Cité de la Préhistoire

About the museum

The Cité de la Préhistoire is located on the protected site of the Aven d'Orgnac, next to the cave. Two remarkable archaeological sites are found there: Orgnac III, inhabited by the ancestors of the Neanderthals about 350,000 years ago and considered one of the oldest habitats in Europe, and the Baume de Ronze, visited from the Upper Palaeolithic onward and later used as a sheepfold by the first farmers.

The museum tells the everyday life of our ancestors over 350,000 years, from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Early Iron Age: the Pre-Neanderthals, the Neanderthal Man, then Homo sapiens, with the lifestyles of hunter-gatherers, followed by agriculture, livestock farming and metalworking. The visit combines genuine archaeological objects (bones, pottery, weapons, tools, portable art) with replicas from experimental archaeology, soundscapes, 3D animations, stuffed animals, life-size illustrations and models of scenes from everyday life.

The museum holds the “Musée de France” label thanks to collections of national interest, drawn from more than 1,800 archaeological sites in the Ardèche and northern Gard. It also houses a research and conservation centre, with a laboratory and a library, and a temporary exhibition is created every two years. An experimental dolmen, built between 2016 and 2019 using Neolithic techniques, stands in front of the building.

Highlights

• 350,000 years of prehistory, from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Early Iron Age
• Archaeological objects from the Ardèche and northern Gard
• Touch-screen excavation tables and prehistoric animations
• Experimental dolmen in front of the museum
• Can be combined with a guided visit of the Aven d'Orgnac cave
• Free admission on the first Sunday of the month

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente de la Cité de la Préhistoire – A journey through 350,000 years of prehistoric life, with archaeological objects, replicas, models, life-size illustrations and 3D animations.

Operated by

Régie municipale de la commune d'Orgnac-l'Aven (Grand Site de l'Aven d'Orgnac)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of every month.

The Pass Grand Site includes the guided visit of the cave and a self-guided visit of the Cité de la Préhistoire. The site accepts cash, bank cards, cheques and holiday vouchers; online ticketing is not compulsory. Related offers: Pass Ardèche, Pass Culture, Pass'Région, a joint rate with the Madeleine cave and a joint offer with Chauvet 2 and the Pont du Gard.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site indicates partial accessibility for people with disabilities, with an adapted rate. Dogs are not admitted, except guide dogs and small dogs carried in a bag.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Costumed family visit from age 5, workshops for children during the holidays, fire and prehistoric hunting demonstrations, touch-screen excavation tables, and a free treasure-hunt map available on request at the reception. Shaded play area with a slide, zip line and climbing spider.

Getting there & parking

The Grand Site of the Aven d'Orgnac is 15 km from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and 8 km from Barjac. The cave is at 2240 route de l'Aven and the Cité de la Préhistoire at 2130 route de l'Aven. The site holds the “Accueil Vélo” label.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

The Cité's bookshop, a local-products shop open from Easter to the All Saints' holidays, and a snack bar with a shaded terrace open all year during the same periods as the site, with free Wi-Fi. Play areas and picnic areas are freely accessible at no cost.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit