Visit The International Centre of Prehistory
The International Centre of Prehistory is in Les Eyzies a short walk from the National museum of Prehistory.
If you wish to learn about the prehistoric period then Les Eyzies has everything: a prehistory centre, museum and a selection of caves and shelters in the vicinity which contain prehistoric paintings and engravings etc.
Explore the Pole International de la Prehistoire
Les Eyzies is in the Vezere valley which is home to a large concentration of prehistoric caves and shelters, 15 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
If you are holidaying in the area then be sure to visit some of these. Before you do however a visit to the International Centre for Prehistory can give you some excellent information about this period of history and the importance of the Vezere valley.
Housed in a large modern building which is very light and airy inside the centre has various different exhibitions relating to the prehistoric period.
There is a large screen giving information in several languages about prehistory in the Vezere valley as well as film about prehistoric practices such as making weapons from flints. Other areas include an auditorium with films about the period and an animation and learning zone with workshops on archaeology and a reconstruction of an archaeological dig.
A documentation zone includes books, magazines, dvds and internet conections to relevant websites which are available to anyone to use. Some of the material is in English.
There is also a shop and a café.
Entrance to the centre is free and certainly gives some very useful background to visitors about to visit some of the caves in the area.
Opening Hours of the Pole International de la Prehistoire
15 May to 30 September: 10.00 to 18.00 every day
1 October to 14 May: 10.00 to 17.00 closed Saturdays and closed January.
Entrance free
Places to visit nearby
Also in Les Eyzies is the Musée National de Prehistoire with a large collection of prehistoric items found in the Vezere valley.
Close to Les Eyzies are many prehistoric sites including the Abri de Laugerie-Basse, the famous Grotte de Font-de-Gaume and La Roque St Christophe.
See our insiders guide to one day spent in the Les Eyzies area.
Photos of The International Centre of Prehistory
Click any picture to start the gallery
Map of The International Centre of Prehistory and places to visit
The International Centre of Prehistory places to visit
Musee National de Prehistoire
The Musee National de Prehistoire in Les Eyzies contains a wealth of information and exhibits relating to the French paleolithic period.
Musee National de Prehistoire guide
Grotte du Grand Roc
A wonderful natural cave full of a rare form of tiny twisting stalactites.
Grotte du Grand Roc guideFont de Gaume
One of the rare caves containing prehistoric paintings still open to the public.
Font de Gaume guide
The Abri Cro Magnon
The Abri Cro-Magnon is a prehistoric shelter and visitor centre and is the place where the first Cro-Magnons were discovered.
The Abri Cro Magnon guide
Chateau de Commarque
The Chateau de Commarque is a partially renovated 12th century castle.
Chateau de Commarque guide
