Prehistoric Caves and Grottes of Les Eyzies
L’abri Pataud Les Eyzies | Dordogne
L’abri Pataud cave is in the centre of Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac and was lived in by pre-historic Cro-Magnon between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago. Many of the items found during archeological digs can be seen in the neighbouring museum of pre-histoy. which show cases many pre-historic artifacts.
Grotte de Font de Gaume Les Eyzies | Dordogne
The Font de Gaume cave, just over 1 km east of Les Eyzies on the D47 has a superb collection of pre-historic paintings. To protect the pre-historic paintings visitor numbers in the cave are limited and in peak season it is best to make a reservation before visiting these caves. It is advisable to book ahead if you wish to visit this cave and grottes.
L’Abri du Cap Blanc near Les Eyzies | Dordogne
9 km east of Les Eyzies this pre-historic natural rock shelter contains frieze of pre-historic horses and bison. It is considered to be the best example of sculpture of the Middle Magdalenian period in France.
Grotte de Combarelles near Les Eyzies | Dordogne
This pre-historic cave, 3km north-east of Les Eyzies contains engravings of pre-historic animals and some human figures .
Les Grottes du Roc de Cazelle Les Eyzies | Dordogne
Also to the east of Les Eyzies are caves and grottes of les Grottes du roc de Cazelle which were lived in by pre-historic man and then turned into a fortified house in the Middle Ages.
La Grotte de Bernifal Les Eyzies | Dordogne
This pre-historic cave and grottes is home to both pre-historic paintings and stalactites and stalagmites. It is only open from July to September.
South of Les Eyzies
Grotte de Bara Bahau near Les Eyzies | Dordogne
Pre-Historic cave and grottes system 2km north of Le Bugue, with lots of animal pictures carved into the walls.
Le Gouffre de Proumeyssac near Les Eyzies | Dordogne
A wonderful natural cave and grottes full of stalactites and stalagmites.
North of Les Eyzies
Grotte du Grand Roc Les Eyzies | Dordogne
A few kilometres north-west of Les Eyzies the pre-historic Grottes du Grand Roc caves contain amazing stalactites and stalagmites.
Laugerie-Basse NW Les Eyzies | Dordogne
North-west of Les-Eyzies and adjacent to the Grottes du Grand Roc, Laugerie Basse is a pre-historic cave type shelter used by Cro-Magnon man.
Les abris de Castel-Merle (near Les Eyzies Dordogne)
There are several pre-historic shelters, some containing engravings and sculptures. There is also a museum on-site.
L’abri de la Madelaine (near Les Eyzies Dordogne)
Another pre-historic shelter.
Le Conquil | Dordogne
Le Conquil is a park with troglodyte dwellings. It also has a dinosaur park for children and a tree adventure course.
Le Thot | Dordogne
Le Thot are not caves, grottes or a troglodyte dwelling but it is a centre of interest for the Cro-Magnon period. There is an excellent museum of pre-history including some copies of paintings from the Lascaux caves that cannot be seen at Lascaux II. There is also a park with animal species related to those which roamed the earth at the same time as Cro-Magnon man.
Le Préhistoparc de Tursac (near Les Eyzies Dordogne)
Again not a cave or grotte but a park presenting scenes of interest related to Cro-Magnon man.