The National Prehistory Museum

Les Eyzies

The Musée National de Préhistoire takes visitors of all ages on a thrilling time-travel adventure spanning 400,000 years of human history. Packed with fascinating exhibits, it’s an unforgettable dive into the distant past that’s sure to leave everyone amazed!

Back to the Start

Situated inside the castle in Les Eyzies, the National Prehistory Museum is also close to two of the world’s most remarkable cave art sites—Font-de-Gaume and Combarelles, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Founded in 1918, the museum boasts an incredible collection of prehistoric artefacts. From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by a towering woolly mammoth, setting the tone for an immersive experience in the distant past.

Inside, over 400,000 years of human history are brought to life through captivating exhibits that are anything but dry. The lifelike scenes of early human life are especially impressive, offering an insightful glimpse into the daily life of our ancestors.

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At the heart of the historic Vézère Valley

The National Prehistory Museum is located in the Vézère Valley, alongside 14 sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage.

This remarkable region has seen continuous human life since the Quaternary ice age. It is right here in this valley that prehistoric art first demonstrated symbolic expression, from the Neanderthals‘ early funerary practices to the emergence of art by Homo sapiens (modern humans) approximately 35,000 years ago.

In 1913, Denis Peyrony, a passionate researcher known for discovering major archaeological sites, played a pivotal role in securing the ruins of the Château des Eyzies for the French State. The site now hosts the museum, an initiative aimed to preserve, study, and celebrate the rich archaeological heritage of the Vézère Valley.

Inaugurated on July 19, 2004, the museum’s extension has further improved the visitors experience. Set against a monumental cliff, the museum opens up to a hilltop view over the Vézère Valley.

With over 18,000 artefacts showcased across nearly 1,500 square meters, the museum offers a fully redesigned layout that guarantees an engaging and immersive experience for everyone.

Great starting point

On a journey back to Prehistory

The museum provides a fantastic introduction to the prehistoric treasures of the Dordogne Valley, serving as an ideal starting point before you venture out to explore the nearby prehistoric caves.

As you make your way past the life-sized woolly mammoth, one of the first exhibits is an intriguing display featuring a lifelike model of a Cro-Magnon man positioned next to its remarkably preserved skeletal remains, which date back an astonishing 40,000 years.

Another exhibit features a colossal deer ancestor boasting antlers that span nearly 3 metres, alongside various human remains exhibited in the exact position in which they were found.

Thousands of ancient remains, from bones to stone tools, are meticulously displayed throughout the museum. These artefacts have been thoughtfully selected, avoiding overwhelming quantities, with informative descriptions in both French and English as to their origins.

Well-placed signs in English, along with a helpful booklet make the experience very accessible to English speakers. Black-and-white films showcasing many of the early discoveries in the area also add depth to the displays.

More than just a bunch of exhibits, the museum offers a fascinating experience that goes way beyond simple facts and dates. From ancient tools to realistic recreations, each display offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of humanity’s ancestors who roamed the Earth long before us.

Eventually, the visit ends with a climb to the top of the cliff-face, where you step outside onto a terrace embedded in the rocky cliffs, offering breath-taking views of the Vézère Valley.