Paleontology and Archeology

CHATELPERRON - Prehistorama “Between Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon”

Following the discovery of the shelter in the Fairy Cave in the 19th century and the Neanderthals who lived there 42,000 years ago, Châtelperron gave its name to the Châtelperronian culture. Through fun and educational scenographic reconstructions, video sequences detailing the different sizes of flint tools and the exhibition of various objects, Préhistorama retraces the daily lives of these men. The archaeological adventure promises many surprises!

GANNAT - Paléopolis

Located on a natural site offering an exceptional panorama of the Limagne plain, this theme park allows you to travel through the history of life through exhibitions, digital animations and educational workshops. For a day or more, young and old are invited to immerse themselves in the most fabulous of stories. Emotions guaranteed.

Animation :

Throughout the season :
“The hidden face of Lucy” – Escape Game

This ESCAPE GAME will take place in the office of Yves Coppens, eminent scientist with world renown, discoverer of the most famous australopithecus. Players are invited to solve puzzles linked to a secret held by the famous paleoanthropologist. The part will revolve around the study of hominins and their evolution with a view to discovering this emblematic fossil. ESCAPE GAME level: Intermediate.

New in 2025 – The Return of the Giants
In 2025, Paléopolis Park will welcome five large animated sculptures of prehistoric animals:
Three dinosaurs: an ankylosaurus, a gallimimus, and a 30-meter-long diplodocus! A marine reptile: the mosasaur, and a flying reptile: the Quetzalcoatlus
A return of the Giants promises a wow factor, in addition to all the other dinosaurs present in Dinosaur Valley at Paléopolis Park!

In May:
* Saturday, May 24 – From 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. // Nature Festival – “Flight”
Discover flying animals, both past and present, and embark on an unforgettable evening combining games, quizzes, a creative workshop, a show, and scientific discoveries!
During this evening, you will be able to:
– Explore the fascinating world of bats: understand their role in the ecosystem and detect their sounds using specialized equipment.
– Create and imagine chimeras inspired by prehistoric flying reptiles, while learning about some modern species that resemble them.
– Protect the birds in our gardens by making adapted bird feeders.
– Understand the diversity of flying animals through an educational and interactive quiz.
– Observe and experience nature in a different way during a nighttime lighting trail. A unique, fun, and friendly evening, perfect for young and old alike who are curious to learn more about the nature that surrounds us! A FREE evening for everyone.

In July and August
* Starting Wednesday, July 16 – Until 11:00 p.m. // Summer Nights – “Light Exploration”
Starting Wednesday, July 16 and every Wednesday throughout the summer until August 20, PALEOPOLIS transforms into a magical universe bathed in light and sound, from nightfall until 11:00 p.m.! Stroll along the illuminated paths and let yourself be guided by the magic of the lights!
* Saturday, August 8 // Starry Night
The Starry Night at Paléopolis is an exceptional evening, allowing you to observe the sky in a natural setting without light pollution (among dinosaurs)! The evening will be hosted by the ASSOCIATION ASTRONOMIE LOISIRS SERBANNES – Reservations required.
* Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 // Paleontology Festival – Festi’Pal
FESTI’PAL is back for its 4th edition! The summer event not to be missed!
Dinosaur fans or pop culture enthusiasts? Come learn more about the lost worlds of the past and the profession of paleontologist, with numerous exhibitors and activities that will amaze young and old alike!

In October:
* Saturday, October 4 – From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. // Science Festival

NERIS-LES-BAINS - Gallo-Roman Museum

The Néris-les-Bains Museum presents Gallo-Roman remains from excavations conducted in the town since the 19th century, as well as objects from the private collections of local scholars. Located near the Romanesque church and the Merovingian necropolis, this museum complements the presentation of the town’s cultural heritage. It evokes the Gallo-Roman past through sculptures, inscriptions, pottery, and funerary objects, which reveal the world of public and domestic life of the town’s inhabitants in Antiquity. Temporary painting exhibitions complement the permanent Gallo-Roman collections.