Les Eyzies

Holidays at Les Eyzies by tourist office of Dordogne

Les Eyzies, The world capital of the Prehistoric Times

Les Eyzies has many charms such as an exceptionally beautiful natural environment, traces of troglodyte settlements, a unique quality of life, a warm welcome and of course its prehistoric remains.

Men have lived here from time immemorial, during the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages, the Hundred Years War, the agricultural and industrial eras, the time of scientific prehistoric study and now the present period of tourism.

The village has been christened the ' Capital of Prehistory' and developed its tourist infra-structure at the time of the first archeological discoveries.

It's here that Prehistory began to be built as a science with people like Peyrony, Lartet, Capitan, and the Abbots Breuil and Glory ; here that Cro Magnon men were discovered, and here that several world wonders of the Parietal Art were found, among which Font de Gaume, the last polychrome painted cave opened to the public. In Les Eyzies, there is also the National Museum of Prehistory, the reference for the Upper Paleolithic times. Most of its collections come from the archeological sites of the Vézère Valley. Since 2010, the Pole International de la Préhistoire reinforces this network.

And last but not least, it's at the top of a natural terrace, above the center of the village, that stands the famous Paul Dardé's statue of the Prehistoric Man, symbol of Prehistory in Périgord.

Activities for everyone

With your family or friends, you can discover the beautiful places of this village by following the path of discovery proposed by the Tourist Office (in printed or in digital) or work your endurance by going on the hiking trails starting from the village.

Do you prefer cycling? Mountain bike circuits are proposed from the camping-car area and if you have traditional bikes, you can buy maps of circuits in our Tourist Information Centres.

Why not discover Les Eyzies by boat ? Many canoes bases and for non-sportive, a small motorboat welcome you to admire nature and appreciate tranquility.

Or do you want to practice horse-riding? Equestrian centers and poney clubs are there for a quiet discovery.