A prepreg having a high processability and laminating performance in an automated lay-up device and serving to produce a cured product having good physical properties is described, and also a method for the production thereof, the prepreg comprising at least the components [A] to [E] listed blow and having a structure incorporating a first layer composed mainly of the component [A] and a first epoxy resin composition that contains the components [B] to [D] but is substantially free of the component [E] and a second layer composed mainly of a second epoxy resin composition that contains the components [B] to [E] and disposed adjacent to each surface of the first layer: [A] carbon fiber, [B] epoxy resin, [C] curing agent, [D] thermoplastic resin, and [E] particles containing a thermoplastic resin as primary component and having a volume-average particle diameter of 5 to 50 μm.