Les Eyzies (or Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil) is a small village in the Périgord Noir region of the Dordogne, often called the world capital of prehistory.

The area is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the National Museum of Prehistory, dramatically built into the cliffs above the village.

This museum is one of France’s most important archaeological museums — and a must-visit if you’re exploring the Vézère Valley or staying near Les Eyzies.

The museum houses one of the largest collections of prehistoric artefacts in Europe, covering over 400,000 years of human history. Exhibits include:

• Stone tools and weapons used by Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens.
• Sculptures and engravings carved into bone, ivory, and stone.
• Remains of prehistoric fauna, such as mammoths, bison, and reindeer.
• Models and reconstructions showing how prehistoric people lived, hunted, and created art.

Many objects come from local excavations in the Vézère Valley — so what you see in the museum connects directly to the caves and shelters nearby.

The museum’s modern extension, designed by architect Jean-Pierre Buffi in 2004, blends into the cliffs in a striking way. From the terrace, you get a sweeping view of the valley — it’s one of the most scenic spots in Les Eyzies.

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