Les Eyzies: Things to See and Do
Les Eyzies de Taynac Sireuil (commonly known as Les Eyzies) is a pretty town in the Périgord Noir region of the Dordogne, world-famous for its prehistoric heritage, caves, grottes and troglodyte dwellings. Often called the "Capital of Prehistory", it is situated in the heart of the Vézère Valley, home to some 150 archaeological sites.
The prehistoric site was discovered in 1868 during railroad construction, when a rock shelter in a limestone cliff was uncovered. Excavation revealed an occupation floor with the remains of four adult skeletons, one infant and fragmentary bones – the first recognised specimens of Cro-Magnon man, dating back 20,000–40,000 years. The caves and grottes around Les Eyzies contain some of the most significant finds from the Upper Paleolithic (40,000–10,000 years ago) and Middle Paleolithic (200,000–40,000 years ago) periods, especially noted for their extensive wall drawings. In 1979, the decorated grottes of the Vézère Valley, including those at Les Eyzies, were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Les Eyzies offers an extraordinary concentration of prehistoric treasures, making it one of the most important places in the world for understanding early human history.
History of Les Eyzies in the Dordogne
History of Les Eyzies
Les Eyzies was originally a small hamlet tied to the Lordship of Tayac. During the 8th and 9th centuries it likely had a substantial population, as evidenced by numerous troglodytic habitations and fortified buildings constructed against Viking raiders. These can be found at the museum site, the entrance to Les Eyzies, Roc de Tayac, Laugerie-Basse, Roc de Cazelles, Les Girouteaux near Font-de-Gaume, and the troglodytic chapel of Guilhem.
The cliffs are riddled with elevated lookout posts known as cluzeaux aériens – artificial chambers cut into the limestone so high one wonders how people reached them. In the 10th and 11th centuries, the Lords of Tayac built a powerful fortress into the rock at Les Eyzies, which passed to the Lords of Beynac in 1322. Tayac, with its fortified church (all that remains of a 12th-century monastery), retained much of its original importance.
During the Hundred Years' War, the English laid waste to the Sarladais in 1408, but the French ousted them in 1411. In the Wars of Religion, the Beynac family were Protestant, but Jean Guy de Beynac-Tayac, who retained his Catholic faith and held the château of Les Eyzies, laid siege to Saint-Cyprien in 1590. Having conspired against Henri IV in 1605 to avenge the beheading of his friend Biron, he was condemned to death but later pardoned through Turenne's intervention. The château was abandoned in the 18th century. In 1913, the ruins were acquired by the State, which established the National Museum of Prehistory there.
Things to See and Do in Les Eyzies
National Prehistory Museum Les Eyzies
The National Prehistory Museum is an excellent way to learn about prehistoric man and one of the great attractions in Les Eyzies. It exists due to the driving force of teacher and excavator Denis Peyrony (1869-1954). The Château des Eyzies was acquired by the state in 1913. Built on a prehistoric settlement and troglodytic village, the château cave (Magdalenian period) yielded a famous engraved bone depicting nine human figures near a bison. The buildings became the museum in 1923 and now house over one million prehistoric objects – the most visited prehistory museum in France and second in the world after Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Why visit? It provides essential context for understanding the prehistoric sites of the Vézère Valley, with the richest Palaeolithic collection in France – a must for anyone exploring the region's caves and grottes.
- Over one million prehistoric objects
- Famous engraved bone with human figures
- Exhibits from Magdalenian and earlier periods
- Closed on Tuesdays
Caves & Grottes of Les Eyzies
There are many caves and grottes to discover in Les Eyzies and the surrounding area. The most famous is Font-de-Gaume on the outskirts of town. These sites contain some of the most significant archaeological finds of the Upper Paleolithic and Middle Paleolithic periods, especially noted for their extensive wall drawings.
Why visit? Les Eyzies is at the heart of the Vézère Valley UNESCO World Heritage area, offering unparalleled access to humanity's earliest art and living spaces – a journey through deep time.
- Font-de-Gaume – famous polychrome paintings
- Laugerie-Basse, Roc de Cazelles, Les Girouteaux
- Troglodytic dwellings and rock shelters
- UNESCO World Heritage designation (1979)
Pôle International de la Préhistoire (PIP) Les Eyzies
A free information centre for all prehistoric sites in the area. Bilingual staff answer questions about hours, maps, tours and more. The PIP provides a map for prehistoric walking tours: one 15 km (5 hours) and a shorter 8 km (3 hours) route.
Why visit? Ideal starting point for planning cave visits, with expert advice and walking tour maps – perfect for exploring the prehistoric landscape on foot.
- Free bilingual information centre
- Maps and guides to all sites
- Prehistoric walking tour routes (8 km & 15 km)
- Helpful staff for planning
Museum of Castel Merle Les Eyzies
Sergeac, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil (Les Eyzies), France. This museum features prehistoric relics excavated in the surrounding area. The site of Castel-Merle (Vallon des Roches) has its own museum displaying artefacts from various rock shelter excavations.
Why visit? Offers insight into successive occupations by Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons in the Vallon des Roches – a great addition for deeper understanding of prehistoric life in the area.
- Artefacts from rock shelters
- Neanderthal & Cro-Magnon occupations
- Vallon des Roches site
Château du Commarque Les Eyzies
A 12th-century château in a valley where the Beune runs, with prehistoric caves below. The site combines medieval ruins with ancient troglodyte dwellings and rock shelters.
Why visit? Offers a layered experience of history – from prehistoric caves to medieval fortress – in a beautiful valley setting.
- 12th-century château ruins
- Prehistoric caves and shelters below
- Scenic Beune valley location
Canoe through the Vézère River
Canoeing the Vézère River through Les Eyzies is a must. The trip takes you through very rural France, past many prehistoric sites, and offers a different perspective from a Dordogne River canoe trip. Canoes can be hired on either side of the river at the bridge.
Why visit? A peaceful, scenic way to see prehistoric sites from the water in a tranquil rural setting – ideal for families and nature lovers.
- Rural Vézère River scenery
- Views of prehistoric sites from water
- Canoe hire at the bridge
Les Eyzies Market
The Les Eyzies market takes place every Monday morning and is packed with fresh regional produce and crafts – well worth a visit and a must for your things to do and see list.
Why visit? A lively local market offering authentic Périgord produce, crafts and a chance to meet residents in the prehistoric capital.
- Monday morning market
- Fresh regional produce
- Local crafts and souvenirs