Grotte de Font-de-Gaume

Les Eyzies

One of the last Paleolithic sanctuaries with polychrome paintings still open to the public anywhere in the world. Already known to the residents of Les Eyzies, who used it as a sheepfold and a playground for children without suspecting what it held, the cave revealed its secret on 12 September 1901, just a few days after the discovery of the neighbouring engravings at Les Combarelles: schoolteacher and prehistory enthusiast Denis Peyrony identified there the very first polychrome paintings ever recognized in France. Soon joined by prehistorians Louis Capitan and abbé Henri Breuil, he published with them in 1910 a landmark monograph that secured definitive scientific recognition for cave art — a founding turning point for the whole history of prehistoric studies. The famous frieze of polychrome bison, restored to recover the brilliance of its colours beneath layers of calcite, uses the rock's natural relief to give the animals volume.

Getting there : Paid entry, number of visitors limited per day

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound