Les Eyzies Info» les eyzies de tayac

History of the Grand Roc

admin — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 04:00:26 +0000

In 1922, Jean Maury, who was then an archaeologist at Laugerie Basse, noticed a small natural terrace halfway up the great cliff of the Grand Roc.

He quickly climbed up to discover a small crack giving way to a slow flowing spring. Unaware of the origin of this flow, this inquiring mind rapidly imagined that a hidden cavity might reveal the source. After two years of hard work and a last mining foray on April 29, 1924, Jean Maury, his sister and daughter, entered the untouched cave.

“Shouts of joy and the national anthem first saluted the discovery. We could admire marvellous stalactites, whereas other strange forms, very clear and surprising, looked as if they had never been seen by anyone before, and others seemed to come straight out of unrealizable dreams – until the candles we used to light up the way began to be too small for us to continue. But at what point had we entered the cave? We passed this column again with the form of a cross, which we identified as the central point. After groping along for a while, we heard our parents calling and followed their voices to find, at last, the fox hole through which we had come. Drained of all anxiety, we presented ourselves proudly in our soaked clothes spattered with mud, filled with enthusiasm by what we had seen.”

The Grand Roc cave opened in 1927; following the discovery, 3 years were necessary to install the interior and the exterior of the cave.

The first visitors only had candles, hence a quite picturesque visit, during which not much could be seen. Acetylene lamps came later and in 1934 the electricity was installed. In 1993, the lighting of the cave was entirely reorganized. Engineers managed to conciliate the various features of the site (fragility, difficult access, necessary preservation) with a genuine artistic mise en scène of all crystallizations.

190 km Canoe adventure

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:51:48 +0000

On 26 April 2008 Walking Dordogne added an amazing 190 km canoe trip down the Vezere River.
The trip will start at the Central Massief, near Clermont-Ferrant where the waters running off the mountains form the Vezere river.
We follow the river for 190 km and pass through the following “Departments” and “Towns & Villages”

Corrèze: Pérols-sur-Vézère, Bugeat, Uzerche, Vigeois, Brive-la-Gaillarde
Dordogne: Montignac, Terrasson-Lavilledieu, Les Eyzies deTayac, Le Bugue , Limeuil

The trip takeS 5 days 4 nights, and the nights are spent “Wild Camping” on Islands and alongside the river.
The groups are a min. 2 and max 6 people.

The trip will run from 26 April -30 June and 01 September – October 26. ( No trips in July and August )

More info visit www.walkingdordogne.com

Abri de Cro Magnon Les Eyzies

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:46:37 +0000

CRO MAGNON 1

Description: Cro magnon skull

Period: Upper Paleolithic Period – 30,000 years ago

Provenance: Original Discovered 1868 in Les Eyzies de Tayac – Dordogne, France

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Cro Magnon 1 was discovered by Louis Lartet in 1868 during railroad construction in Les Eyzies, Dordogne France. Work on a limestone cliff uncovered a rock shelter. Upon further examination, four fossil adult skeletons, one infant, and some fragmentary bones were excavated near the back of the shelter where an occupation floor was exposed. The orientation and condition of shell and animal teeth led scientists to theorize that the skeletons were intentionally buried together in a grave in the shelter with these objects placed on the bodies as pendants or necklaces.

Cro-Magnon 1 was identified as the skeleton of a middle-aged adult male that was less than 50 years old at death based on the degree of closure of his cranial sutures. Most interesting, the face region of the skull is noticeably pitted from a serious fungal infection that was endured during the life of this unfortunate individual. The skull also lacked teeth.

Scientific studies performed on the skeletons found at the Les Eyzies rock shelter indicated that the humans of this time period led a physically tough life. In addition to the fungal infection of Cro-Magnon 1, several of the individuals found at the shelter had fused neck vertebrae indicating traumatic injury, and the adult female found had survived for some time with a skull fracture. The survival of these individuals with such serious physical impairments allows us to conclude the presence of community support amongst individuals, which allowed them to convalesce.

The site was dated to the Upper Pleistocene between 32,000 and 30,000 years old, based on tools and fossil animal bone fragments found in association with the skeletons.

The skull of Cro-Magnon 1 demonstrates the traits that are unique to modern humans, including the high rounded cranial vault with a near vertical forehead. The orbits are no longer topped by a heavy browridge. There is no prominent prognathism of the face, a protrusion of the jaw (mandible) due to misalignment of teeth caused by malformations of the shape of the bones of the face.

The Cro Magnon shelter in Les Eyzies de Tayac. It was here in 1868 that the link between Prehistoric Man and Mordern Man was discovered.

Nicest B&B in the Dordogne

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:32:44 +0000

In the early 12th century 6 Monks from the Monastery of Paunat were travelling between Monasteries when one of the Monks became very ill, they set up camp in Tayac near a water source. The monk was dieing, but miraculously healed after drinking the water from the “Tayac Source”. To the Monks of Paunat this was a “Sign” and round about 1123 they started building the magnificent and fortified church of Tayac, they called it “St Martin“. At the same time, the Monks of Paunat started working the land in this lush Vezere valley, they built the farmhouse / monastery, which is now “Ferme de Tayac” that has been completely renovated, and is now a lovely B&B opposite the church. For hundreds of years the Monks lived here and worked the lands, bit by bit houses were built against the rock. The water from the “Tayac Source” was taken to other surrounding Monasteries, for it’s healing powers, Tayac was thriving. Two centuries later, things took a turn, wars were breaking out, armies were constantly attacking areas and strongholds. Religion and all that went with it lost it’s power, and very slowly the life in and around Tayac became what it is today. St. Martin still stands proud, and is without doubt the nicest Fortified Church in the Perigord, the “Tayac Source” is still there, although no longer in use.

Most people visiting the Vezere and Dordogne Valley have an interest in history, so why not stay a few nights in an historic B&B in the heart of it all?. B&B Ferme de Tayac, a 12th century former farmhouse / monastery ideally situated in Les Eyzies de Tayac, in the heart of the Vezere Valley, known as the “Prehistoric Capital of the World” In the beginning of the 12th century, the monks of the monastery of Paunat settled in Tayac, and started building the fortified church of Tayac, Saint Martin. At the same time they started buiding “Ferme de Tayac” which became the working farm and monastery for the monks. B&B Ferme de Tayac is a must place to stay if you are visiting the Dordogne, since it officially opened to the public 2 years ago, it has been rated the #1 B&B accommodation both years running. B&B Ferme de Tayac is a 12th Century former Monastery farmhouse, lived in and run by the Monks who owned and worked the land for hundreds of years. Located in the heart of the Vezere Valley in the picturesque small village of Tayac, just 8 minutes walk from the center of Les Eyzies. In 2001 Suzanne & Mike purchased Ferme de Tayac after it had been unoccupied for over 10 years. It was in a sorry state, and was deemed dangerous and a hazzard. It took Suzanne & Mike 7 years to bring Ferme de Tayac back to it’s former glory. With among other things, meter thick walls, rooms built into solid rock, oak beam structures, and bedrooms in former monks quarters make Ferme de Tayac a speacial and very unique place to stay whilst visiting the Dordogne, and it is not hard to see why Ferme de Tayac has been the travellers choice of accommodation for 2 years. For more and updated info on Ferme de Tayac please visit their official web site http://www.fermedetayac.com/

Read travellers reviews about Ferme de Tayac:

Dordogne Tourist Offices

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:27:56 +0000

Abjat Sur Bandiat Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24300, Abjat Sur Bandiat
Tel: 05 53 56 80 08 Fax: 05 53 56 77 97
Beaumont Du Perigord Tourism Office: Place Centrale, 24440, Beaumont Du Perigord
Tel: 05 53 22 39 12 Fax: 05 53 22 05 35
Belves Tourism Office: 1 Rue des Filhols, 24170, Belves
Tel: 05 53 29 10 20
Bergerac Tourism Office: 97 Rue Neuve d’Argenson, 24100, Bergerac
Tel: 05 53 57 03 11 Fax: 05 53 61 11 04
Beynac et Cazenac Tourism Office: La Balme, 24220, Beynac et Cazenac. Includes the communes Carsac-Aillac, La roque Cageac, St Andre–Atlas, St Vincent de Cosses, Vezac et Vitrac).
Tel: 05 53 29 43 08 Fax: 05 53 29 43 08
Bourdeilles Tourism Office: Place des Tilleuls, 24310, Bourdeilles
Tel: 05 53 03 42 96 Fax: 05 53 54 56 27
Brantome Tourism Office: Abbaye, 24310, Brantome
Tel: 05 53 05 80 52 Fax: 05 53 05 80 52
Canton de Mareuil Tourism Office: 12 rue Pierre Degail, 24340, Mareuil Sur Belle
Tel: 05 53 60 99 85 Fax: 05 53 60 31 97
Carlux et Fenelon Tourism Office: Rouffillac, 24370, Carlux
Tel: 05 53 59 10 70 Fax: 05 53 59 10 70
Creysse Tourism Office: Port de Creysse – Belle Riva, 24100, Creysse
Tel: 05 53 23 20 45 Fax: 05 53 23 20 45
Daglan Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24250, Daglan
Tel: 05 53 29 88 84 Fax: 05 53 29 88 84
Domme Tourism Office: Plae de la Halle, 24250, Domme
Tel: 05 53 31 71 00 Fax: 05 53 31 71 09
Excideuil Tourism Office: 1 Place du Chateau, 24160, Excideuil
Tel: 0872 689 556 Fax: 05 53 52 29 79
Eymet Tourism Office: Place de la Bastide, 24500, Eymet.
Tel: 05 53 23 74 95 Fax: 05 53 23 74 95
Grolejac Tourism Office: Mairie, 24250, Grolejac
Tel: 05 53 28 11 06 Fax: 05 53 29 39 74
Hautefort Tourism Office: Place du Marquis, J.F. de Hautefort, 24390, Hautefort
Tel: 05 53 50 40 27 Fax: 05 53 51 99 73
Issigeac Tourism Office: Place du Chateau, 24560, Issigeac
Tel: 05 53 58 79 62 Fax: 05 53 58 79 62
Javerlhac La Chapelle Tourism Office: Mairie, 24300, Javerlhac La Chapelle
Tel: 05 53 56 30 18
La Roche Chalais Tourism Office: 9 Place du Puits qui Chante, 24490, La Roche Chalais
Tel: 05 53 90 18 95
La Roque Gageac Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24250, La Roque Gageac
Tel: 05 53 29 17 01
Lalinde Tourism Office: Jardin Public, 24150, Lalinde
Tel: 05 53 61 08 55 Fax: 05 53 61 00 64
Lanouaille Tourism Office: Place Marechal Bugeaud, 24270, Lanouaille
Tel: 05 53 62 17 82 Fax: 05 53 62 18 00
Le Bugue Sur Vezere Tourism Office: Porte de la Vezere, 24260, Le Bugue Sur Vezere
Tel: 05 53 07 20 48 Fax: 05 53 54 92 30
Le Buisson De Cadouin Tourism Office: Pavillion de l’Office de Tourisme, Place du General de Galle, 24480, Le Buisson De Cadouin
Tel: 05 53 22 06 09 Fax: 05 53 22 06 09
Les Eyzies De Tayac Tourism Office: 19 Avenue de la Prehistoire, 24620, Les Eyzies De Tayac
Tel: 05 53 06 90 79 Fax: 05 53 06 90 79
Limeuil Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24510, Limeuil
Tel: 05 53 63 38 90 Fax: 05 53 63 30 31
Monpazier Tourism Office: Place des Cornieres, 24540, Monpazier
Tel: 05 53 22 68 59 Fax: 05 53 74 30 08
Montagrier Tourism Office: Moulin du Pont, 24350, Montagrier
Tel: 05 53 91 35 11 Fax: 05 53 91 35 11
Montpon Menesterol Tourism Office: Place Clemenceau, 24700, Montpon Menesterol
Tel: 05 53 82 23 77 Fax: 05 53 81 86 74
Mussidan Tourism Office: Place de la Republique, 24400, Mussidan
Tel: 05 53 81 73 87
Neuvic Sur l’Isle Tourism Office: Place de la Mairie, 24190, Neuvic Sur l’Isle
Tel: 05 53 81 52 11 Fax: 05 53 80 18 54
Nontron Tourism Office: Chateau, Avenue du General Leclerc, 24300, Nontron
Tel: 05 53 56 25 50 Fax: 05 53 60 34 13
Pays de Jumilhac Tourism Office: Bd du Gal de Gaulles, 24630, Jumilhac le Grand.
Tel: 05 53 52 55 43 Fax: 05 53 62 59 43
Pays de Villamblard Tourism Office: Chateau Barriere, 24140, Villamblard
Tel: 05 53 82 26 28 Fax: 05 53 82 26 28
Perigueux Tourism Office: 26 Place Francheville, 24000, Perigueux.
Tel: 05 53 53 10 63 Fax: 05 53 09 02 50
Piegut Pluviers Tourism Office: 1 Place de l’Eglise, 24360, Piegut Pluviers.
Tel: 05 53 60 74 75 Fax: 05 53 56 88 30
Riberac Tourism Office: Place Charles de Gaulle, 24600, Riberac.
Tel: 05 53 90 03 10 Fax: 05 53 91 35 13
Rouffignac Tourism Office: Place de la Mairie, 24580, Rouffignac St Cernin de Reilhac.
Tel: 05 53 05 39 03
Salignac-Eyvigues Tourism Office: At 24590, Salignac-Eyvigues.
Tel: 05 53 28 81 93 Fax: 05 53 28 85 26
Sarlat Tourism Office: Ancien Eveche, Rue Tournay, 24200, Sarlat la Caneda.
Tel: 05 53 31 45 45 Fax: 05 53 59 19 44
Saussignac Tourism Office: Le Chateau, 24240, Saussignac.
Tel: 05 53 22 49 11
Sigoules Tourism Office: Place de l’Eglise, 24240, Sigoules.
Tel: 05 53 58 48 16 Fax: 05 53 73 02 39
Siorac en Perigord: Mairie, Place de Siorac, 24270, Siorac en Perigord.
Tel: 05 53 31 63 51
Sorges Tourism Office: At Ecomusee de la Truffe, 24420, Sorges.
Tel: 045 53 46 71 43 Fax: 05 53 46 71 43
St Astier Tourism Office: Place de la Republique, 24110, Saint Astier.
Tel: 05 53 54 13 85 Fax: 05 53 08 77 85
St Aulaye Sur Dronne Tourism Office: Place Pasteur, 24410, Saint Aulaye.
Tel: 05 53 90 63 74
St Cyprien en Perigord Tourism Office: Place Charles de Gaulle, 24220, Saint Cyprien.
Tel: 05 53 30 36 09 Fax: 05 53 28 55 05
St Jean de Cole Tourism Office: Rue du Chateau, 24800, Saint Jean de Cole.
Tel: 05 53 62 14 15 Fax: 05 53 62 14 15
St Pardoux La Riviere Tourism Office: Rue Puits de la Barre, St Pardoux La Riviere.
Tel: 05 53 56 79 30 / 05 53 56 70 22
Ste Alvere Tourism Office: At Service Municipal du Tourisme Ste Alvere, 2 rue Jules Ferry, 24510, Ste Alvere.
Tel: 05 53 73 55 85 Fax: 05 53 73 55 99
Terrasson Lavilledieu Tourism Office: Rue Jean Rouby, 24120, Terrasson Lavilledieu.
Tel: 05 53 50 37 56 Fax: 05 53 50 86 82
Thenon Tourism Office: 27 Avenue de la IVe Republique, 24210, Thenon.
Tel: 05 53 06 35 10
Thiviers Tourism Office: Place du Marechal Foch, 24800, Thiviers.
Tel: 05 53 55 12 50 Fax: 05 53 55 12 50
Tocane St Apre: Tourist office at Tocane St Apre.
Tel: 05 53 91 35 11
Tremolat Tourism Office: Ilot St Nicholas Bourg, 24510, Tremolat.
Tel: 05 53 22 89 33 Fax: 05 53 22 82 71
Varaignes Tourism Office: Chateau de Varaignes, 24360, Varaignes.
Tel: 05 53 56 35 76 Fax: 05 53 56 35 76
Vergt Tourism Office: 17 Place Charles Mangold, 24380, Vergt.
Tel: 05 53 03 45 10
Verteillac Tourism Office: Avenue d’Aquitaine, 24320, Verteillac.
Tel: 05 53 90 37 78
Villars Tourism Office: At Bourg, 24530, Villars.
Tel: 05 53 03 50 79 Fax: 05 53 03 50 79
Villefranche de Lonchat Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24610, Villefranche de Lonchat.
Tel: 05 53 73 29 62 Fax: 05 53 73 29 62
Villefranche du Perigord Tourism Office: Rue Notre Dame, 24550, Villefranche du Perigord.
Tel: 05 53 29 98 37 Fax: 05 53 30 40 12
Vitrac Tourism Office: At 24200, Vitrac.
Tel: 05 53 28 57 80

Horse Riding in Les Eyzies

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 03:27:36 +0000

One of the best ways to see Les Eyzies de Tayac and the Vezere Valley is without doubt on horse back.
Leave your car behind, and get onto some real horse power, leave the hussle of the tourists behind and get off the roads and onto the tracks.

1000’s of years ago, there was a very high abundance of wild horses in this region, this can be seen in so many cave paintings found in the region. “Man” has always had a good friendship with horses, and that is still the case today.
For hundreds, if not thousands of years, our ancestors would travel to far away places to trade goods, for hundreds of years, and many generations, would follow the same tracks and trails to get to these often remote places. Along the way they would rest at places that have now become villages, hamlets and even towns. These tracks and trails quickly disappeared with the invention of the train and later the automobile.. lost and forgotten forever..
Well almost, we take you on a trip of a lifetime following these long forgotten trails.. Get on a horse and let us retrace the routes our ancestors took hundreds of years ago.

Ferme de Fonluc is without doubt the place to be, for everyone interested in seeing the Dordogne and Vezere Valley on horse back. Situated in Les Eyzies de Tayac, in the hart of the Vezere Valley, and just 150m from the Vezere river and the famous clifs of Les Eyzies that is home to many prehistoric dwellings and the famous “Grand Roc”

Ferme de Fonluc have a range of unforgettable horse trips and over night tours, suitable for all ages.

For more information please visit their website : www.fonluc.com