35000 years of history has left its mark on the landscape. It was here we discovered two of the most beautifully decorated caves in the world. The most recently opened painted cave to welcome the public: Font de Gaume. A prehistorian has said: "There are only two prehistoric sites in Les Eyzies: the left bank and the right bank."

Located at Les Eyzies is the National Museum of Prehistory with an extensive and beautiful collection of prehistoric artefacts. Les Eyzies-de Tayac Sireuil, is the ideal place to explore other places in the surrounding area: Le Moustier Madeleine, Montignac, Rouffignac, Le Bugue and many others. The decorated caves in the valley of the Vézère were classified as a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO.

The Centenaire was opened in 1964, exactly 100 hundred years after the discovery of the first prehistoric site in the area. It has, in their own words, the convivial spirit of a family home and the kind of quality management expected from one of France’s best establishments. It has 20 rooms and 4 apartments that combine both the modern and the luxurious. In 2008, two chefs who perfected their craft at the centenaire were each awarded a Michelin star for the restaurants they run in Perigueux and Sarlat.

Les Eyzies is located about 45 minutes and 45 kilometres south of the départmental capital, the city of Périgueux (itself an interesting city, site of Roman Remains and the Musée Gallo Romain). It 59 km and about 1 hour east of Bergerac, and only 21 km and 21 minutes north west of beautiful Sarlat. Click on the map to see where we are relative to Périgueux.

In the valley, less than 1km from the town, on the road to Périgueux are show caves where a guide will explain how people lived under the cliffs, often enlarging the natural openings to create a home. You may also get to try a stone age spear launcher!

there are several caves and similar sites to see in the valley and more sites nearby... click here for more information.

The Tourist Office, which describes Les Eyzies as 'The World Capital of Prehistory', is situated on the main street in the centre of the town, more or less opposite the more noticable Café de la Mairie. They are there to inform and guide you - to help you discover the Dordogne-Perigord region its history and its local cuisine. They can also help with accommodation in hotels, campgrounds, chambres dhôtes (b&b's) and guest houses.

Tél : 05 53 06 97 05
E-mail : contact@leseyzies.com

opening hours:

Off season (10/11/12/01/02/03)
Mon-Sat 9am - 2pm & 4pm - 6pm

April / May
Mon-Sat 9am - 2pm & 4pm - 6pm
Sun 10am - 12pm 2pm - 5pm

June to September
Mon - Sat 9am - 7pm
Sun 10am - 12pm 2pm - 5pm