Palaentology in the Languedoc

A number of important finds have been made in the Languedoc-Roussillon Region. Here are some of the more notable ones:

Le parc de l'art préhistorique:  Tarascon-sur-Ariège. Here you can discover the prehistoric art of the Magdalenians who lived in this area some 15,000 years ago.  There is a reconstruction of the cave at Niaux.  Children can take part in a number of workshops covering skills like spear throwing and cave cave painting.  You can also visit a prehistoric village.

Tautavel. (Pyrénées-Orientales)  A human skull some 450,000 years old was discovered in the Argo cave, on the slopes above the village of Tautaval (along the D117, 30km northwest of Perpignan).  The village now has a large museum (Musée de la Préhistoire), which is well worth seeing. Reserve at least half a day.  For more click here.

Espéraza. (Aude)  Dinosaur bones and eggs, some unique to this area. Visit a unique museum and a real dig. Volunteer to help. For more click here.

"La plaine des Dinosaures"   In 1996 a huge site of paleontological interest was discovered in the region of Mèze.   Numerous dinosaur eggs and bones have been unearthed there.   The site is now world famous.  Excavations still continue.

In the middle of the site is a museum/park which recounts the history of Dinosaurs from their origin to their extinction.  It is suitable for all ages.  A route is marked out with reconstructed skeletons.  At the end of the course, in a small valley, you come to the excavation site, where you can see the Dinosaur nests with the eggs still in them.  (Conducted tours in July and August). Musée-Parc "La plaine des Dinosaures"
Domaine de la Grande Marquise RN 113,   34140 - Mèze,   Tel +33 (0)4 67 43 02 80,   Fax : +33 (0)4 67 43 03 65

Belesta, (Pyrénées-Orientales). Prehistoric Museum. Life in Neolithic times, reconstitutions of graves, pottery, etc. Tel +33 (0)4 68 84 51 06

Click on the following link for a summary of the main geological Period, Epochs and Ages