Les Eyzies de Taynac-Sirueil
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Les Eyzies de Taynac-Sirueil
Les Eyzies de Taynac-Sirueil( known as Les Eyzies) is a pretty town in the Perigord Noir region of the Dordogne that is famous for its pre-history, grottes, caves and troglodyte dwellings.
The pre-history site was discovered during construction for a railroad went through Les Eyzies in 1868, when a rock shelter in a limestone cliff was uncovered.
In and around Les Eyzies are a series of prehistoric rock dwellings, the caves include some of the most significant archaeological finds of the Upper Paleolithic( from about 40,000 to 10,000 years ago) and Middle Paleolithic( 200,000 to 40,000 years ago) periods; they are especially noted for their extensive wall drawings. Situated in the Vézère Valley the Les Eyzies caves are among a series of decorated grottoes in the area that were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
Guides
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National Pre-History Museum
The National Pre-History Museum houses over one million pre-historic objects. It is the most visited museum of pre-history in France.
By the wealth of its collection the Museum comes second in the world, preceded only by the museum at St Germain-en-Laye.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Things to See and Do
Caves and Grottes of Les Eyzies There are many Caves and Grottes to be dicovered in Les Eyzies and the surrounding area. The most famous being Font du Guame on the outskirts of the town.
The Museum of Pre-History Les Eyzies-de-Taynac The national prehistory museum brings together the biggest Palaeolithic collection in France and second largest in Europe and is one of the great things to see and do in the area.
Pole International de la History Les Eyzies Free center for information on all prehistoric sites in the area. Bilingual staff to answer questions, such as hours of operation, maps to get there, times for tours.
Chateau du Commarque Les Eyzies A 12th century Chateau in a valley where the Beune runs with pre-historic caves below.
Les Eyzies Market The Les Eyzies market is on every Monday morning and is packed with fresh regional produce and crafts.
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