Everything French Travel Magazine November 2013 | Page 61

Caves and Grottes of Les Eyzies

L'abri Pataud Les Eyzies
L'abri Pataud cave is in the centre of
Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac and was lived in by
pre-historic Cro-Magnon between 20,000
and 40,000 years ago. Many of the items
found during archaeological digs can be
seen in the neighbouring museum of
pre-history
which
show-cases
many
pre-historic artefacts.
Grotte de Font de Gaume Les Eyzies
The Font de Gaume cave, just over 1km
east of Les Eyzies on the D47 has a superb
collection of pre-historic paintings. To protect
the pre-historic paintings visitor numbers in
the cave are limited and in peak season it is
best to make a reservation before visiting
these caves. It is advisable to book ahead if
you wish to visit this cave.
L'abri du Cap Blanc near Les Eyzies
9km east of Les Eyzies this pre-historic
natural rock shelter contains frieze of
pre-historic horses and bison. It is
considered to be the best example of
sculpture of the Middle Magdalenian period
in France.
Grotte de Combarelles near Les Eyzies
This pre-historic cave, 3km north-east of Les
Eyzies contains engravings of pre-historic
animals and some human figures .
Les Grottes du Roc de Cazelle Les Eyzies
Also to the east of Les Eyzies are caves of
Les Grottes du roc de Cazelle which were
lived in by pre-historic man and then turned
into a fortified house in the Middle Ages.

Grotte de Rouffignac
An electric train takes you into a pre-historic
cavern where you will find engravings of
mammoths, rhinoceros, horses and bison.

South of Les Eyzies
Grotte de Bara Bahau near Les Eyzies
Pre-Historic Cave system 2km north of Le
Bugue, with lots of animal pictures carved
into the walls.
Le Gouffre de Proumeyssac Les Eyzies
A wonderful natural cave full of stalactites
and stalagmites.

North of Les Eyzies
Grotte du Grand Roc Les Eyzies
A few kilometres north-west of Les Eyzies
the pre-historic Grottes du Grand Roc caves
contain amazing stalactites and stalagmites.
Laugerie-Basse NW Les Eyzies
North-west of Les-Eyzies and adjacent to
the Grottes du Grand Roc, Laugerie Basse
is a pre-historic cave type shelter used by
Cro-Magnon man.
Les Abris de Castel-Merle near Les
Eyzies
There are several pre-historic shelters, some
containing engravings and sculptures. There
is also a museum on-site.
Le Conquil
Le Conquil is a park with troglodyte
dwellings. It also has a dinosaur park for
children and a tree adventure course.

La Grotte de Bernifal Les Eyzies
This pre-historic cave is home to both
pre-historic paintings and stalactites and
stalagmites. It is only open from July to
September.

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