Préhistosite des gorges du Verdon
Free open-air site on the banks of the Verdon, with reconstructed prehistoric dwellings and activities by reservation, near the Quinson museum.
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About the museum
The Préhistosite is an open-air area along the Verdon in Quinson, a few hundred metres from the Musée de Préhistoire des gorges du Verdon. It partly reproduces the reconstructions of the former prehistoric village that the commune and the Centre européen de recherches préhistoriques du Verdon had set up on the riverbank. The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department took part in its creation as part of the European INTERREG ALCOTRA PITEM PaCE programme.
The trail presents prehistoric dwellings from different periods. For the oldest, the reconstructions are based on traces found in the ground: postholes, arranged stones, hearths and flint flakes. As wood has not survived, these are proposals rather than certain copies.
Visitors can see the hut of Terra Amata, about 400,000 years old, the Pincevent tepee, the house of Charavine, the Cambous hut and a dolmen, which was a communal burial place and not a dwelling.
The site can be visited freely. Activities such as archery, spear-throwing and an area for mock excavations are offered to families and groups by reservation.
Highlights
- Reconstructed prehistoric dwellings on the banks of the Verdon
- Terra Amata hut, about 400,000 years old
- Pincevent tepee, Charavine house, Cambous hut
- Reconstructed dolmen
- Archery, spear-throwing and mock excavations by reservation
Permanent exhibition
- Habitats préhistoriques reconstitués – Open-air trail of dwellings from the Terra Amata hut to the dolmen, reconstructed from archaeological traces.
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Activity (archery, spear-thrower, mock excavation), adult | €5Reservation required. |
|---|---|
| Activity (archery, spear-thrower, mock excavation), child aged 6 to 17 | €4Reservation required. |
Visiting the site freely is free of charge; only the activities are paid.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
The activities are open to the whole family: archery, spear-throwing and mock excavations, with child rates from age 6. An orientation trail with a booklet is available at the museum reception.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking near the site, with access for coaches and drop-off for groups, according to the tourist office.
The site is about a 10-minute walk from the Musée de Préhistoire des gorges du Verdon, along the Verdon; follow the signs.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Public toilets and parking near the site, according to the tourist office.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Educational and guided visits, workshops and orientation trails by reservation; a trail booklet is available at the museum reception. The site welcomes groups, school classes and holiday centres. |
