The admirable heritage of the Vézère Valley
- Julien Toupart
- Nov. 25, 2025
- 2 min read
Last update: Dec. 9, 2025
From iconic sites to lesser-known treasures, immerse yourself in the history of the Vézère Valley : this is THE perfect itinerary for an unforgettable stay in the Dordogne!
Morning
In the gentle morning air, step back in time and follow in the footsteps of our ancestors at Eyzies. After visiting the National Museum of Prehistory or the Prehistory Interpretation Center, you'll be an expert on this period, that's for sure!
National Museum of Prehistory
In the heart of Les Eyzies, the National Museum of Prehistory fascinates visitors with its rich collections. collections and the quality of its passionate mediators. Inseparable from the Vézère Valley, it offers a terrace , it offers a breathtaking view of the landscape, dominated by the emblematic statue of Neanderthal Man, master of the premises. You can choose a guided tour to better understand its treasures, or stroll at your own pace through its spaces for a free immersion in the galleries.
Prehistory Interpretation Center
The Prehistory Interpretation Center welcomes you to the heart of the Vézère Valley, designated a Grand Site de France. Located on the outskirts of the village, it is the ideal place to learn about, understand, and discover the heritage and landscapes of the valley. Its 3,000 m² of free, designed for all audiences, invite visitors to immerse themselves in an accessible and fun way.
Noon
After a relaxed lunch in the market hall or near the fountains of Plazac, stroll through this picturesque village.
Discover the Church of Saint-Martin, the former castle chapel of the bishops of Périgueux, and explore the terraced cemetery where the ancient gravestones blend harmoniously into a green setting, under the benevolent shade of century-old trees. Let yourself be enchanted by the narrow streets and historical heritage of this authentic village.
AFTERNOON
8 kilometers of galleries, 260 representations of mammoths, bison, horses, ibex, and woolly rhinoceroses: this is the astonishing inventory of the Rouffignac cave, which can be explored by electric train. Keep your eyes peeled along the way: here and there you'll see claw marks and the nests of bears that hibernated there.
The Rouffignac Cave is one of the largest decorated caves known, with eight kilometers of galleries. First frequented by cave bears, whose claw marks and nests are numerous, it was decorated around 15,000 years ago by prehistoric artists who drew or engraved 260 representations of bison, horses, ibex, and other animals.
