Discovering the Musée de Préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon
Published on 20/01/2025 by CAMPASUN
For over half a century, the Verdon has been revealing its archaeological wonders. With over 60 excavated sites, the Musée de préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon offers an immersion into the history of our ancestors, with fascinating objects and discoveries that bear witness to life through the ages. If you’re passionate about ancient history and prehistory, this museum is a must-see in the region. You can also extend your experience by staying at one of our campsites in the heart of the Verdon, to take full advantage of the beauty and history of this unique destination.
Prehistory Museum of the Gorges du Verdon
Upon entering the Musée de Préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon, visitors are plunged into a prehistoric world with an impressive collection of fossils and reconstructions. A mammoth, a saber-toothed tiger, a megaceros, a woolly rhinoceros and a reindeer are the museum’s first “visitors”.
The museum features a permanent exhibition devoted to archaeological research in the region. Hundreds of original carved stones, tools, weapons, ceramics and ornaments are on display, providing an insight into the lives of our ancestors. The exhibits are organized into 20 areas, ranging from the formation of the Verdon to the Roman conquest. Explanatory panels, maps, models and films enhance the experience, and interactive consoles take you even further into the past.
You can also discover temporary exhibitions such as “Idoles Néolithiques de Provence”, which focuses on the region’s stelae, fascinating testimonies to Neolithic spirituality.
La Grotte de la Baume Bonne
Just a 1h15 hike from the Musée de préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon, the Grotte de la Baume Bonne is an emblematic site, listed as a historic monument, where traces of man date back over 400,000 years. Along the way, you can discover local fauna such as lavender and thyme, and admire spectacular panoramic views over the Quinson plain and the Gorges du Verdon.
The cave offers a veritable stratigraphy of human history. Traces left by Neanderthals, such as stonework and fireplaces, testify to their mastery of fire, while more recent objects, such as assegai points and ceramics, illustrate the evolution of human techniques over the millennia.
The reconstructed village
Between the parking lot and the Musée de préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon, the reconstructed village reveals how our ancestors lived in different eras. Dwellings such as the Terra Amata hut, the Pincevent teepee and the Bronze Age house offer a glimpse of the diversity of habitats through the ages. These buildings, faithfully reconstructed from archaeological data, show how man has adapted to his environment over time. You’ll discover how Paleolithic hunter-gatherers lived in temporary shelters, and how the first agricultural societies of the Neolithic built more solid dwellings.
Practical info
The Musée de préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon is open every day except Tuesday (except during zone B vacations and in July and August), with opening times adapted to the season. Prices are as follows:
- 8€ for adults
- Reduced rate of €6 for young people aged 6 to 18, students, jobseekers, RSA recipients, disabled people and Museum Pass holders.
- Family package at €22 (2 adults + 2 children), €3 per additional child
- Free admission for children under 6
Opening hours :
- February to March : 10h – 18h
- April to June : 10h – 19h
- July to August : 10h – 20h
- September : 10h – 19h
- October to December : 10h – 18h
*Subject to change, please check the official website.
Our campsites in the Verdon
To extend your discovery, why not stay at one of our Verdon campsites? Each of our sites offers an exceptional natural setting, close to the most beautiful places to explore.
- Camping International à Aups : Located just 650 m from the village of Aups, this campsite lets you discover the Gorges du Verdon while enjoying a quiet, pleasant pitch. Ideal for families and nature lovers, it’s open from April to September.
- Camping de l’Aigle à Aiguines: This campsite offers breathtaking views of Lac de Sainte-Croix and is 40km from the Musée de préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon. Open from April to September, it’s perfect for a holiday combining relaxation and exploration of prehistory.
- Camping Étang de la Bonde : Located in the Vaucluse region, just a few kilometers from the Gorges du Verdon, this campsite offers direct access to the lake and a peaceful setting for your vacation. Open from April to September, it offers a wide range of activities for the whole family.
All our campsites offer modern facilities and proximity to the region’s must-see natural and cultural sites. So you can make the most of your discoveries while enjoying the comfort and friendliness of our accommodation.
