In Brassempouy, the trail from archaeological collections and a famous find leads to reconstructions and practical demonstrations. The PréhistoSite Museum presents finds from excavations at the Grottes du Pape and casts of prehistoric statuettes. At the archaeological site itself, visitors can join guided tours led by cultural interpreters. The ArchéoParc complements these insights with life-size reconstructions and activities focused on prehistoric techniques.

Grottes du Pape and the “Dame à la capuche”

The Grottes du Pape are among the few sites in Europe that showcase all the major cultures of the Upper Paleolithic, from the Châtelperronian to the Magdalenian. Their occupation layers span more than 30,000 years of human history. This broad time span gives the site its distinctive archaeological context: the sequence covers several major cultures of the Paleolithic.

One of the statuettes displayed as a cast at the PréhistoSite is the “Dame à la capuche.” It is considered one of the most famous works of Paleolithic art. It was discovered in 1894 by Édouard Piette and Joseph de Laporterie in the Grotte du Pape in Brassempouy, together with four other statuettes made of mammoth ivory. The account of the discovery identifies the place, discoverers and material as specifically as the work itself. At the museum, you can see a cast of the statuette; the archaeological site provides context for its discovery.

Reconstructions and techniques at the ArchéoParc

The ArchéoParc features life-size reconstructions of prehistoric dwellings and animals. They offer visitors vivid models of prehistoric habitats, while the demonstrations focus on individual crafts and techniques. Cultural interpreters demonstrate fire-making and flint knapping there every day. Visitors can also try prehistoric hunting with a spear-thrower.

The attractions have different focuses: the museum highlights collections and statuettes, the Grottes du Pape the archaeological site and its long history of habitation, and the ArchéoParc reconstructions and hands-on insights. This makes it easier to decide what you are most interested in for your visit: the history of the finds, a guided tour of the site, or demonstrations and hands-on activities. Guided tours led by cultural interpreters are available at the archaeological site; access details may vary seasonally. It is therefore a good idea to check the latest tour information before your visit.

Further insights into the museum and landscape

The PréhistoSite Museum has an educational area designed for children. It includes a reconstruction of a prehistoric habitat where children can touch and examine objects and natural materials. This area has a distinct focus: alongside viewing archaeological collections, visitors can explore hands-on. The offering is specifically designed for children.

The landscape is also part of what the place has to offer: the roof terrace of a museum provides sweeping views across the Chalosse. Brassempouy therefore offers both specific archaeological themes and views of the surrounding landscape. When planning your stay, you can weigh up these different options: the site’s long time span, the story of the “Dame à la capuche,” demonstrations at the ArchéoParc, or the educational area designed for children.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Créon-D'armagnac, Saint-Paul-En-Born, Pécorade, Lit-Et-Mixe, Sabres, Bas-Mauco, Arthez-d'Armagnac, Poyanne.

For the broader travel overview: Landes.