Discover the Gorges du Verdon Prehistory Museum near your campground

A stay at our campground in the Verdon, L’Oasis du Verdon, is a chance to enjoy a break surrounded by nature and full of discoveries in the heart of Provence. Just a 26-minute drive (about 22.9 km) away, a journey through time awaits you: the Gorges du Verdon Museum of Prehistory. This unique site invites you on a fascinating journey in the footsteps of the region’s earliest inhabitants.

Get ready to travel back in time—millions of years—to learn about the lives of prehistoric humans in a stunning setting. This enriching experience for the whole family is the perfect way to round out your days exploring the surrounding landscapes.

Overview and Geographic Location

The Gorges du Verdon Prehistory Museum stands proudly in Quinson, a charming village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Designed by the renowned British architect Norman Foster, the building itself is a work of art, blending harmoniously into the landscape. Its clean lines and spacious interiors showcase the exceptional collections it houses.

Located in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, the museum is an ideal starting point for understanding the interaction between humans and this spectacular natural environment over the past millennia. Its proximity to the famous Verdon Gorge makes it an unmissable cultural stop during your stay in Provence. You’ll discover one of Europe’s largest museums of prehistory, a leading institution in France and beyond.

A Journey Through the Ancient History of the Verdon

The history of the Gorges du Verdon Museum of Prehistory is closely linked to the rich archaeological discoveries made in the region. For over a century, the numerous caves and rock shelters of the Verdon, including the famous Baume Bonne Cave, have yielded treasures that bear witness to continuous human occupation spanning nearly a million years.

It was under the leadership of Professor Henry de Lumley, a distinguished prehistorian, that the plan for this museum took shape, with support from the CNRS and local authorities. It was conceived as a center for the preservation, research, and dissemination of knowledge about this distant period. Methodical excavations have made it possible to accurately reconstruct the lifestyles, techniques, and environment of the human groups that successively inhabited the gorges. Each object on display tells a story of this long human journey, from the first Paleolithic hunter-gatherers to the Neolithic and Bronze Age farmers and herders.

Museum Tour: What Awaits You at the Museum

A visit to the Gorges du Verdon Museum of Prehistory is designed to be a true chronological journey. From the moment you enter, you are transported through the ages. The museum’s clear and educational exhibition is based on striking, life-size reconstructions: prehistoric camps, hunting scenes, and even a faithful representation of the stratigraphy of the Baume Bonne Cave.

You can admire an impressive collection of authentic artifacts discovered during the excavations: flint tools, pottery, jewelry, and the bones of animals that were hunted.

Models, films, and interactive displays help visitors better understand the different periods. The display cases showcase, in detail, the artifacts that illustrate the evolution of humankind, its technologies, and its art.

Be sure to take a photo of the dioramas to remember this journey into the past. The museum also explores the evolution of the Verdon landscape and its impact on prehistoric societies.

Activities for Young and Old

The Gorges du Verdon Prehistory Museum does more than just display collections; it brings prehistory to life and makes it accessible to everyone, especially children. Numerous activities and workshops are offered throughout the year, particularly during school breaks (Zones A, B, and C, depending on the period). Your children can try their hand at ancient techniques: flint knapping, starting a fire without matches, cave painting, and even spear-throwing.

These hands-on workshops provide a better understanding of the daily lives and activities of our ancestors. Themed guided tours are also organized to explore certain aspects of prehistory in greater depth. The museum also features a space dedicated to temporary exhibitions, ensuring that a visit remains engaging. For an even more immersive experience, ask about the option to visit the nearby reconstructed prehistoric village or, depending on conditions and schedules, the Baume Bonne cave (usually by reservation and with a guide). The museum’s cultural workshop offers an educational program that is very popular with families.

Practical Information for Your Visit

To plan your trip to the Gorges du Verdon Museum of Prehistory from L’Oasis du Verdon:

Address: Gorges du Verdon Prehistory Museum, Route de Montmeyan, 04500 Quinson, France.

Hours and days of operation (please check the official website before your visit)

February–March: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays (except during Zone B school breaks).
April–June: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays (except during Zone B school breaks).
July–August: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Open daily.
September: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays.
October – December 15: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays (except during Zone B school breaks).
Annual closure, generally from December 16 through late January/early February. Last admission is usually one hour before closing.

Prices ( check the official website for any updates)

Adult: €8.00
Children ages 6 to 18: €6.00
Children under 6: free
Reduced rate (job seekers, students): €6.00
Family package (2 adults + 2 children): €22.00
Additional child (with family pass): €3.00

Additional Information

Parking: A large, free parking lot is available on site for cars and RVs.

Dining: A cafeteria or restaurant may be available on site or nearby in the village of Quinson. Check the museum’s website for options.

Official website: https://www.museeprehistoire.com/accueil

Accessibility: The museum has been awarded the “Tourisme & Handicap” certification for several types of disabilities, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Details are available on their website.

Please feel free to contact the museum directly with any specific questions about your visit, particularly regarding groups or workshops.

Your stay at our campground, L’Oasis du Verdon, will be the perfect opportunity to combine relaxation in the great outdoors with cultural exploration. The Gorges du Verdon Prehistory Museum, located just 26 minutes away, offers a window into a distant and fascinating past. A visit there is sure to enrich your vacation in Provence and leave you with lasting memories of human history in the Alps and the Gorges du Verdon.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Salernes