Parc de la Préhistoire
Parc de la Préhistoire
4
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
ENJOY A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FROM PREHISTORIC TIMES! In our activity workshops you will be able to learn to hunt, paint, prepare flints and light a fire, just the way they used to do it 14,000 years ago! And in the 'Grand Atelier' - a museum dedicated to Prehistoric Art - you will be able to watch films, and see objects and facsimiles of Niaux Cave's 'Salon Noir', the 'Forbidden Niaux' and the Marsoulas Cave. THE GIANTS OF THE ICE AGE Discover species emblematic of prehistoric times in a steppe-like landscape: a Cave Lion, a Steppe Bison, an Irish Elk and a Mammoth. The visit ends with a playful module inviting you to pit yourselves against these animals with games and original experiences. English audio guides The participative workshops are covered and stay opened whatever the weather.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
563 reviews
Excellent
241
Very good
228
Average
58
Poor
30
Terrible
6
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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X V
Brussels, Belgium51 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
This Attraction is for children. Adults won't learn much there. The moulting part is well done, with a powerful sound system. The outdoor part is frankly very small level.
In addition, we received a site map whose schedules did not correspond at all with the times of the attractions, to the point that we were strayed from by the occupant of the Campemant who told us that we would miss all the Things to do around noon. That was indeed the case. After the fact it seems that at the reception the person, supposedly not well informed, gave us the sheet corresponding to July-August and not September. To avoid this kind of inconvenience it would have been enough to remove the leaves not corresponding to the current season.
In addition, we received a site map whose schedules did not correspond at all with the times of the attractions, to the point that we were strayed from by the occupant of the Campemant who told us that we would miss all the Things to do around noon. That was indeed the case. After the fact it seems that at the reception the person, supposedly not well informed, gave us the sheet corresponding to July-August and not September. To avoid this kind of inconvenience it would have been enough to remove the leaves not corresponding to the current season.
Automatically translated
Written 25 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour,
Merci d'avoir pris le temps de partager votre expérience. Nous sommes désolés d'apprendre que votre visite n'a pas été à la hauteur de vos attentes. L'erreur est humaine et il ne faut pas hésiter à venir à notre rencontre à l'accueil, nous nous serions fait un plaisir de rectifier cela et de vous donner le plan correspondant.
Nous espérons sincèrement que vous pourrez nous accorder une nouvelle chance lors d'une prochaine visite.
Merci encore pour votre compréhension, et nous vous souhaitons une excellente journée.
Cordialement,
Les Sites Touristiques de l'Ariège
Written 30 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Audrey G
3 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
It is always with great pleasure that I come to the prehistoric park. This time it was accompanied by my little family, including my 6 year old son who discovered it and loved the interior tour with audio guide (version for children, very good initiative!) as well as the workshops outside.
We only regret that there are not more paths set up outside for reduced mobility (we had a small baby in a stroller, of course we could have used the baby carrier but it was going to be a problem to install it during lunch break at the restaurant).
So, apart from this small inconvenience, I can only congratulate you on the management and development of the park, we had a great day!
We only regret that there are not more paths set up outside for reduced mobility (we had a small baby in a stroller, of course we could have used the baby carrier but it was going to be a problem to install it during lunch break at the restaurant).
So, apart from this small inconvenience, I can only congratulate you on the management and development of the park, we had a great day!
Written 11 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy E
Tarbes, France4 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
The park is a park close to nature where it is possible to picnic in the shade of the trees.
There are several very interesting activities such as finding which animal traces on the ground belong to, throwing a propellant, a live discovery of the ways of making fire and the tools used at that time. The museum is also interesting.
One of the two points removed concerns the activity of archeology, an activity at the time fun because it was possible to discover by ourselves, with archeology tools and instructions specific to this discipline, fossils and other objects . The facilitator in charge of this activity, barely arriving at the time of the activity, warned us that there would be no manipulation on the part of the visitors and we find that a real shame.
The second point concerns the decision of the hostess at the museum who, when it was only 5 p.m. (the museum closes at 5:45 p.m.), not to provide us with the audio headsets which are essential for visiting the museum. . We found ourselves not having our questions answered for 3/4 of the visit.
There are several very interesting activities such as finding which animal traces on the ground belong to, throwing a propellant, a live discovery of the ways of making fire and the tools used at that time. The museum is also interesting.
One of the two points removed concerns the activity of archeology, an activity at the time fun because it was possible to discover by ourselves, with archeology tools and instructions specific to this discipline, fossils and other objects . The facilitator in charge of this activity, barely arriving at the time of the activity, warned us that there would be no manipulation on the part of the visitors and we find that a real shame.
The second point concerns the decision of the hostess at the museum who, when it was only 5 p.m. (the museum closes at 5:45 p.m.), not to provide us with the audio headsets which are essential for visiting the museum. . We found ourselves not having our questions answered for 3/4 of the visit.
Written 29 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour,
Pour faire suite au point concernant le Grand Atelier, nous en sommes désolés et ne manquerons pas de nous renseigner pour ne pas que cela se reproduise de nouveau. Nous vous remercions pour votre retour et serons ravis de vous accueillir sur nos différents sites touristiques ariégeois !
Cordialement.
Written 30 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elisa L
Bormes-Les-Mimosas, France23 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
A lovely afternoon with the family. The place is sublime, nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees. Small downside for the activities that we couldn't do because of too much waiting (archaeology, hunting). The museum inside is a bit empty and dark, although prehistoric art is widely represented. The animals are few in number, we expected more specimens. The audio guide has a few bugs. But it is a very beautiful site that you absolutely must see.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Regine M
Pignan, France60 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Very well maintained park, top activities can be too long for children (archeology) very fun we spent 3 hours there. The museum is pure joy, really well done and with headphones included in the visit. I recommend
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CM
6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Great outing, plan the day. Top workshops. Top reconstructions. Downside, the restaurant, expensive, staff not welcoming, not smiling, 35 minutes of waiting, no orders taken. We left. The advantage of the park is that you can go out to buy food, you are given a bracelet at reception so you can return with your picnic, which you can enjoy anywhere in the park. Finally small shop, a little expensive but like everywhere, young girl at the checkout very pleasant and smiling.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour,
Nous sommes étonnés de votre retour concernant le restaurant, nous en prenons bien note afin de faire remonter l'information et que cela ne se reproduise plus.
Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez passé un bon moment pour votre visite du parc, merci pour votre retour !
Written 19 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Torsteve
Glastonbury, UK14 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Lovely outside area for picnic and kids play but inside display hardly worth a look. Way to expensive for what’s available.
Great that audio guides are multi-lingual but they don’t work properly zone by zone.
Great that audio guides are multi-lingual but they don’t work properly zone by zone.
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lexie
Ariege, France154 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
I've known the park since I was a kid, and now I'm bringing my son there.
It is a beautiful park, with plenty of fun workshop. The creation of the Ice Age animal section, the new excavation site and the revision of the painting cave were a big plus.
I just regret that the vegetation is not more focused on prehistory and not highlighted given the size of the site (some dycksonia, cycas would be nice), and if I could make an improvement to the park I would add animal structures on the park, which are mainly present in the museum or at the watch workshop.
It is a beautiful park, with plenty of fun workshop. The creation of the Ice Age animal section, the new excavation site and the revision of the painting cave were a big plus.
I just regret that the vegetation is not more focused on prehistory and not highlighted given the size of the site (some dycksonia, cycas would be nice), and if I could make an improvement to the park I would add animal structures on the park, which are mainly present in the museum or at the watch workshop.
Automatically translated
Written 30 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
loulourella
London, UK19 contributions
May 2015
This is an attraction well worth visiting. You won't fully understand the significant prehistory of the Ariege unless you see it. As a prelude to the outdoor activities on offer, there is a large, indoor, self-guided exhibition space devoted to local prehistoric topics. The excellent English language commentary, which is very intelligently conceived, automatically changes as you go round points of interest. You can hear increasing detail if you stand in one place, and move on when you've heard enough. What is there to see?
An absorbing diorama of giant ice age mammals with an excellent short film in the cave lion room
A 3D replica of the Clastres network (perfectly preserved Palaeolithic footprints in a sand bank that led to the entrance of the nearby Niaux decorated cave)
A short film about the discovery and modern analysis of cave art
A model showing the extensive nature of the Niaux cave and Clastres networks, which are also linked to Lombrives (a geological show cave)
An evocative big-screen film showing outstanding French cave paintings/drawings/carvings, some no longer accessible to the public, brought to life
A 3D reproduction of a wall in the Marsoulas cave in the Haut-Garonne, where archaeologists have used infrared photography to recreate paintings that are no longer visible on the walls
Replicas of outstanding examples of decorated portable art (mostly of carved reindeer antler)
A large 3D reproduction of the Salon Noire in the Niaux cave, but with a difference: the images have been shown as they would have appeared before calcification and time caused them to deteriorate
Outdoors there are many practical demonstrations and hands on activities (not for children only!), such as: an archaeological excavation pit, a spear-throwing masterclass (using a propulseur or atlatl), a wall on which to paint your own parietal art using natural pigments, a fire-making and flint-knapping demonstration, a trail showing the imprints of 32 species of animal, a diorama of Magdalenian reindeer hunters and a sound labyrinth. Many of these are led by enthusiastic animateurs. There is a restaurant and gift shop on site selling local products, all overlooked by the gorgeous Roc de Sedour to the soothing sound of rushing water.
I enjoyed it so much I paid a return visit. It was very quiet both days, but even had it been busy, the extensive grounds probably wouldn't seem crowded. These were relaxing, thought-provoking days out, engaging with our early prehistoric past, which has left such a unique mark on this beautiful region. Highly recommended.
An absorbing diorama of giant ice age mammals with an excellent short film in the cave lion room
A 3D replica of the Clastres network (perfectly preserved Palaeolithic footprints in a sand bank that led to the entrance of the nearby Niaux decorated cave)
A short film about the discovery and modern analysis of cave art
A model showing the extensive nature of the Niaux cave and Clastres networks, which are also linked to Lombrives (a geological show cave)
An evocative big-screen film showing outstanding French cave paintings/drawings/carvings, some no longer accessible to the public, brought to life
A 3D reproduction of a wall in the Marsoulas cave in the Haut-Garonne, where archaeologists have used infrared photography to recreate paintings that are no longer visible on the walls
Replicas of outstanding examples of decorated portable art (mostly of carved reindeer antler)
A large 3D reproduction of the Salon Noire in the Niaux cave, but with a difference: the images have been shown as they would have appeared before calcification and time caused them to deteriorate
Outdoors there are many practical demonstrations and hands on activities (not for children only!), such as: an archaeological excavation pit, a spear-throwing masterclass (using a propulseur or atlatl), a wall on which to paint your own parietal art using natural pigments, a fire-making and flint-knapping demonstration, a trail showing the imprints of 32 species of animal, a diorama of Magdalenian reindeer hunters and a sound labyrinth. Many of these are led by enthusiastic animateurs. There is a restaurant and gift shop on site selling local products, all overlooked by the gorgeous Roc de Sedour to the soothing sound of rushing water.
I enjoyed it so much I paid a return visit. It was very quiet both days, but even had it been busy, the extensive grounds probably wouldn't seem crowded. These were relaxing, thought-provoking days out, engaging with our early prehistoric past, which has left such a unique mark on this beautiful region. Highly recommended.
Written 6 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CSSnowshoer
New York City, NY3,810 contributions
Jul 2011 • Couples
We had a fabulous time at the park. We, two adults, first toured the more children oriented parts, but staff included us in the activites such as spear throwing and cave painting. Both were great fun. Then we ventured into the musuem. It is incredible. They give you headsets with whatever language you wish, and as you move through the exhibits you can listen to short or long explanations. We essentially listened to every word available. The exhibits are excellent. There is also a projection wall that shows not only French cave art but also compares it to rock art found all over the world. We ended up spending an entire afternoon at the park. We recommend it to anyone.
Written 6 July 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bonsoir, je souhaiterais connaître le tarif groupe seniors( 32 personnes) au mois de septembre 2022
Written 17 June 2022
What is disabled access like please. My daughter has a mobility scooter.
Want to take the grandchildren when they visit.
Many thanks.
Written 22 July 2018
Pete, The Prehistory Park is partially accessible for disabled people. The museum is totally okay and also the archeology. The rest of the park can be accessible but it is far from easy to go down the Park...
Written 25 July 2018
How long do you recommend staying here? We are taking the 1:30 tour of the cave. Would we have enough time in the morning to see this park beforehand?
Written 18 July 2017
Hello and thank you for answering us.
The visit of the park is during about 3 or 4 hours. You can visit the park the morning, visit the cave and return to the park after le cave if you want. It's possible. Just explain us at the ticket office!
Written 28 July 2017
Bonsoir,
On a opté pour le pass famille 2 parents + 2 enfants soit 32 € et 5, 30 par enfant supplémentaire.
Sinon c'est 6,90 de 5 à 12 ans et 8, 30 de 13 à 18 ans.
Il y a aussi une carte pour cumuler différentes visites avec des grottes (Lombrives et Labouiche) et avoir des tarifs préférentiels .... se renseigner à l'accueil car je n'ai pas tout en mémoire.
Voilà .... Bonnes vacances
Written 12 August 2016
We will be arriving by train - how far is it to the park from the train station, please?
Written 10 July 2016
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