Teyjat: Discover Prehistory and Architectural History

Those interested in prehistory and historic buildings will find a range of things to explore in Teyjat: prehistoric engravings and archaeological sites, a museum space about life at the end of the Palaeolithic, and the Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens. Each has a different focus: the museum illustrates an era, the sites point to archaeological evidence, and the church has a long architectural history. There are also named trails, each with its own characteristics.

Prehistoric Evidence

The Grotte de Teyjat contains more than 40 rock engravings from the Magdalenian period, created around 11,500 years ago. The Grotte de la Mairie was classified as a decorated cave by decree on 4 April 1910. It is closed to visitors for reasons of heritage conservation. If you are planning a visit at a later date, check locally to see whether this restriction has changed.

Behind Teyjat church is the Abri Mège, a Palaeolithic archaeological site that was also inhabited during the Magdalenian period. A perforated baton depicting a horse and three small figures known as “Diablotins” was found there. Another discovery is a decorated bone pin featuring animal depictions. The sites have different archaeological focuses: rock engravings take centre stage at the Grotte de Teyjat, while the Abri Mège is known for its actual finds.

Museum and Church Architecture

The Espace Muséographique Pierre Bourrinet illustrates the lives of hunter-gatherers at the end of the Palaeolithic. It features photographs, videos, and reproductions of exceptional archaeological objects. This portrayal of their way of life complements individual archaeological finds with a broader view of the era. An individual visit takes an average of 45 minutes. This is a practical time estimate to help you plan your trip.

The Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens was built from the 12th century onwards and remodelled several times up to the beginning of the 20th century. Its architectural history therefore spans many centuries and includes repeated alterations. The church can be visited independently; check locally for current visitor arrangements before your trip.

Circular Walks and Trail Features

The “le bourg – le Forestier – Chez Gourjout” walk is a short circular route of just over four kilometres. It passes through the centre of Teyjat to prehistoric sites and the hamlets of Le Forestier and Chez Gourjout. This gives you a clear idea of both the distance and the various points of interest: the village centre, archaeological sites, and the two hamlets.

The Boucle de Teyjat crosses a stream via a small stone bridge. The two routes therefore differ in the features highlighted: the Promenade is defined by its length and destinations, while the Boucle is notable for its crossing over the stream. Together, they offer different ways to consider a route based on its length, course, or a specific landscape feature.

Discover more destinations: Augignac, Monpazier, Villefranche-Du-Périgord, Cornille, Plaisance, Mayac, Saint-Pardoux-La-Rivière, Cunèges.

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.