Go and meet our Neanderthal ancestors at Paléosite in Saint-Césaire
This attraction is a museum combined with an interpretation centre, devoted wholly to Neanderthal man, our distant cousin and descendent of the first groups of humans.
Through its exhibitions, screening rooms, archaeological collections and daily programme of activities, the site gives its visitors a unique experience. Like a fantastic time machine, Paléosite really brings prehistory to life, from 15 billion years ago to 36,000 years in the past, following in the footsteps of Neanderthals.
The interactive modules and prehistoric activities are sure to win over the whole family and will allow you to grasp key concepts for understanding prehistoric times and evolution.
Just a three minute walk from Paléosite, you can’t miss the archaeological site La Roche à Pierrot. Discovered in the 1970s, La Roche à Pierrot is famous for having revealed a Neanderthal skeleton, dubbed Pierrette. At 36,000 years old, it is the most recent skeleton of its kind found in France.
Multiple archaeological digs are still conducted each year at La Roche à Pierrot, by professional archaeologists and university students. When that happens, the site is open to the public for guided tours led by professionals.