In the footsteps of prehistory, in the Vézère valley

Before choosing your visits, stop at this modern visitor centre in the heart of Les Eyzies: exhibitions, films and advice to plan your discovery of the valley. Admission is free.

In Les Eyzies, the National Museum of Prehistory is built against the cliff, below the old castle. Opened in 1923, it holds one of the richest prehistoric collections in the world: tools, jewellery, works of art, burials… The ideal visit to understand what you will then discover in the valley's caves.

In this small rock shelter, a frieze of horses was sculpted about 15,000 years ago: one of the very few prehistoric sculpture sites open to the public. Like the Font-de-Gaume and Combarelles caves, it is managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux; visits are guided and places limited, so book ahead.

Along a woodland trail, life-size reconstructions show the daily life of Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons: hunting, fire, flint knapping… An easy, fun visit, perfect as a first introduction for children.

Discovered in 1940, the Lascaux cave is closed to the public to protect it. Since 2016, the International Centre for Cave Art has displayed an almost complete reproduction of remarkable precision: some 600 paintings around 17,000 years old, of bulls, horses and deer. The visit continues through spaces explaining prehistoric art. Booking recommended in summer.

One kilometre long and 80 metres high, this cliff overlooking the Vézère was occupied from Neanderthal times until the 16th century. You walk along its terraces carved into the rock, discovering a cliff fort and town. The view over the valley is superb.

Near Montignac, the Parc du Thot links the art of Lascaux with the animals that inspired it: you can see species close to those of prehistoric times, such as Przewalski's horses and bison, then discover how people lived in that era. Children love it.