The Parc de la Préhistoire at Tarascon-sur-Ariège
The Parc de la Préhistoire at Tarascon-sur-Ariège – a trip back to Magdalenian times
The Parc de la Préhistoire at Tarascon-sur-Ariège takes visitors way back in time to the era of our Magdalenian ancestors, 14,000 years ago ! Take a new look at prehistoric man, his way of life and his art through discovery workshops and games. A great day out for all the family !
The Giants of the Ice Age is an experience featuring life-size models of animals covering the period from 30,000 years BC to 10,000 years BC. It is a super way to discover the environment in which our ancestors lived in a 500m² space with life-size models of animals and their habitats : cave lions, steppe bison and mammoths ! Stroll through the landscape of a reconstituted glacial steppe and use your imagination to experience a unique meeting with extremely realistic beasts ! At the end of the visit, the Défi des Géants is a fun challenge to measure you strength against that of the Giants. One thing is sure – you will certainly be blown away by your visit !
The Grand Atelier is a unique way to discover prehistoric art ! This museum is a real heritage centre for cave painting, its themes and techniques. Enter the gloomy cave to see films, models, replicas of the caves at Niaux and Marsoulas, the likes of which you have never seen before. Make the most of an audio guide to discover the Late Stone Age treasures of France and Ariège at your own pace. Watch the new film « DANS LES YEUX DE CRO-MAGNON (through the eyes of Cro-Magnon man) » which recounts the life of cave dwellers of that period. Audio guides are available in 6 languages (French, English, Spanish, Catalan, German and Dutch) including ones for children.
A Prehistoric Park for children
Various fun workshops for children take place in a covered area. They include : « La grotte aux bisons (the bisons’ cave) » - drawing by the light of tallow lamps in the replica of a cave; « la vie du campement préhistorique (life in a prehistoric settlement) » - learn how to shape flints and light fires; « l’atelier de la chasse (hunting workshop)» -introduction to spear-throwing, the weapon used by the Magdalenians; « l’atelier d’archéologie (archaeology workshop)» - take part in excavation work at a replica of an archaeological site to learn how archaeologists work. All these activities last for 30 minutes, except archaeology which lasts an hour.
Also at the Parc de la Préhistoire
The restaurant at the Parc de la Préhistoire has panoramic views of the park’s lakes and waterfalls. Enjoy fine classic dishes with a contemporary touch in an exceptional setting. The restaurant has been run by the same chef for 20 years and has forged a great reputation for quality food at reasonable prices. In keeping with gastronomic traditions of Ariège, quality local produce is used wherever possible in a large choice of quick and gourmet menus. The restaurant also organises wedding receptions, events and seminars to order.
Useful information :
For information and bookings, ring 05 61 05 10 10. Open April - November. Shop, kennel, picnic area, play park. Guided tours. Free car park. Car park for motor homes. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Situated approximately 1 hour from Toulouse via A66 and 1 hour from Carcassonne."
