Étiolles, a view from above

Once upon a time

The engraved pebble from Étiolles (3D)

Explore the site

The remains of Magdalenian camps at Étiolles have been perfectly preserved in deposits left by the flooding of the Seine. Their remarkable state of preservation has made it possible to gain a rare level of understanding of the way of life of these nomadic hunter-gatherers.

The Magdalenians in their camps

The high level of preservation of the archaeological levels at Étiolles enables us to understand the behaviour of Magdalenians in successive camps. It also allows us to make detailed comparisons of behaviour during different occupations. While much remained the same in successive camps, we can see subtle differences in the intensity of the activities of these nomadic groups and in the way they organised the spaces in which they lived.

The engraved pebble from Étiolles

While this object and its engraving may appear very modest, it can nonetheless be considered a major work from the end of prehistory thanks to its highly original subject.

More insights into the Magdalenian way of life

Near Étiolles and elsewhere in Europe there are other equally well-preserved sites which help further our understanding of Magdalenian culture.

Magdalenian sites of the Bassin parisien

Map of the Magdalenian sites identified and studied in the Basin parisien.

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