Book your stay
Staying at our Verdon campsite, L’Oasis du Verdon, means treating yourself to a refreshing break of nature and discovery in the heart of Provence. Just 26 minutes by car (around 22.9 km) away, a journey through time awaits you: the Prehistory Museum of the Verdon Gorges. This unique site invites you on a fascinating exploration of the footsteps of the region’s earliest inhabitants. Get ready to travel back millions of years to understand the life of prehistoric humans in an exceptional natural setting. An enriching visit for the whole family, perfectly complementing your days spent discovering the surrounding landscapes.
The Prehistory Museum of the Verdon Gorges is located in Quinson, a charming village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Designed by renowned British architect Norman Foster, the building itself is a work of art, blending harmoniously into its natural surroundings. Its clean lines and spacious interiors beautifully showcase the outstanding collections it houses.
Set in the heart of the Verdon Regional Natural Park, the museum is an ideal starting point for understanding the interaction between humans and this spectacular environment over thousands of years. Its proximity to the famous Verdon Gorges makes it a must-see cultural stop during your stay in Provence. You will discover one of the largest prehistory museums in Europe, a benchmark in France and beyond.
The history of the Prehistory Museum of the Verdon Gorges is closely linked to the rich archaeological discoveries made in the region. For over a century, the many caves and rock shelters of the Verdon, including the famous Baume Bonne cave, have revealed invaluable evidence of almost continuous human occupation spanning nearly one million years.
The museum project was initiated under the guidance of Professor Henry de Lumley, a leading prehistorian, with the support of the CNRS and local authorities. It was conceived as a center for conservation, research and knowledge dissemination dedicated to this distant period. Meticulous excavations have made it possible to accurately reconstruct the lifestyles, techniques and environments of the human groups that once inhabited the gorges. Each object on display tells part of this long human story, from the first Paleolithic hunter-gatherers to the Neolithic farmers and herders and the Bronze Age.
A visit to the Prehistory Museum of the Verdon Gorges is designed as a true chronological immersion. From the moment you enter, you are transported through the ages. The clear and educational museum route is based on striking life-size reconstructions, including prehistoric campsites, hunting scenes and a faithful representation of the stratigraphy of the Baume Bonne cave.
You will admire an impressive collection of authentic artifacts uncovered during excavations: knapped flint tools, pottery, ornaments and animal bones from hunted species. Models, films and interactive displays further enhance the understanding of the different periods. The showcases present in detail the remains that illustrate the evolution of humans, their techniques and their art. Be sure to take a photo of the dioramas to keep a lasting memory of this journey into the past. The museum also explores the evolution of the Verdon landscape and its impact on prehistoric societies.
The Prehistory Museum of the Verdon Gorges does more than 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 holidays. Children can discover ancient techniques such as flint knapping, fire lighting without matches, cave painting and spear throwing with an atlatl. These hands-on workshops provide a deeper understanding of the gestures and daily life of our ancestors.
Themed guided tours are also available to explore specific aspects of prehistory in greater depth. The museum features an area dedicated to temporary exhibitions, ensuring renewed interest with each visit. For an even more immersive experience, ask about the possibility of visiting the nearby reconstructed prehistoric village or, depending on conditions and schedules, the Baume Bonne cave (generally by reservation and with supervision). The museum’s educational department offers a teaching approach that is particularly appreciated by families.
To plan your excursion to the Prehistory Museum of the Verdon Gorges from L’Oasis du Verdon:
Address: Musée de Préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon, Route de Montmeyan, 04500 Quinson, France.
Opening hours and days (please check the official website before your visit):
Admission fees (subject to change):
Parking: a large free parking area is available on site for cars and motorhomes.
Food and drink: a cafeteria or restaurant may be available on site or nearby in the village of Quinson. Please check the museum’s website for current options.
Official website: https://www.museeprehistoire.com/accueil
Accessibility: the museum holds the Tourisme & Handicap label for several types of disabilities, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Further details are available on their website.
Do not hesitate to contact the museum directly for any specific questions about your visit, especially for groups or workshops.
Your stay at our L’Oasis du Verdon campsite is the perfect opportunity to combine relaxation in nature with cultural discoveries. The Prehistory Museum of the Verdon Gorges, located just 26 minutes away, opens a window onto a distant and enlightening past. A visit that will undoubtedly enrich your holiday in Provence and leave you with lasting memories of human history in the Alps and the Verdon Gorges.
