Cité de la Préhistoire, Prehistoric archaeology museum in Orgnac-l'Aven, France.
The Cité de la Préhistoire presents 350,000 years of human history through life-sized reconstructions, interactive digital displays, and authentic archaeological finds from over 1,500 regional sites.
Opened in 1988 and officially designated as a musée de France in 2003, the museum reopened in February 2014 after two years of major renovations and modernization.
The museum showcases daily life of ancient humans including tool-making techniques, hunting practices, early art forms, and the evolution from Neanderthals to Homo sapiens through educational displays.
The museum operates from February 1st to November 15th and during Christmas holidays, with adult admission at 16 euros ($17.50) and free entry for children under six.
Outdoor workshops allow visitors to practice prehistoric skills such as fire-making, flint knapping, and spear-throwing using authentic techniques, providing hands-on experience with ancient human activities.
Location: Orgnac-l'Aven
Official opening: 1988
Phone: +33475386510
Website: http://orgnac.com
GPS coordinates: 44.31300,4.42261
Latest update: December 1, 2025 15:40
The Ardèche combines natural formations with centuries of human settlement. This southeastern French département stretches from the volcanic heights of the Cévennes to deeply carved limestone gorges along the river of the same name. The Pont d'Arc, a 197-foot (60-meter) natural stone arch, marks the entrance to the Gorges de l'Ardèche, while the Grotte Chauvet preserves cave paintings created 36,000 years ago. The landscape alternates between forested plateaus like the Bois de Païolive, where weathered limestone takes unusual shapes, and river valleys that have supported communities for centuries. Several villages including Balazuc, Vogüé, and Labeaume cling to cliffsides above the water, their narrow lanes leading past castle ruins and Romanesque churches. The Cascade du Ray-Pic drops 197 feet (60 meters) over a basalt wall, while Mont Gerbier de Jonc holds the source of the Loire River. Beneath the surface, extensive cave systems include the Grotte de la Madeleine and the Aven d'Orgnac with its underground chambers. The Château de Crussol stands on a rocky outcrop above the Rhône valley, while the Château d'Aubenas dominates the town below. Between these natural and historical sites, the Train du Vivarais and the Vélorail des Gorges du Doux connect visitors to the region in practical ways.
Aven d'Orgnac
1.1 km
Château des Roure
4.7 km
Réserve naturelle nationale des gorges de l'Ardèche
5.7 km
Grotte de la Madeleine
5.8 km
Donjon de Barjac
6.1 km
Goule de Foussoubie
5.9 km
Château de Ferreyroles
5.9 km
Baume d'Oullins
4.2 km
Château de Montclus
5.8 km
Dolmens de Barjac
3.4 km
Borne milliaire de Vagnas
6.3 km
Dolmens du Chanet
6.1 km
Chanet dolmen
5.4 km
Église de Montclus
5.8 km
Église de Barjac
6 km
Baume de Ronze
1.6 km
Église de l'Assomption de Vagnas
5.8 km
Église de Saint-Privat-de-Champclos
5.2 km
Église de Le Garn
4 km
Église de l'Orgnac-l'Aven
1.2 km
Chapelle du couvent des Capucins de Barjac
6.1 km
Aven de l'Arquet
2.6 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours de Malataverne
4 km
Dolmen des Œillantes A
3.5 km
Dolmen des Œillantes C
3.5 km
Aven des Neuf Gorges
3.9 km
Dolmen des Œillantes D
3.5 km
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