Les Eyzies Caves and Grottes



Les Eyzies | Caves and Grottes

Pre-Historic Caves and Grottes Near Les Eyzies

L’abri Pataud Les Eyzies | Dordogne

The L’Abri Pataud cave, located squarely in the heart of Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac, is a prehistoric dwelling that was home to the Cro-Magnon population around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. Artifacts excavated from the cave can be viewed at a museum close by, illustrating the rich prehistoric roots of the region.

Grotte de Font de Gaume Les Eyzies | Dordogne

Just about a kilometer towards the east of Les Eyzies on the D47, you find the Grotte de Font de Gaume Cave that houses a remarkable array of prehistoric art. However, the fragile condition of these prehistoric paintings has necessitated access restrictions. Reservations during peak season are thus highly recommended if you wish to marvel at these ancient masterpieces.

L’Abri du Cap Blanc near Les Eyzies | Dordogne

The L’Abri du Cap Blanc, which is about 9 km east of Les Eyzies, is another prehistoric site that showcases a superb frieze featuring horses and bison. The sculpture, from the Middle Magdalenian period, is considered the best of its kind in France.

Grotte de Combarelles near Les Eyzies | Dordogne

A bit further, 3 km to the north-east of Les Eyzies, lies the Grotte de Combarelles, boasting engravings of prehistoric animals alongside human figures, points to ancestral cohabitation.

Les Grottes du Roc de Cazelle Les Eyzies | Dordogne

A bit further, 3 km to the north-east of Les Eyzies, lies the Grotte de Combarelles, boasting engravings of prehistoric animals alongside human figures, points to ancestral cohabitation.

La Grotte de Bernifal Les Eyzies | Dordogne

La Grotte de Bernifal, another prehistoric cave near Les Eyzies, is both a canvas for prehistoric paintings and a natural paradise filled with stalactites and stalagmites. However, this site only allows visitors from July through September.

Grotte de Bara Bahau near Les Eyzies | Dordogne

The Grotte de Bara Bahau, located just 2 km north of Le Bugue, features intriguing animal carvings on the cave walls.

Le Gouffre de Proumeyssac near Les Eyzies | Dordogne

Further north of Les Eyzies lies the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, a fascinating natural caves full of stalactites and stalagmites.

North of Les Eyzies

Grotte du Grand Roc Les Eyzies | Dordogne

Grottes Du Grand Roc is a captivating prehistoric site located near Les Eyzies, in southwest France. The caves are renowned for their exquisite natural formations, primarily stalactites and stalagmites, which add a unique aesthetic charm to the venue’s historical significance.

Grottes Du Grand Roc is a captivating prehistoric site located near Les Eyzies, in southwest France. The caves are renowned for their exquisite natural formations, primarily stalactites and stalagmites, which add a unique aesthetic charm to the venue’s historical significance.

This prehistoric site is one of the few ones to represent helictites – stalactites that exhibit a jagged, curving growth pattern – a spectacle of nature that defies the laws of gravity. The dramatic lighting inside the cave enhances the charm of these formations, showcasing them in all their magnificent splendour.

The caves bear a testimony to the rich prehistoric age, providing an insight into the life and culture of our ancestors. The uniqueness of Grottes Du Grand Roc lies in its dual appeal – it is equally compelling for history enthusiasts, geologists, and those simply awed by nature’s grandeur.

Laugerie-Basse NW Les Eyzies | Dordogne

Laugerie Basse is a prehistoric site situated in the Vézère Valley in the Dordogne region of France. It is well-known for its significant archaeological findings related to the Upper Paleolithic period, around 15,000 years ago. The site was initially discovered in the 19th century and has since become an important attraction for history enthusiasts and researchers.

Laugerie Basse consists of a collapsed rock shelter that was once occupied by the Magdalenian people, who were the last culture of the European Upper Paleolithic era. Various animal bones, stone tools, and remarkable works of art, such as the Bison Licking Insect Bite, have been unearthed at the site. This venus figurine made of reindeer antler depicts a bison cow licking its flank, which offers insight into the techniques and artistic concepts employed by the Cro-Magnon people.

Throughout its history, Laugerie Basse has been the subject of numerous excavations that have contributed to a better understanding of the lifestyle, habits, and survival strategies of the prehistoric population. The evidence found at the site showcases their subsistence strategies based on hunting large animals, such as reindeer, horses, and bison, and their art focused on animal representation, demonstrating the cultural significance of these creatures in their society.

In conclusion, Laugerie Basse is a historically rich site that offers valuable insights into the lives of the Cro-Magnon people during the Upper Paleolithic period. Its unique findings and well-preserved artifacts make it an essential destination for both archaeologists and history lovers alike.

Les abris de Castel-Merle (near Les Eyzies Dordogne)

Moving on to the shelters of Castel-Merle, found next to the Les Eyzies Dordogne region, there lies an assortment of prehistoric shelters, some which house ancient engravings and sculptures. The site also features a museum brimming with exhibitions.

L’abri de la Madelaine (near Les Eyzies Dordogne)

Just as interesting, the La Madelaine’s shelter, which is also located near Les Eyzies Dordogne, provides another example of a pre-historic dwelling.

Le Conquil | Dordogne

As a contrast, in Dordogne, you will find Le Conquil – a park that boasts of cave dwellings known as troglodyte homes. It serves as a crowd-pleaser especially for children with a dinosaur park at its heart and a thrilling tree adventure course.

Le Thot | Dordogne

Conversely, Le Thot in Dordogne is not synonymous with caves or grottes or troglodyte dwellings, however, it holds significance for its connection to Cro-Magnon times. Its museum of pre-history harbours several replicas of the Lascaux caves’ paintings that you would not find at Lascaux II. Additionally, its park hosts species of animals that coexisted with the Cro-Magnon man..

Le Préhistoparc de Tursac (near Les Eyzies Dordogne)

Lastly, close to Les Eyzies Dordogne, there’s the Prehistoparc de Tursac. This venue may not boast of caverns or grottes, however, it engages its visitors with depicted scenes of interest relating to the lifestyle and practices of Cro-Magnon man.

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