The Prehistory Route
Regional Prehistory Museum
in Menton, meeting early humans
Prepare for a trip back in time to meet Homo erectus! The four neoclassical caryatids at the entrance set the scene for us. As soon as we step inside, we have fun moving through human historical milestones from one room to the next. The highlight of the tour: the incredible animal bone collection at Vallonnet Cave, one of Europe’s oldest prehistoric sites! The kids loved it. The underwater archaeology exhibition on the second floor thrilled the more adventurous among us. Next time we’re definitely signing up for the introductory classes.
The Grimaldi and Balzi Rossi Caves,
a 27,000 year old site
The Balzi Rossi Caves are a major prehistoric site and worth the trip over the Italian border in the hamlet of Grimaldi. Its beautiful bright pink cliffs dive into the sea! On-site you can visit the caves and neighbouring museum. Displays: statues, cave art, arrowheads, icons and other items presenting man’s everyday life 27,000 years ago. A unique adventure meeting the Cro-Magnons!
The Valley of Wonders,
Europe’s biggest outdoor museum
One of the biggest rock engravings sites in Europe peaks at an altitude of 2872m: the Valley of Wonders! Early man carved their signs and beliefs around Mont Bego 5000 years ago: 50,000 prehistoric engravings in a natural sanctuary deep in Mercantour National Park. Red and ochre slabs polished by glaciers stand next to lakes and rocky peaks. The Valley of Wonders is magical and secret: a sprawling land ripe for discovery! Visit between spring and autumn. Join a Park guided tour to get the most from the experience.
The Museum of Wonders,
once upon a time man
Travel back in time 5000 years! The Museum of Wonders tells the story of one of Europe’s biggest rock engravings sites: the Valley of Wonders. Step through the totem-style entrance adorned with primitive symbols and dive into an exciting presentation of everyday life in a playful exhibition. Children and adults will love travelling back in time with larger-than-life characters! An interactive and buzzing museum where you can unlock our valley’s mysteries and beliefs. This is the best way to round off a tour of the archaelogical site.
Early humans’ caves and shelters
in the hilltop villages
Abri Pendimoun in Castellar, at the foot of Roc d’Orméa, was a shelter for Neolithic people. Flint, polished stone axes, pottery fragments and human bones are just signs of life unearthed during excavations. The site isn’t open to visitors but, good news, there’s a free permanent Abri Pendimoun exhibition at Palais Lascaris in Castellar. A great excuse to take a break in Castellar, a real mountain village at the foot of the Alps!
