roque saint-christophe fort et cite troglodytiques

DesH623

The troglodite living quarters are gone but the basics of the original shelters are still there and the various functions of various parts are well explained. ‘Mediaeval’ equipment has been recreated to show how the occupiers managed their day to day living.This was well worth seeing but it is not an all-day excursion.

TravellerNanaimoB_C_

While traveling near Peyzac-le-Moustier we were trying to find the Font de Gaume caves and came upon this incredible archaeological site.The site is not far from the main road but you can't really see it from the highway, so you need to look for the sign which is just before or after the bridge that crosses the Dordogne River. Once you travel along the short access road you will see the parking lot for the site. Hike the very short path up to the entrance/interpretive building to the site. There is an admission fee, but I can't remember the cost. Regardless, the fee is well worth it.The site is located higher up in the cliffs in carved out and natural caves. Here you are transported back 55,000 years to see how those ancient peoples lived. You are then able to see how the site was continually occupied over the millennia by various different cultures and peoples. They have done an excellent job of interpretation with nice written information in both french and english along with some great A/V displays. Well worth a visit.

OceanSoulNZ

This prehistoric site is a dramatic trip back in time 55,000 years. Five terraces hewn out of the solid rock of a hill overlooking the Dordoigne River. The site was originally used as a settlement by neanderthals and then as a fortified town by later civilisations. The remains of rock homes and workshops are still visible high above the river - quite amazing to see. The best way to get to the site is by car from Sarlat.

jeffb109

This was on our trip day out while in Sarlat in 2013 , its truly awesome when you see it and how people actually lived and used wood and pullies to get what they needed from the bottom floor, so many years ago. Just wear some steady shoes as women in high heels will walk out in pumps...

Prest0s

This site is well worth a visit. To see evidence of human habitation 55 000 years ago certainly causes one to stop and reflect. This site was transformed in the Middle Ages into a fort and town site and is an excellent example of humankind's adaptation to the environment. The representations are very well done and the storyboards informative. There are no reservations required and in the Fall you could have the site almost to yourself.

SybilV

Beautiful setting and interesting exhibits of prehistoric to medieval dwellings. You would need a car to get there.

TheCotswoldsWhizzy

We were completely fascinated by this amazing, wonderful place! We were told it may take 45 minutes to wander around, but we stayed for 2 hours, with our very patient Flatcoated Retriever! It is an incredible place, so well preserved and with excellent, informative boards in English, as well as French. We couldn't recommend it more strongly for any visitor to the delightful Vezere valley.

Skin197

Interesting with signs in English which were a huge help to understand the concept of how this huge shelter accommodated so many people in the past (up to 1,000 at one point); would have liked to see some of the wooden building reconstructed. Worth the trip however.

S6230NGjohnr

It is an amazing bit of geology with history dating back to the prehistoric period and could be a must see attraction for region if it wasn't for all naff models and displays which just ruins it. Besides the naff displays you also get a video presentation which people crowd around to view what it could have looked like..but doesn't.Eight Euros? Go buy yourself a coffee instead, it's money better spent.

voluteer

Enjoyed our visit here - hardly another tourist - joys of visiting in October .Well set out ,easy to follow directions and good explanations in English for us non French speakers .I' m a great fan of the Clan of The Cave Bear series of books so it was wonderful to be able to visualize the actual locations I'd much of the books ! Loved it !

ATG123

We visited here on a sunny day with a dog, which was happily accepted, as long as she was on her lead. Very interesting site. Good boards in French and English give you plenty of information on the site and how it developed and remained in use from the earliest time of man up to the middle ages.Very reasonable price and would recommend it for a couple of hours.

106jeanettep

We visited here in August 2014 and found the staff helpful and the brochure (in English) full of interesting information about the house and its occupants over the years. The display of torture materials was fascinating, though also sickening to think of the suffering so readily inficted on our fellow man. This room could be avoided by anyone not wanting to visit it.

Cheshiregirls5

Really interesting trip, but we visited in August and I must say the place was heaving with people including dogs and pushchairs which did somewhat taint it. I would like to have had more opportunity to read about some more of the exhibits but it was just too busy. Fantastic views and not for anyone who doesn't like heights!

Onx23mm

Amazing rock ledges occupied on and off from prehistoric times to medieval times. Site information well provided on large information boards in French and English. Good information on the history and use of the site over the years, placing its use in medieval times within the context of Viking invaders etc. Lots of reproduction medieval cranes etc. and a number of tableau of Cro-Magnon man, medieval workshops etc. in parts of the complex, along with some models that reproduce the look of the complex in the Middle Ages.

PaulT552

A great effort to show the history of this site and its links to the past.Well worth a visit, even on a rainy day as the cliff is mostly sheltered from the rain.