Musée de Préhistoire de Tautavel, Prehistoric museum in Tautavel, France
The Musée de Préhistoire de Tautavel displays archaeological findings, fossils, and reconstructed objects that document the evolution of early human settlements in Europe.
The museum opened in 1978 and relocated in 1992 to a scientific complex integrating archaeological sites, conservation facilities, and research centers in one location.
The institution conducts educational programs, workshops about fire-making techniques, and exhibitions that demonstrate the daily activities of prehistoric humans.
Visitors can explore the museum every day from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with online ticket purchases recommended during peak seasons in July and August.
The museum preserves 152 human remains discovered at Caune de l'Arago, including fossils of a 20-year-old prehistoric human who lived 450,000 years ago.
Location: Tautavel
Location: Pyrénées-Orientales
Address: Av. Léon Jean Grégory, 66720 Tautavel, France
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 14:00-18:00
Phone: +33468290776
Website: https://450000ans.com
GPS coordinates: 42.81517,2.75007
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:48
The Eastern Pyrenees region of France features mountains, coastal areas, and historical sites. The territory extends from Pyrenean peaks to Mediterranean beaches, containing medieval fortresses, historic railways, deep gorges, thermal springs, and nature reserves. Notable elements include the 2,784-meter Canigou peak, the Yellow Train railway, coastal fortifications, and protected marine areas. The region presents archaeological sites, mineral formations, mountain lakes, and religious buildings from various periods.
Argelès-sur-Mer sits between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, combining beach life with medieval history. The town preserves traces of its past through the Tour de la Massane, a 13th-century watchtower, and the Mémorial des Camps, which commemorates the Spanish Civil War refugee camps. The Église Notre-Dame del Prat displays Catalan architecture, while the Ermitage Notre-Dame de Vie occupies a hillside overlooking the coast. The Sentier du Littoral follows rocky cliffs between Plage du Racou and Crique du Porteil, where swimmers and snorkelers gather. The region offers several protected natural areas, including the Réserve Naturelle du Mas-Larrieu with its dunes and wetlands, and the Réserve Marine de Banyuls for divers. Further inland, the Musée de Tautavel presents prehistoric findings, while the Orgues d'Ille-sur-Têt displays pink clay erosion formations. The Caves Byrrh in Thuir has produced fortified wine since 1873 in underground cellars. Across the Spanish border, the Musée Dalí in Figueres showcases the surrealist artist's work. In Perpignan, the Palais des Rois de Majorque rises above the city, documenting the period when the region belonged to the Kingdom of Majorca.
Arago cave
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Château d'Aguilar
8.4 km
Tour del Far
1.5 km
EcoZonia
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Château de Tautavel
438 m
Ermitage Notre-Dame-de-Pène
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Église Sainte-Marie d'Espira-de-l'Agly
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Mas de Las Fons
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Église Saint-Étienne-et-Saint-Vincent d'Estagel
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Église Saint-Vincent d'Estagel
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Église Saint-Paul de Calce
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Église Sainte-Colombe de Cases-de-Pène
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Château de Calce
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Château de Pène
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Chapelle des Saintes Puelles
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Église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption de Vingrau
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6.4 km
Pont de l'Aglí
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Institution Notre-Dame-des-Anges de Espira-de-l'Agly
8.1 km
Ancienne église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption de Vingrau
4.5 km
Les Santes Puelles
1.7 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Montserrat d'Estagel
6.8 km
Institution Notre-Dame-des-Anges d'Espira-de-l'Agly
8.1 kmReviews
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