Prehistoric and Neanderthal remains at Paléosite in the Charente-Maritime
See what life was like for Neanderthal man and woman at the theme park Paléosite. This 10-hectare park at Saint-Césaire in the Charente-Maritime, is situated at the site of the 1979 archaeological dig where the fossilised remains of a young Neanderthal woman, nicknamed Pierrette, were found. Her discovery changed the way scientists viewed Neanderthals, now considered close relatives of humans who lived in Europe until 28,000 years ago.
The look at prehistoric life includes recreations of Neanderthal (and Homo Sapiens) villages with caves dwellings and animal skin teepees as well as cemeteries including that of woolly mammoths. There are also films which allow the visitor to ‘witness’ the Big Bang and see how life on earth began, as well as how Neanderthals lived.
You can visit the original Pierrette dig and see fossils collected at the site, as well as collections from other prehistoric digs plus recreations of long-dead animals such as the woolly mammoth and sabre-toothed tiger. Other exhibits explain the environment that Neanderthal and Homo Sapiens would have lived in, including the flora and fauna of the time.
Very popular are the interactive areas where you can test your strength arm-wrestling a virtual Neanderthal, collect virtual artefacts as if you are an archaeologist and see how far you can throw a spear. Perhaps the most fun of all is the program which allows you to morph your face into that of a Neanderthal – and you can take the picture home with you!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Allow about three hours for your visit.
Opening times:
Except during school holidays, the park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
January: closed
February/March: 10.30am-6.30pm (the ticket office is closed between 12.30pm-1.30pm and one hour before the park closes).
April-June: 10am-7pm (the ticket office is closed between 12.30pm-1.30pm and one hour before the park closes).
July & August: 10am-8pm non-stop
September: 10am-7pm (the ticket office is closed between 12.30pm-1.30pm and one hour before the park closes).
October-December: 10.30am-6.30pm (the ticket office is closed between 12.30pm-1.30pm and one hour before the park closes).
Tickets (2010 prices):
Adults : €10
Children 6-14 years : €6
Children under 5 : free
Family pass (two adults and two children aged 6-14): €26
Contact:
Paléosite
Route de la Montée Verte
17 770, Saint-Césaire
Charente-Maritime
Tel: 0810 130 134
Website: www.paleosite.fr