Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil

Welcome to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, the self-proclaimed 'Capital of Prehistory' and a must-visit for anyone fascinated by the deep past of humanity. Nestled in the Vézère Valley in the Dordogne region, this small village is surrounded by limestone cliffs riddled with caves and rock shelters that have yielded some of the most extraordinary prehistoric art and artifacts ever discovered. The village itself is charming, with a medieval bridge and a lively central square, but its real treasures lie in the surrounding cliffs and museums. For international travellers, this is a unique opportunity to step back over 30,000 years and see the world through the eyes of our ancient ancestors.

Highlights & What to See

• National Museum of Prehistory – Housed in a modern building built into the cliff, this museum holds an incredible collection of prehistoric tools, art, and the famous 'Lady of Cavillon' skeleton. It's an essential first stop to understand the context of the region's sites.
• Font-de-Gaume Cave – One of the few caves in France still open to the public with original polychrome paintings (mostly bison, horses, and mammoths). Visits are restricted to small groups, so book ahead.
• Les Combarelles Cave – A narrow gallery with over 300 engraved animal figures, dating to around 12,000 years ago. The engravings are remarkably detailed and feel almost alive in the torchlight.
• La Roque Saint-Christophe – A spectacular troglodyte village built into a 300-metre-long cliff face, with dwellings, fortifications, and a medieval church. The views over the Vézère River are stunning.
• Abri du Cap Blanc – A rock shelter featuring a remarkable frieze of sculpted horses and bison, one of the few examples of prehistoric monumental sculpture.
• Grotte du Grand Roc – A geological wonder with extraordinary stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations, offering a different perspective on the region's subterranean beauty.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least two full days in Les Eyzies to do justice to the main prehistoric sites and the museum. A common pace is to spend the first morning at the National Museum of Prehistory, then visit Font-de-Gaume in the afternoon. On the second day, explore Les Combarelles in the morning and La Roque Saint-Christophe in the afternoon. If you have a third day, add Cap Blanc and Grand Roc. The village itself is small and walkable, so you can easily fit in a relaxed lunch or coffee between sites.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Sarlat-la-Canéda – A beautifully preserved medieval town with a famous Saturday market, just 20 minutes away by car. Perfect for a half-day or evening stroll.
• Lascaux IV International Centre for Cave Art – A full-scale replica of the famous Lascaux caves, located in Montignac about 30 minutes north. It's a world-class interpretive centre that brings the original cave art to life.
• Beynac-et-Cazenac – A hilltop village with a dramatic 12th-century castle overlooking the Dordogne River, about 15 minutes west. Great for panoramic views and a step into the medieval era.
• Domme – A bastide town perched high above the Dordogne, offering sweeping river views and a fascinating underground cave system (Grotte de Domme). About 20 minutes south.
• La Vallée de la Dordogne (Dordogne Valley) – The entire region is dotted with castles, gardens, and charming villages. Consider a canoe trip on the river or a drive through the countryside to soak up the landscape.

Please check official sources for current details.