Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil

Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil is as wonderful as it is to pronounce. This is where pre-history meets the modern world. The stone age rock paintings are here (not that we saw them and you only get to see a fake version anyways, so we were told) as is the rock dwellings of our ancestors from over 40,000 years ago. Some of the most important paleolithic finds have been made in the Vezere valley. Today it is a functioning farming community that continues to live amongst the rock and cliff faces with tourism a major factor during the warmer months. The Vezere is a popular canoeing destination so there are canoeing spots everywhere

The sandstone cliffs of the valley proved to be excellent spaces to carve and build all sorts of buildings. Many being built under the overhangs of the cliffs and this also proved to add significant value to security levels and forts together with other armament buildings were built along the valley edges.

A snug fit

Cheaper building costs with tiles only required on one side

We think this may be the primary school, snugly wedged in and under the cliff. Whatever it is its an amazing feat of design and construction. 

The local church at Les Eyzies. Economising by making it a church and fort all in the one building. You could pick off your enemy and pray for absolution all in a days work. Peace and religion at work again!!

We stopped along the river at a village called Campagne after walking through Les Eyzies and had lunch in a wonderful little hotel opposite the gates of Château de Campagne. Pork rillettes; delicious.

Château de Campagne. The Gates were open to the surrounding parc so we took the opportunity to wander around. It was the closest we were going to get to a château any time on this trip

It has been completely renovated from 2008 to 2014. Someone has spent a huge amount of money on this building. Im guessing it hasn't looked this good since the 12th century. It is now owned by the department of Dordogne and is the International Centre of Prehistory. 

And, if course, with a château comes the outbuildings. Thus is the extensive stable, servants quarter and storage areas. Also renovated. There are big plans here. 

At the gate of the château us the delightful little village church. 

I couldn't resist this. If Mary gave birth to a baby this big she deserves all the praise she can get. At least it's a better option than the can of Red Bull in the Toulouse cathedral