Nestled in the heart of the Vézère Valley near the world-renowned prehistoric sites of Les Eyzies and Montignac-Lascaux, Préhisto Parc in Tursac offers a captivating journey into the distant past. As you enter the park, you are immediately transported tens of thousands of years back, to a time when Neanderthals and Cro-Magnon humans walked the forests of Dordogne. This open-air museum spans several hectares of carefully designed trails and exhibits that allow visitors to experience prehistoric life in a vivid and interactive way, combining education with entertainment in a setting that is as beautiful as it is informative.
The park’s main attraction is its series of life-sized reconstructions of prehistoric humans and animals, crafted with incredible attention to detail. Walking through the trails, you encounter hunters carrying spears, families gathered around primitive shelters, and realistic scenes of daily life that showcase the ingenuity and resilience of early humans. Alongside these human reconstructions, the park features models of prehistoric fauna, from mammoths and saber-toothed cats to giant deer and other Ice Age creatures, allowing visitors to understand the world in which our ancestors lived. Informational panels accompany each scene, explaining the significance of tools, hunting techniques, and the social structures of early human communities, ensuring that every step through the park is both educational and immersive.
One of the unique aspects of Préhisto Parc is its focus on interactive learning, particularly for children and families. The park offers activities such as archaeological digs, prehistoric games, and the Préhisto-Jeux booklet, which encourages young visitors to explore, answer questions, and engage with the exhibits. These hands-on experiences not only make learning fun but also deepen the understanding of prehistoric life, bridging the gap between imagination and science. Adults, too, find themselves fascinated by the detailed reconstructions, the naturalistic settings, and the opportunity to connect with a world that existed long before written history.
The natural environment of the park adds another layer of authenticity to the experience. Walking along shaded trails and open clearings, visitors feel as though they are moving through the landscapes that prehistoric humans once inhabited. The forests, streams, and meadows of Tursac provide a fitting backdrop to the scenes of daily life, reinforcing the connection between humans and their environment in the distant past. The park’s layout encourages leisurely exploration, with pauses along the way to admire the craftsmanship of the models, observe educational displays, and imagine the rhythms of prehistoric existence.
Visiting Préhisto Parc is not only a journey through time but also an invitation to reflect on the ingenuity and adaptability of our ancestors. From the tools they created to the communities they built, from their interactions with now-extinct animals to their mastery of fire and shelter, every exhibit tells a story of survival, creativity, and human curiosity. The park captures the imagination of all who visit, making it an unforgettable destination for families, school groups, and anyone with an interest in history, archaeology, or the natural world.
Whether you arrive on a sunny summer morning or a crisp autumn afternoon, Préhisto Parc provides a full day of discovery, wonder, and learning. With its combination of realistic reconstructions, interactive activities, and beautiful surroundings in the Dordogne, it offers an experience that is both educational and deeply engaging, leaving visitors with a lasting appreciation for the rich tapestry of life that existed long before our modern world.
🛍️ Visitor Information
Opening Hours:
- July – August 2025: Open daily from 10:00 to 19:30.
- Other periods: Open by reservation for groups.
Address:
La Faure Reignac, 24620 Tursac, Dordogne, France
Contact:
- Phone: +33 (0)5 53 50 73 19
- Email: contact@prehistoparc.fr
Admission Fees:
- Adults: €8.50
- Children (5–13 years): €4.80
- Students: €7.50
- Children under 5: Free
Facilities:
- Free parking available on-site.
- Picnic areas for visitors.
- A shop offering prehistoric-themed souvenirs, books, and educational materials.
🌿 Tips for Visitors
- Allocate approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the park.
- Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on natural trails.
- Bring water and sun protection, especially during the warmer months.
- Photography is encouraged; however, please be respectful of other visitors.
- Check the official website for any special events or educational workshops during your visit.
