Cro-Magnon site Archaeological Site
Prehistoric archaeological site where early modern humans found
Near Les Eyzies, the Cro‑Magnon site is the eponymous Upper Paleolithic shelter where early modern human remains and artefacts were first identified; tourists combine the site with nearby prehistory museums and Dordogne valley caves.
Cro-Magnon site at a Glance#
About Cro-Magnon site#
The Cro-Magnon site is a rock shelter in the Vézère valley of Dordogne in southwestern France where early Upper Paleolithic modern human remains were discovered in 1868. The find gave its name to the Cro-Magnon population of early modern humans in Europe.
The exposed shelter is small and marked as an archaeological location rather than a large visitor complex. Interpretation of the site and displays about the finds are available in local prehistory museums in the Les Eyzies area.
Excavations in 1868 uncovered human skeletal remains and associated Upper Paleolithic tools and artifacts, establishing an important reference for early modern humans in Europe. The assemblage has been the subject of ongoing study and dating that places the remains in the Upper Paleolithic period.
Situated in the Vézère valley near the village of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil in Dordogne, the shelter lies within a landscape dense with Paleolithic sites and caves that attract researchers and heritage visitors.
- Fossils and collections: The original human remains and many artifacts recovered at the shelter are conserved in museums and research collections rather than on-site.
How to Get to Cro-Magnon site#
Les Eyzies is served by regional buses and is reachable by car from larger towns in the Dordogne. The site is a short drive from the village center and often included in local archaeological routes.
Tips for Visiting Cro-Magnon site#
- Visit the small museum and interpretive center to understand the finds and context before walking the site.
- Wear sturdy shoes-the cave area and surrounding plateau can be rocky and muddy depending on season.
- Book ahead for guided access; on some days the site limits numbers to protect fragile areas.
Best Time to Visit Cro-Magnon site#
Spring and early summer are best for comfortable exploration with fewer crowds than the peak tourist months.
Weather & Climate near Cro-Magnon site#
Cro-Magnon site's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (918 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 4° | 82 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| February | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 5° | 79 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 14° | 8° | 66 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 6° - 16° | 11° | 79 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.8 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.3h |
| May | Good | 10° - 20° | 15° | 84 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.6h |
| June | Excellent | 13° - 23° | 18° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.3h |
| July | Excellent | 15° - 26° | 21° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 2.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.0h |
| August | Excellent | 15° - 26° | 20° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 2.0 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Very Good | 12° - 23° | 18° | 79 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 2.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 9° - 18° | 14° | 88 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.2 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.8h |
| November | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 8° | 91 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 5° | 90 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
