Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac, Perigord Noir
In Vézère valley, this is the centre of the region's prehistoric sites
The town and the surrounding prehistoric sites have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearly 150 sites have already been discovered and contain significant finds dating back as far as the Middle Stone Age - about 300,000 to 40,000 years ago.
Situated within the dramatic Vézère valley, Les Eyzies has a very good National Museum of Prehistory where you can find a guide to the area's caves and their paintings. With a tourist industry that emerged in 1860's with the first prehistoric discoveries, you can travel back in time through around 450,000 years of human existence.
The town itself is situated in an exceptionally beautiful natural environment, where the cliff faces reveal traces of troglodyte settlements and the old town offers a pretty setting to sit and enjoy a coffee in between those visits to historical sites.
There are numerous caves, other archaeological and prehistoric sites in the area, numbering nearly one hundred, including fifteen classified by Unesco. However, not all are open to visitors.
History & Culture in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
An area that has been inhabited since the Paleolithic and Neolithic times, it comes as no surprise that there are a wealth of prehistoric remains in and around the town.
In March 1868, the geologist Louis Lartet, discovered the first five skeletons of Cro-Magnons, the earliest known examples of Homo sapiens, in the Cro-Magnon rock shelter at Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. These skeletons included a foetus, and the skulls found were remarkably modern-looking and much rounder than the earlier Neanderthal.
The village has been registered as the 'Capital of the Prehistoric Times' and has developed as a tourist destination since the time of the first archaeological discoveries.
Sights & Attractions in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
The main reason to come to this pretty little town is to discover the wonders of the archaeological sights. There are numerous caves, shelters and museums to explore, as well as the very special Musée National de la Préhistoire. This town is known as the capital of prehistory, and it's for good reason.
Sights in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
See all Sights in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil-
Abri Pataud, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
The Pataud Shelter (or Arbi Aptaud) is one of the few prehistoric sites in the area which also shows how it has been dug and the archaeological techniques used.
-
Grottes du Roc de Cazelle, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
The walk through this park will take you past rock shelters, caves and dwellings where a great number of tools and weapons, dating back over 12,000, have been discovered.
-
International Centre of Prehistory (Pole International de la Prehistoire), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Opened in July 2010, located near the National Museum of Prehistory, it aims to enhance and make accessible to all audiences the universal heritage of the Vézère valley, rich in many important prehistoric sites.
-
Abri du Poisson, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
This rock shelter was discovered in the late 19th century, but its fascinating engravings of prehistoric fish were not identified for some 20 years.
-
Grotte des Combarelles, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
This cave houses an impressive collection of prehistoric paintings and engravings dating from the Magdalenian period. Through its winding passageways, there are over 600 engravings of animals and stylised humans.
-
Grotte du Grand Roc, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
The Grand Roc cave, registered with UNESCO as a World Heritage site, is a true mineral forest, including crystallizations, calcite flows, stalactites, stalagmites, pillars, eccentric stalactites, draperies, and more.
Dining in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
Most of the better quality restaurants are situated within the hotels of the town. there are of course plenty of cafés along the main drag which runs directly under the cliff face where you can pick up a quick snack or a coffee to keep you going. One of the more popular restaurants is La Maison Tartines, Vins and Jardin.
Restaurants in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
See all Restaurants in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil-
Les Glycines Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
With their very own garden, the restaurant has access to the freshest fruit, vegetables, edible flowers and herbs. This is reflected in the menu, which makes the most of the regions famous culinary delights, including foie gras and of course Perigords black diamond, the truffle. You will easily settle into the cosy, contemporary restaurant or get to enjoy your surroundings while dining out on the terrace.
-
Le Moulin de la Beune Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
A bright restaurant with stone walls, old wooden beams, fireplace and inviting allure, offer up culinary delights from the region. A strong focus is on local local treats and seasonality.
-
L'Auberge Medievale Restaurant, Audrix
The young chef at this restaurant, David Beyney, produces creative French cuisine using local products. It is a real gem of a restaurant, located high in the Périgord village of Audrix. There is also a small attractive hotel attached.
-
Hostellerie du Passeur Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
With a terrace set alongside the Vezerie river and within a hotel clad in Virginia Creeper and decorated with heart, warmth and style, the restaurant is hugely inviting.
-
La Source Restaurant, Tursac
Sitting wonderfully on the central square in Tursac, this great little restaurant has an attractive garden in which to enjoy their traditional but imaginative fare. There is a good vegetarian selection and a full vegetarian set menu available if you let them know in advance.
Things to do in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
Hiking, walking and canoeing on the river are just a few of the past times that you can enjoy is particularly beautiful part of the Dordogne.
If you're 'caved-out' then taking in the scenery from the water as you paddle gently down stream is always a welcome relief.
Things To Do in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
See all Things To Do in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil-
AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
This area provides water-sports for all ages. Renowned for its architectural heritage and sites of natural beauty, you will find that paddling is a great way to relax and have fun whilst enjoying the scenery.
-
Domaine des Eymaries Horse Riding, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Experience the beautiful Vezere valley and its prehistoric sites on horse back.
Hotels in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
At the far end of Les Eyzies de Tayac you'll find the four-star Les Glycines Hotel and Spa; a touch of contemporary design in this centre for prehistory. In addition to this the town has several other decent hotels and some rather charming B&Bs - to be expected in the Dordogne region.
Hotels in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
See all Hotels in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil-
La Maison des Peyrat Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda
With parts of the building dating back to the 14th Century, there is no surprise that the building itself acts as a focal point throughout the property. With stone walls and ancient wooden beams being left exposed, the place really feels as though there are stories to be told while sitting out in its large gardens, laced with nut trees and springs.
-
Bon Encontre Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda
Located just a 5 minute walk from the centre of Dordogne's capital Sarlat, the hotel has minimalist, comfortable rooms with a large en suit, flat-screen TV and free Wifi. Located in the grounds is also a hugely inviting swimming pool.
-
Manoir de la Malartrie, Vezac
Offering a magnificent view of one of the most beautiful villages in France, the 19th century Manoir de la Malartrie is beautifully decorated inside, using antique furnishings and sleek wooden finishes.
-
Meysset Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda
In the heart of the Black Perigord and a stones throw from the market town of Sarlat, this pale stoned old building is nestled into a 3 acre park. It has a gastronomic restaurant, heated outdoor pool with stunning views over the valley and the comfort that you want from the perfect retreat.
-
Le Clement V Hotel, Belves
Once a grocery store, the hotel has now been transformed into an enticing, soulful and intimate retreat. It has exposed wooden beams, large open fireplaces and antique furnishings creating a truly inviting atmosphere.
Price: €735
-
La Ferme Lamy Hotel, Meyrals
One of the finest hotels in the Meyrals, it is a propery full or charm, intrigue and comfort. The rooms are spacious and modern, but retain the character of the original building, with exposed wooden beams and pale stone walls. The surrounding rolling vineyards can be enjoyed from the sanctuary of the heated infinity pool and floral outdoor terraces.
Price: €1,084
Property For Sale in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
Property for Sale in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
See all Property for Sale in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil-
Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
The property,dating from the 17th century, lies in a quiet, open valley, fed by a small stream.
Price: €3,500,000