Abri du Poisson

The Abri du Poisson is a rock shelter in Les Eyzies that features a salmon sculpture carved directly into the ceiling. The fish measures more than one meter (3 feet) in length and displays anatomical details that demonstrate the artistic skill and knowledge of prehistoric sculptors.

The rock shelter was discovered in 1892 by Paul Girod and Elie Massénat, yet the salmon sculpture went unnoticed at first. It took until 1912 when Jean Marsan recognized the carving for what it was, turning it into a significant archaeological find.

The salmon carving shows how prehistoric people portrayed animals in their natural settings, reflecting their close relationship with the wildlife around them. The carefully sculpted details reveal how much these ancient inhabitants observed and understood the creatures they shared their world with.

Visiting requires advance reservations made through the Font-de-Gaume visitor center, as access is limited to preserve the ancient artwork. Plan ahead for your visit since availability can vary depending on the season.

This carving ranks among the rarest fish depictions in Franco-Cantabrian rock art, with fewer than a dozen similar representations known anywhere. Its decades of obscurity after the site's discovery underscore how easily prehistoric artworks can remain hidden even in explored locations.