Gisements de Castel Merle

Discover Perigord & the Dordogne

Contacts

Useful information

Location : In the countryside

Province : Black Périgord

Tariffs : less than 10 €, 10 to 20 €

Services

Chèques Vacances (Holiday voucher)
Dutch spoken
English spoken
Entertainment
Groups
Pets welcome

English
- Guided tours of quality and animations that make you discover and experience the daily life of prehistoric men.
  
  Located in the heart of the Vézère Valley, between Montignac-Lascaux and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, this authentic and classified site, presents 10 shelters under remarkable rocks, occupied by the man of Neandertal 85 000 years ago then by the Cro-Magnon man 35,000 years ago. It is one of the highest concentrations of deposits in Europe reflecting an exceptional continuity of human occupation.
  
  For groups (15 people minimum) visits by reservation take place all year round. An entertainment program is in this case proposed and chosen with the organizers.
  
  RATES :
  
  Basic price - adult full price: € 6.50
  Child price (from 7 to 12 years) : € 3.50
  Group price for children and adults (from 15 people) from € 5 to € 18, depending on activities and the chosen program.
  
  SCHEDULE :
  
  April May June September from 14h00 to 18h00
  July/August from 10am to 6pm
  Closing day on Saturday
  Downloads:
  - Download document: flyer-scolaires.pdf
Français

Traveller Reviews Google

4.7 sur 5 81 reviews

5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Barbara Jahn on 29/11/2017

Not to be missed ! There were no children in our group who visited during October 2017. We found both the site and the presentations to be most exhilarating and educational. To be offered the opportunity to see and be within this ancient site of human habitation was mind-blowing. Actually going within the rock shelter, seeing the flint-knapping demonstration, enjoying lunch as it might have been for Neanderthals, and having the opportunity to try our luck with throwing a lance using an atlatl was just amazing. I strongly recommend visiting Castle Merle to everyone, young or old !
5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Delphine G on 25/08/2020

Ideal site with children (9 years old and 3 years old). It does not seem extraordinary at first glance since we are far from the splendor of other sites in the area but it is actually a little gem. Visit in 3 stages to satisfy young and old: guided tour of a rock shelter, free visit of the site and workshops shooting with thruster and parietal painting. The 2 guides were wonderful in passing on their knowledge and their passion. The whole family (over 3 generations) greatly appreciated it.
5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Lala Family on 25/08/2020

Nothing very attractive at first glance but what a surprise! We had a great time with the family :) Sunday morning we had the right to a guided tour just for us (no other families) About 1h30 of visit and what to say about the guide: a passionate person who shares his knowledge with us remarkably. It is open to questions, involves the children and it comes out filled with knowledge. Thruster shooting, fire, shelter ... My teens & my 6 year old daughter loved it I recommend, not to be missed And thank you again for this good time to the guide!

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Traveller Reviews tripAdvisor

60 reviews

"Be a Spear Thrower!"

Reviews posted by Craig T (San Rafael, California) on 05/10/2018

A nice look at the way Cro Magnon man lived. You even get a chance to throw a spear with an atlatle and test your hunting skills. Mine weren't so good.
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"The Best"

Reviews posted by Travelyn103 (new york) on 22/04/2018

Of all the sites I visited, I enjoyed this one the best. This cave is still open to the public but for shorter and shorter visits. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable. He was not just a docent...
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"Fantastic guide!!"

Reviews posted by OsloScot (Oslo, Norway) on 22/06/2017

This is certainly worth a visit. Delightful setting and a guide who is the Lady Mayor of the community who really knows the history!!
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