La Ferrassie Cave
Prehistoric site with important Neanderthal fossil finds
Palaeolithic shelter in Dordogne known for Neanderthal remains and long archaeological study; visited by students, researchers and tourists interested in prehistoric excavations and local museum displays.
La Ferrassie at a Glance#
Address: La Ferrassie archaeological site vicinity, near Savignac-de-Miremont / Les Eyzies, Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Admission: Free to view externally; access to archaeological areas may be controlled by local heritage authorities (no general admission)
About La Ferrassie#
La Ferrassie is a Paleolithic rock-shelter site in the Dordogne region of southwestern France, notable for yielding multiple Neanderthal skeletons and rich Middle Paleolithic deposits.
The site is significant for its human remains and stratified archaeological layers that have contributed to study of Neanderthal anatomy and burial practices; it is often referenced in syntheses of European Middle Paleolithic archaeology. The shelter itself is a discrete rock overhang with archaeological exposures rather than a large visitor complex.
Excavations at La Ferrassie during the late 19th and early 20th centuries produced several nearly complete Neanderthal skeletons and a long sequence of Middle Paleolithic artifacts, establishing the site’s importance for understanding Neanderthal populations in western Europe. Finds from the site have been central to debates over Neanderthal behaviour and burial.
La Ferrassie lies in the Vézère valley area of Dordogne in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, within a landscape rich in Paleolithic sites and rock shelters that together form a major concentration of prehistoric archaeology in southwestern France.
- Important Neanderthal finds: Several nearly complete Neanderthal skeletons and multiple burial contexts were recovered from the shelter, making it a key reference site for Middle Paleolithic human remains in western Europe.
How to Get to La Ferrassie#
By car from Les Eyzies-de-Tayac (approx. 5-10 minutes). Regional buses serve Les Eyzies; from there local signage and short walks lead to excavation areas and viewpoints. Check the Les Eyzies tourist office for guided-visit arrangements.
Tips for Visiting La Ferrassie#
- Combine a visit with Le Moustier and other Dordogne paleolithic sites in one day - the density of Paleolithic finds in the Vézère valley is the real attraction.
- Check opening/visit rules with the local tourist office in Les Eyzies; some sites are fenced and view-only to protect the stratigraphy.
- Wear a hat and sturdy shoes: the valley trails can be steep and muddy after rain.
Best Time to Visit La Ferrassie#
Best in late spring through early autumn for trail access and adjacent museum openings.
Weather & Climate near La Ferrassie#
La Ferrassie'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 (955 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 2° - 9° | 4° | 87 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| February | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 5° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 14° | 7° | 68 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 6° - 16° | 11° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.8 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.3h |
| May | Good | 10° - 20° | 15° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.6h |
| June | Excellent | 13° - 23° | 18° | 68 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.3h |
| July | Excellent | 15° - 26° | 20° | 56 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 2.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.0h |
| August | Excellent | 15° - 26° | 20° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 2.1 m/s | 1.5 high | 13.8h |
| September | Very Good | 12° - 23° | 17° | 82 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 2.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 9° - 18° | 13° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.2 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.8h |
| November | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 8° | 96 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 5° | 96 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
