Les Eyzies, world capital of Prehistory
The commune of Les Eyzies has many attractions: architecture troglodyte very special, an exceptional natural space, an art of living, a real conviviality and of course prehistory. Throughout the ages, men have occupied the territory: from the Paleolithic to today, through the Hundred Years' War or the industrial period... and maintained activities: development of agriculture, invention of prehistoric science, implementation in place of tourism.
The village presents itself as “world capital of prehistory". It must be said that local tourism was born from the first archaeological discoveries. It is here that Prehistory as a science was built, illustrated by big names: Peyrony, Lartet, Capitan, Abbots Breuil and Glory. It is also here that major discoveries were made: Cro-Magnon Man in the eponymous shelter, the world wonders of cave art including Font-de-Gaume, the last decorated polychrome cave open to the public.
It is in Les Eyzies that the National Museum of Prehistory, absolute reference for the Upper Paleolithic and whose collections come largely from the sites and deposits of the Vézère valley so rich in its Prehistory. It is on a natural terrace, belonging to the museum, above the center of the village, that the famous statue of Prehistoric Man by Paul Dardé, symbol of Prehistory in Périgord.
Le Prehistory Interpretation Center completes the tourist offer around the theme of Prehistory since 2010.
Activities for everyone
En in family or with friends you can discover the beautiful corners of this village by following the discovery trail offered by the Tourist Office or work on your stamina by walking the four hiking trails departing from the village.
- Mouthe loop
- 7 laps loop
- Micoque loop
- Hell Gorges Loop
Rather bike? Mountain bike tours are offered from the village, but also road tours.
Enjoy the river? Several canoe bases are located in the village, offering courses ranging from an hour to a day.
On horseback? An equestrian center and a pony club welcome you to explore the Vézère valley effortlessly.
The little +
- Motorhome service area
- Railway station (Périgueux-Agen line)
- Electric bike rental 7 days a week, 7 hours a day
Useful information
You have probably already seen the name of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil. And if you do research on the commune of Les Eyzies, it is certain that you will see many web pages talking about Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil… Well that’s a mistake! In fact since the 1er January 2019, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil simply became Les Eyzies. More practical, isn't it? It's a bit the opposite of the village of Montignac-Lascaux, which has now decided to be called Montignac-Lascaux, due to the fact of course that the famous Lascaux cave is located in this municipality.
In order to better find your way, the village of Eyzies, (and not Les Eyzies de Tayac Sireuil 🙂) has the following neighboring municipalities:
- Tursac
- Fleurac
- Peyzac-le-Moustier
- Campaigns
- Savignac de Miremont
- Le Bugue
- Marquay
- Saint-Cyprien
- Meyrals
- Saint-André-d'Allas
