Laugerie-Haute, Prehistoric rock shelter in Les Eyzies, France
Laugerie-Haute is a limestone rock shelter with a long history of human occupation in the Vezere Valley. Excavations have revealed multiple layers of ancient settlement that show how people used this location over many thousands of years.
The shelter was occupied during multiple phases of the Upper Paleolithic period over thousands of years. Scientific excavations in the 20th century uncovered the deep layers that documented this long span of human use.
The rock shelter displays engravings and carved reliefs that show how Upper Paleolithic people represented their world. These artworks on bone and stone offer glimpses into what mattered to them and how they saw their surroundings.
Access to the site requires advance planning and reservation through the local visitor center. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and parts of the route involve steep slopes.
A geological event caused the shelter roof to collapse in ancient times, which sealed off the layers beneath it. This natural disaster essentially preserved the remains like a time capsule for later discovery.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
