Grottes du roc de Cazelle, Prehistoric cave in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, France
Grottes du roc de Cazelle is a natural cave system carved into limestone cliffs with multiple levels and chambers shaped by ancient human habitation. The site follows the rock's natural contours with different elevations, where underground passages and open areas reveal traces of old settlement patterns.
The cave was inhabited from the Stone Age through the Middle Ages, with different cultures settling here one after another. In the late medieval period the site was used as a fortified stronghold and then abandoned for centuries before being rediscovered in modern times.
The reconstructed scenes show how people lived and worked here thousands of years ago. Visitors see figures engaged in everyday activities like cooking, crafting, and hunting, giving a direct impression of life during that period.
Visitors can explore the grounds on marked paths that lead through the different levels of the cave and are mostly easy to access. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and allow time to visit each area, as the paths can be uneven.
A house carved directly into the rock remained occupied until the 1960s and shows traditional building methods of the region. This dwelling is a rare example of permanent rock construction in Europe and provides insight into a practical way of life that endured across generations.
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