Comminges in Prehistory
the discovery of prehistory
The story of the discovery of prehistoric humans in Comminges begins in 1852, when Jean-Baptiste Bonnemaison found bones in a rabbit burrow.
The story begins not far from Aurignac, when he pulled bones from a rabbit burrow. Digging further, he discovered the entrance to a rock shelter containing a collective burial and the remains of extinct animals.
In 1860, the famous paleontologist Édouard Lartet discovered, scattered in the ashes of a hearth, knapped flint tools and reindeer antler tools; the remains of meals from a group gathered around the fire, and fragments of cave bear, mammoth, cave hyena, woolly rhinoceros… Édouard Lartet believed that a funerary meal was held at each burial.
This major discovery definitively proves the existence of prehistoric humans, beyond the few millennia described in the Bible. In 1906, after a heated scientific debate, Aurignac gave its name, becoming the eponym of the Aurignacian.
The site’s reputation grew, notably at the 1867 World’s Fair, where Lartet gave Aurignac pride of place by presenting the material found during the excavation.
In 1913, the Aurignac site became the eponymous site of the Aurignacian. The objects discovered there define the first material culture of modern humans in the Upper Paleolithic timeline, between 38,000 and 28,000 years ago.
The site was listed as a Historic Monument in 1921, then fell into obscurity until new excavations led by Fernand Lacorre in front of the shelter in 1938-1939. They confirmed two different occupations: one from the Aurignacian period and a more recent one from the Neolithic.
Many sites
No surprise that Comminges is full of prehistoric sites showing that humans have been here for a very long time
Nestled in fertile, welcoming plains within reach of the Pyrenees, countless hospitable shelters allowed prehistoric people to find refuge in Comminges. That’s why this area can now proudly showcase leading sites such as the Aurignac rock shelter and its museum, as well as the Gargas Cave. Just a short walk from Aurignac are the fascinating Save gorges, where the famous Venus of Lespugue was discovered.
Not to be missed: the museums of the Aurignacian and Montmaurin, and the Gargas and Nesploria caves, to learn more about Prehistory and take part in workshops, accompanied by researchers…
in the land of the Aurignacian
Opening period: February to December, Wednesday to Sunday, 2 PM to 6 PM (closed in January, May 1, November 1 and December 25).
Opening hours (school holidays): Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 6 PM.
Prices
- Adults (18+): €6
- Young people (under 18): Free
- Duo pass (2 adults): €10
Practical Information
- Two car parks are available.
- Picnic area on site.
For families
Play area for ages 0 to 5.
A small activity booklet will be given to each child—ideal so everyone can enjoy the visit!
Aurignacian Museum
Avenue de Benabarre – 31420 Aurignac
in Gravettian times
NESPLORIA : Opening period: every day from May to August, 10 AM to 5:30 PM (May 1 to July 4) and until 6 PM from July 5 to August 31.
Off-season, from September to April: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and throughout all school holidays.
GARGAS CAVES: The prehistoric caves of Gargas are subject to daily visitor quotas to preserve their treasures. For this reason, whatever the season, it is recommended to book your cave visit by phone at 05.62.98.81.50.
NESPLORIA prices
- Individual adult: €8.00
- Individual child: €5.00
- Individual student/disabled/unemployed: €6.50
- Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children): €22.00
- Additional child €3.50
- Adult group (10 people min) €5.50
- Child group (10 people min) €3.50
Cave prices
- In-depth visit, individual adult €17.00
- In-depth visit, group (+10 people) €14.00
- Night visit, individual adult €15.00
- Night visit, individual child €10.00
Practical Information
- A large car park is available.
- A restaurant nearby.
For families
Workshops are available for children by reservation, and a permanent exhibition “The Explorers of Prehistory”
NESPLORIA
Departmental road 261
65660 Aventignan
in the gorges
From May 1st to August 31
Museum: 10 AM – 6 PM
Villa Lassalles: 10 AM – 12:30 PM and 2 PM – 6 PM
Site closed on Mondays
From September 1st to April 30
Museum: 10 AM – 12:30 PM and 2 PM – 5:30 PM
Villa Lassalles: by reservation
Site closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Closed on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, November 11 and December 25.
Please note: last entry 45 minutes before closing.
Prices
Standard rate: €5
Free admission
- Under 18s
- 18-25 year olds (EU nationals and regular non-European residents in France)
- Disabled person and their companion
- Job seekers (on presentation of a certificate less than 6 months old)
- Education Pass (currently valid)
- The first Sunday of January, February, March, November and December
Practical Information
- Your ticket gives you access to the archaeological museum and Villa Lassalles (depending on the latter’s opening conditions). Please present it at the entrance to each site.
For families
Every Thursday during the school holidays, children can take part in a workshop. Discover ancient flavours, play hopscotch or latrunculi, make a clay pot… There’s something for everyone!
Each year, “Monument jeu d’enfant” (the 1st weekend of the autumn holidays) and “Contes et Histoires” (Christmas holidays) offer a family-friendly programme where young and old share unforgettable moments.
MONTMAURIN Museum
1 route de Blajan
31350 Montmaurin