de-Gaume Cave
Discovered in 1901, Font-de-Gaume contains some of the finest Magdalenian (c. 17,000–12,000 years ago) paintings and engravings in the world. It is the only original cave with polychrome (multi-color) bison, horses, mammoths, and reindeer still open to the public (Lascaux and others are closed or replicated).
Highlights: About 80 animal figures (especially the famous "bison panel"), hand stencils, engraved signs. The colors (red, black, ochre) are remarkably preserved. Visits are strictly limited (guided only, 45 minutes, very small groups).
Booking essential: Tickets sell out months in advance (especially summer). Book online via tourisme-perigord-noir-vallee-dordogne.com or on-site lottery system (limited daily spots).
Other major sites in/near Les Eyzies:
- Abri Cro-Magnon – Discovery site of the first Cro-Magnon skeleton (1868). Open-air shelter with information panels.
- Abri Pataud – Excavated rock shelter with 14 occupation layers (35,000–20,000 BP). Small museum and guided visits.
- La Micoque – Key Lower Paleolithic site (Mousterian tools, 300,000+ years old).
- Laugerie-Basse & Laugerie-Haute – Major Magdalenian shelters with tools and art objects.
Best time to go: Spring or autumn for cave visits (cooler inside, fewer crowds). Book Font-de-Gaume well in advance (up to 6 months for peak season).
Walking & Exploration Tour – What to See in Les Eyzies
A full day (or two) is recommended to explore Les Eyzies properly. The village is compact, but many sites are spread along the valley. A car is very useful; some sites are reachable on foot or by bike path.
1. National Museum of Prehistory – Start here for context (2–3 hours). Modern building on the main street, easy parking.
2. Abri Cro-Magnon – Short walk from the museum. See the shelter where the first Cro-Magnon remains were found (quick visit, 15–30 min).
3. Font-de-Gaume Cave – Booked visit (45 min guided tour). Located 1 km east of the village center (walkable or short drive).
4. Laugerie-Basse & La Micoque – Drive or walk along the valley road (D47) to these nearby shelters (panels and small info centers).
5. Village stroll – Walk the main street (Rue du Musée National de Préhistoire), see prehistoric-themed shops, cafés, and the small river.
6. Optional: Abri Pataud or other shelters – Add if time allows (guided tours seasonal).
Tips: Buy a combined ticket/pass for museum + caves if visiting multiple sites. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket (caves are 13°C year-round). Reserve Font-de-Gaume months ahead.
Fun Facts about Les Eyzies
Les Eyzies has shaped our understanding of prehistory. Here are some interesting facts:
- Les Eyzies is officially called the "World Capital of Prehistory" since 1979, when UNESCO inscribed the Vézère Valley sites.
- The term "Cro-Magnon" comes from the Cro-Magnon shelter here, where the first modern human skeleton in Europe was found in 1868.
- Font-de-Gaume is the only original cave with polychrome paintings still open to the public in the world (all others are closed or replicas).
- Over 40 major prehistoric sites exist within 5 km of Les Eyzies – the highest density anywhere on Earth.
- The National Museum holds one of the largest Paleolithic collections in the world, with many objects discovered in the valley.