Combe Grenal

Combe Grenal is a prehistoric archaeological site near Domme in the Dordogne region. The excavation reveals a collapsed cave with 64 distinct layers spanning 13 meters in depth, preserving evidence of occupation across multiple periods.

The site was systematically excavated beginning in 1953 by François Bordes, revealing deposits dating from 130,000 to 50,000 years ago. The layers contain tools and evidence from the Mousterian and Acheulean periods, key phases of the early Stone Age.

The name comes from a local field designation in the Dordogne landscape. Today, visitors see a working archaeological site that reflects centuries of scientific interest in early human settlement.

The excavation area is fenced and reinforced to protect the research work and preserve the layers. Access is limited since it remains an active research site, so visitors should check beforehand whether visits are possible.

Analysis of cut marks on animal bones reveals that inhabitants used hunting techniques similar to those of modern hunters in Alaska. This parallel suggests that certain strategies for pursuing game remained consistent across vast time spans and different continents.