Abri du Poisson
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Abri du Poisson

5
·1 reviews·Les Eyzies, France

Discover Abri du Poisson, a prehistoric rock shelter featuring a rare and ancient carving of a salmonid fish, a unique piece of Paleolithic art.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Essential for viewing

CrowdLow
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Abri du Poisson

Abri du Poisson

Best Time

Daylight hours

Essential for viewing

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Abri du Poisson, a prehistoric rock shelter featuring a rare and ancient carving of a salmonid fish, a unique piece of Paleolithic art.

5
(1 reviews)

"A rarity in rock art, this ancient salmon carving offers a unique glimpse into prehistoric symbolism."

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TIP

Combine with Nearby Sites

Abri du Poisson is one of many prehistoric wonders in the Vézère Valley. Explore others like Grotte de Rouffignac!

Check the Weather

This is an outdoor site, so plan your visit around good weather for the best experience. :cloud:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Salmonid Carving

The Salmonid Carving

A rare and ancient rock carving of a fish, offering a unique glimpse into prehistoric art and symbolism.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Abri du Poisson is an outdoor prehistoric site, so check weather forecasts before you go. Visiting during daylight hours is essential to appreciate the rock carving. Consider combining your trip with nearby prehistoric sites in the Vézère Valley for a fuller experience.

Understanding the Site

This is not a cave with extensive interiors, but an open-air rock shelter featuring a unique carving of a salmonid. Manage expectations: it's a singular piece of art, not a sprawling complex. Its significance lies in its rarity and prehistoric artistry.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Essential for viewing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Les eyzies and the Vezere-Valley - Dordogne - France.. in this video, I forgot to point out: Grotte de Rouffingac (which is up the hill behind Abri du poisson) also, Abri Pataud (in central Les Eyzies) Grotte Bernifal and Abri du Cap Blanc (which are both down the road after Font de Gaume) ... This is a wonderland of prehistorical sites; not to mention the scores of exceptional castles and limitl...
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120 likes • 3.2K views

Combine with Nearby Sites

Abri du Poisson is one of many prehistoric wonders in the Vézère Valley. Explore others like Grotte de Rouffignac! TikTok

Check the Weather

This is an outdoor site, so plan your visit around good weather for the best experience. :cloud:

Manage Expectations

It's a singular, unique carving, not a large cave complex. Appreciate its rarity! :gem:

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Tips

from all over the internet

Combine with Nearby Sites

Abri du Poisson is one of many prehistoric wonders in the Vézère Valley. Explore others like Grotte de Rouffignac! TikTok

Check the Weather

This is an outdoor site, so plan your visit around good weather for the best experience. :cloud:

Manage Expectations

It's a singular, unique carving, not a large cave complex. Appreciate its rarity! :gem:

What Travellers Say

5
(1 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors highlight the unique and rare nature of the salmonid rock carving, offering a distinct glimpse into prehistoric art. While not an extensive site, its singularity and historical significance are greatly appreciated by those interested in ancient human creativity.

"I can't comment since I haven't visited it. Just check out their website, but I have no doubt I'll travel there next spring. It's a rarity, as it's a rock carving of a salmonid, something almost unique in rock art."

Ricardo Augusto

What People Like

Unique salmon carving
Rare prehistoric art
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Small, singular site

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Abri du Poisson is located in the Vézère Valley, near Les Eyzies. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's best accessed by car. Many visitors combine it with other prehistoric sites in the region, which are often signposted. TikTok

It's an open-air site, so look for signage indicating its presence. It's often mentioned in conjunction with other Vézère Valley attractions. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

As an open-air rock shelter, Abri du Poisson typically does not require tickets for viewing the carving. It's often accessible as part of exploring the natural landscape. Always check local tourist information for any potential changes. :ticket:

Since it's an outdoor site, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times like a museum. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally permitted at Abri du Poisson as it's an outdoor site. However, always be respectful of the natural environment and any other visitors. :camerawithflash:

The carving is best viewed in good natural light. Consider the angle of the sun to highlight the details of the ancient artwork. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by prehistory, Abri du Poisson is a must-see. It's a key site within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vézère Valley, often referred to as the 'Valley of Mankind.' While not as extensive as some other caves, its unique salmon carving offers a distinct piece of the prehistoric puzzle. TikTok

Consider visiting in conjunction with other nearby sites like the Grotte de Rouffignac or the National Prehistory Museum in Les Eyzies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the region's rich archaeological heritage. This allows for a deeper appreciation of the context in which the Abri du Poisson carving was created. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of the Salmonid Carving

The Abri du Poisson is renowned for its unique prehistoric rock carving of a salmonid fish. This artwork, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, is exceptionally rare in the context of cave art. Unlike many other prehistoric sites that feature grander cave paintings or more complex engravings, Abri du Poisson presents a singular, striking image that has captivated archaeologists and visitors for its simplicity and profound artistic expression. Its preservation as an open-air site adds to its unique character. TikTok

The carving's importance lies not only in its age but also in its subject matter. Fish motifs are less common than animal depictions like bison or horses in Paleolithic art, making this salmonid a significant find. It offers insights into the diet, beliefs, and artistic capabilities of early humans who inhabited the Vézère Valley tens of thousands of years ago. The precise meaning or symbolism behind the carving remains a subject of scholarly debate, adding an element of mystery to its allure. TikTok

Visiting Abri du Poisson provides a tangible connection to our ancient past. It's a testament to the enduring human drive for artistic creation and symbolic representation, even in the most basic of shelters. The site encourages contemplation on the lives of our ancestors and their relationship with the natural world. TikTok

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