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Musée de la Préhistoire: Unveiling the Azilian Past

Explore prehistoric life and art at Musée de la Préhistoire in Le Mas-d'Azil, complementing the famous Grotte du Mas-d'Azil experience.

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Located in the heart of Le Mas-d'Azil, the Musée de la Préhistoire (Museum of Prehistory) complements the nearby Grotte du Mas-d'Azil, showcasing artifacts that illuminate the lives of prehistoric humans who inhabited the region. The museum's collection includes tools, weapons, and artwork, offering insights into the Azilian culture.

A brief summary to Musée de la Préhistoire

  • Monday 10:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-12:30 pm

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Grotte du Mas-d'Azil for a comprehensive prehistoric experience.
  • Check the museum's opening hours, as they may vary depending on the season.
  • Allow at least 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the museum's collections.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Musée de la Préhistoire is located on the Place de l'Église in the center of Le Mas-d'Azil, directly in front of the Église Saint-Étienne. From most points in the village, it is easily accessible on foot. Note that the walk from the Grotte du Mas-d'Azil to the museum is about 800 meters, following the river along the road. There is parking close to the museum.

  • Public Transport

    The liO bus network serves Le Mas-d'Azil. From the bus stop in the village, the Musée de la Préhistoire is a short walk. Check the liO Occitanie website for schedules and routes. A single ticket can be purchased on the bus.

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Discover more about Musée de la Préhistoire

The Musée de la Préhistoire in Le Mas-d'Azil offers a captivating journey into the prehistoric past of the Ariège region. Situated in the center of the village, facing the church, the museum serves as a vital extension to a visit to the Grotte du Mas-d'Azil, providing an ideal setting for examining numerous artifacts from the Azilian period. The museum's collection showcases the ingenuity and artistry of early humans, with a focus on items discovered in the Grotte du Mas-d'Azil. Among the highlights is the renowned 'Faon aux oiseaux' (fawn with birds), a Magdalenian spear thrower carved from reindeer antler, considered a masterpiece of Paleolithic art. Visitors can also marvel at the Magdalenian skull, the only human remain found in the Mas-d'Azil cave, presented alongside its scientific reconstruction. The museum also features an extensive collection of Azilian painted pebbles and microliths. The museum's exhibits are spread across three levels, with temporary exhibitions on the ground floor and permanent collections on the upper floors. The first room displays a chronological arrangement of prehistoric objects found in the Grotte du Mas-d'Azil: weapons, tools and sculpted art. The second room exhibits painted pebbles characteristic of the Azilian.

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