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
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Musee National de la Prehistoire, Les-Eyzies-de-tayac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
The remains of the Château de Tayac built into the side of the cliff, have been transformed into a museum in a modern style by Jean-Pierre Buffi.
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International Centre of Prehistory (Pole International de la Prehistoire), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
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.
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Maison Forte de Reignac, Tursac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
This is an impressive honey-stoned troglodyte house built within large cave shelters. Its relatively modest exterior disguises the space within, which is decorated in a grand style, with original medieval furniture and tapestries.
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L'Abri Cro-Magnon, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
Built on the location where the first burial site was discovered by modern man in 1868, the Museum of CRO-Magnon Shelter offers the public the chance to interact with our ancestors and to (re) discover our history.
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Grotte des Combarelles, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
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.
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Grotte de Font-de-Gaume, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
The prehistoric paintings in the Font-de-Gaume caves near Les Eyzies-de-Tayac were discovered at the turn of the 20th century by Denis Peyrony.
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
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Le Moulin de la Beune Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
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.
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La Source Restaurant, Tursac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
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.
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Les Glycines Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
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.
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L'Auberge Medievale Restaurant, Audrix
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
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.
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Hostellerie du Passeur Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
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.
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
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AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
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.
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Domaine des Eymaries Horse Riding, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
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
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La Maison des Peyrat Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda
Located in 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.
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Bon Encontre Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda
Located in 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.
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Le Clement V Hotel, Belves
Located in 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: €988
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Hotel des Roches, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
A warm welcome awaits you at Hotel des Roches, located in the heart of the Pèrigord. Contemporary comforts, outdoor swimming pool, garden stream and private bar are sure to put you at ease the moment you arrive.
Price: €1,005
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La Villa des Consuls Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda
Located in Sarlat-la-Caneda
You are guaranteed to feel welcome the moment you walk through the door in La Villa des Consuls. Spacious rooms and apartments fill this 19th century stone building, with fantastic views over the medieval quarter and surrounding hills of the city. Modern comforts do not retract from the original structure, with rustic woodwork still being a major feature throughout the property.
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Meysset Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda
Located in 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.