As part of the European Archaeology Days, the Essonne Department exceptionally opens the doors of its Étiolles archaeological site, a true "Pompeii of Prehistory". A unique immersion in the heart of a 15,000-year-old Magdalenian camp.
Through site exploration, collection discoveries, workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, children and adults are invited to step into the shoes of an archaeologist and discover the daily life of these nomadic groups who once settled along the banks of the Seine.
A friendly day to understand and explore the technologies, tools, and artifacts of Prehistory.
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM – Free entry and activities.
With the Arkeomedia Association:

Program
Cro-Mignon Corner: Storytelling and games
Continuous from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM – Free participation
Exhibition: 50 Years of Excavations in Étiolles
Continuous from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM – Free participation
Discovery of Works from the Departmental Contemporary Art Collection
Continuous from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM – Free participation
Demonstration: Ancient Fire-Making Techniques
Continuous from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (break from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM) – Free participation
Workshop: Spear-Thrower Target Practice (Ages 8+)
Continuous from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (break from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM) – Free participation
Workshop: Excavation Simulator (Ages 8+)
Continuous from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (break from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM) – Free participation
Guided Tour: Excavation Site
11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM – Duration: 1 hour (Registration on-site)*
Guided Tour: Archaeological Reserves
11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM – Duration: 1 hour (Registration on-site)*
Workshop: Nomadic Dwellings Challenge (Ages 8+)
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM – Duration: 1 hour (Registration on-site)*
Workshop: Create a Work of Art (Ages 5+)
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM – Duration: 1 hour (Registration on-site)*
Archaeological Walk: Coudrays Trail
11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM – Duration: 1 hour (Registration on-site)*
Archaeological Walk: Coudrays Trail
11:00 AM, 4:00 PM – Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours (Registration on-site) – With an ENS guide in the morning*
Show: "A Garden for Tomorrow" by the I Am a Bird Now Company (Ages 5+)
2:30 PM – Duration: 2.5 hours – Free participation
Inspired by the book "Un jardin pour demain" by Gilles Clément and Vincent Gravé, this immersive sound installation tells the story of a gardener in search of his "Planetary Garden." Designed as a refuge nestled in the landscape, it offers spaces to walk, sit, lie down, listen, watch, smell, be alone or together.
Storytelling: Kamishibai (Ages 4+)
3:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM – Duration: 30 minutes (Registration on-site)*

Practical Information
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Location: Coudrays Archaeological Site – Chemin du Port aux Paveurs, 91450 Étiolles, Essonne.
Registration for tours and workshops on-site, subject to availability. Free parking on-site.