Parc de la Préhistoire – Tarascon 
Parc de la Préhistoire – Tarascon
What a fascinating place this is. It is set in a truly magnificent location too.
On entering the park you are encouraged to realise just how far back in time the art work at Niaux was painted in the caves as you walk a long time line on the entrance footpath. There are a number of artificial lakes and waterfalls which are great fun for the children. Then the visitor can pass down the “torrent des traces” which includes a siphon and footprints of both humans and animals.
After walking down a small slope you come upon an area where you can practise hurling a spear with a throwing stick. You then see a panorama which explains a typical prehistoric hunt. After that you approach a musical maze. Visitors can have a go at wall painting, watch demonstrations of flint dressing and fire making and walk into hide tents. There is also an area where archaeological digging is explained.
But for me the most important part of the parc is the atelier – a museum where you pick up a set of headphones at the entrance and these enable you to hear, in the language of your choice, recorded information at each section. This gives visitors excellent background information on prehistoric art and sculpture. Personally I would recommend visiting this park first if you are planning to go to the cave at Niaux (do remember you need to book to go down the cave as the number of visitors is limited – phone 05 61 05 10 10 to book for the cave)
I would say that the parc is suitable for young children e.g. 7+ but the cave I would suggest 10+. I'd be grateful to hear views of parents on this.
http://www.sesta.fr/parc-de-la-prehistoire.html
Inside the church you will see a horseshoe arch separating the nave from the altar. This is typically Visigothic. All the experts agree that the capitals above the pillars holding it, are Visigothic. The pillars themselves are “antique marble re-used.” Maybe even Roman. So it sounds to me that the church, maybe much smaller, existed in the 8th century and was renovated several times, obviously. The last one was done in 1853 – see the date above the arch.
Outside is a tiny graveyard. Standing in it one sees clearly the Romanesque style of the doors and windows. I believe the door on the left was not the original entrance – that would have been where is now the road, for the church was orientated west-east, as Visigothic churches always were. One entered St. Martin des Puits and saw that lovely arch straight ahead, and the frescoes.
