The key to prehistory in Dordogne

Prehistory, a source of wonder which never ceases to stimulate the imagination of our children - and we are all children when compared with these ancient ancestors. Astonishing new scientific discoveries regularly reveal more about these distant ages, causing us to stop and consider the lessons that our prehistory can teach us. Take a trip to the Périgord Noir, home of Cro-Magnon and Neanderthal man...

 

First Key: National Museum of Prehistory and the International Prehistoric Centre

Both of these institutions are located in Eyzies de Tayac (see below for website address). The latter opened in July 2010, with an educational centre and a dedicated space for scientific and cultural exhibitions and events. Its website is already a gold mine of information www.pole-prehistoire.com. Exhibition running until 26 June: "Close your eyes and see prehistory".

The National Museum of Prehistory takes you on a journey through human history, from the first known traces of human activity to the most recent discoveries. Model reconstructions of ancient humans and animals, tools, early art works... the museum's holdings include 18,000 objects, but the 'Highlights' guide gives a condensed overview of the most important artefacts. www.musee-prehistoire-eyzies.fr

 

Second Key: Lascaux and other prehistoric sites

Lascaux and the Valley of Man are among Aquitaine's greatest treasures. Of the thirty or so sites and caves which bear witness to 400,000 years of human presence in the region, 15 have been classed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979.

 

Often called the 'Sistine Chapel of Prehistory', this year marks the 70th anniversary of the rediscovery of the Lascaux caves, stumbled across in September 1940 by 4 boys from the nearby town of Montignac. Due to the sensitivity of the site, visitors these days see a replica of the cave - a masterpiece in its own right!

>> Virtual visit via the Ministry of Culture's excellent website
>> Practical information on the Semitour site

 

Other cave paintings are open to vistors all year round, including Fond-de-Gaume and Les Combarelles, Eyzies. Thereis also the famous 'Fish Grotto', and Laurie Basse and Haute - fans of Jean M. Auel will know this is the setting for the finale of volume five of Children of Earth.

 

And dont't forget: the Moustier deposit, where Neanderthal remains were discovered, the Cro-Magnon shelter ar La Madeleine, Roque-Saint-Christophe... find all the sites on the International Prehistorical Centre's interactive map .

 

Third key: ideas for kids
The National Museum of Prehistory has a 'Prehistory for all the family' programme which includes special guided tours, heritage workshops... The 2011 brochure is not yet ready but you can download this 2010 summary document (80 kb) to get an idea of their offering.

 

The Prehisto-Park is a little further up the valley, in Tursac. Its life-size reconstructions, complete with sound effects, immerse you in the daily life of our distant relatives. During school holidays, there is a varied programme of demonstrations (stone working, how to start a fire) aimed at children.  http://www.prehistoparc.fr

 

And finally, l’espace du Thot is both a museum and an animal park filled with species closely related to those that inhabited the region in the Palaeolithic period. Completely renovated in 2009, the centre now includes a reproduction of the nave of the Lascaux caves - not represented at Lascaux II - and organises educational events all year round, including sessions on how to paint like a prehistoric artist, and how to start out in archaeology.

http://www.semitour.com

 

Fourth key: audio guides
The Dordogne tourist board, in collaboration with website zevisit.com, have created a 7-step audio tour. Reconstructions, interviews and commentaries will help you explore the Valley of Man. http://www.zevisit.com

 

Fifth key: all-inclusive tour packages

Many tours of the Dordogne contain a Prehistory element. For example, the Peritrek agency offers a driving tour of the region, for which the agency takes care of all accommodation and attraction bookings... you just relax and enjoy it all. 

Driving tour of Périgord Noir
6 days/5 nights 
Includes hotels: €385 per person

www.peritrek.com

 

And if you only have a weekend to spare, the Dordogne tourist board offers a short break package which includes dinner, a night in a 3-star hotel, visits to 3 sites including the National Museum of Prehistory, and a full portfolio of information on the region's prehistoric treasures.

A Prehistoric Getaway
2days/1 night

Prices: €98 per person for two sharing a double room, €128 for individual room.
www.dordogne-perigord-tourisme.fr

 

Sixth key: a canoë trip
The Valley of Man is also the valley of the Vézère, a tributary of the Dordogne which is ideal for canoeing expeditions. From the river, get fantastic views of hilltop villages, châteaux and prehistoric sites. The Dorodgne tourist board offers a canoe package:
www.dordogne-perigord-tourisme.fr

 

Seventh key: Lascaux Vézère Valley Tourist Office
The team at the tourist office will welcome and inform you – in the flesh of course but also on the web, with a site that could not be more complete. As well as all the practical information helping you organise your trip, find accommodation and learn about leisure activities and festivities, the site offers the opportunity for you to ask questions online, read testimonials, watch videos… Don’t miss it www.tourisme-vezere.com

 

You can also visit the prehistoric pages of our website: www.tourisme-aquitaine.fr/en

 

Now you have all the keys you need to explore. Enjoy!