Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche in France

Facts and Data

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2014
Size of heritage: 9.00 ha
- Buffer zone: 1,353 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 4,416°
Latitude: 44,389°

Summary

Located in a limestone plateau of the Ardèche River in southern France, the property contains the earliest-known and best-preserved figurative drawings in the world, dating back as early as the Aurignacian period (30,000–32,000 BP), making it an exceptional testimony of prehistoric art. The cave was closed off by a rock fall approximately 20,000 years BP and remained sealed until its discovery in 1994, which helped to keep it in pristine condition. Over 1,000 images have so far been inventoried on its walls, combining a variety of anthropomorphic and animal motifs. Of exceptional aesthetic quality, they demonstrate a range of techniques including the skilful use of colour, combinations of paint and engraving, anatomical precision, three-dimensionality and movement. They include several dangerous animal species difficult to observe at that time, such as mammoth, bear, wildcat, rhino, bison and auroch, as well as 4,000 inventoried remains of prehistoric fauna and a variety of human footprints.

Location on Map

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Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche

The Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, also known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Ardèche region of France. This cave holds immense historical and cultural significance as it contains some of the earliest known and best-preserved examples of prehistoric cave art.

History

The cave was discovered in 1994 by three speleologists, Jean-Marie Chauvet, Éliette Brunel-Deschamps, and Christian Hillaire. The cave had been sealed off for thousands of years, preserving its remarkable artwork and geological formations. The paintings found within the cave date back approximately 36,000 years, making them some of the oldest known cave paintings in the world.

The artwork in the Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc provides valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of our ancient ancestors. The paintings depict a wide range of animals, including horses, mammoths, rhinoceroses, and lions, as well as human handprints and abstract symbols. The skill and detail of the artwork are truly remarkable, showcasing the artistic abilities of our distant ancestors.

Due to the fragility of the cave and its artwork, access to the actual site is restricted to a select few scientists and researchers. However, in order to share the cultural and historical significance of the cave with the public, a replica was created. The Chauvet-Pont d’Arc Cave, a faithful reproduction of the original cave, was opened to the public in 2015.

Current State

The Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, or Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, is a highly protected site. The original cave is closed to the public to ensure its preservation and prevent any damage to the delicate artwork. The replica cave, however, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the prehistoric art.

The Chauvet-Pont d’Arc Cave replica faithfully recreates the atmosphere and artwork of the original cave. Visitors can explore the replica cave through guided tours, which provide detailed explanations of the paintings and the history of the site. The replica cave offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and appreciate the incredible talent and creativity of our ancient ancestors.

Since its opening, the replica cave has attracted numerous visitors from around the world, who come to marvel at the ancient artwork and gain a deeper understanding of our shared human history. The site also serves as an important educational resource, providing researchers and students with valuable insights into prehistoric art and culture.

The Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of humanity. Its ancient artwork serves as a bridge between our modern world and the distant past, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our ancestors. The preservation and accessibility of this site ensure that future generations can continue to appreciate and learn from this remarkable piece of history.

Hotels and places to stay

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Hôtel La Bastide d'Iris

Address
Distance: 4,1 mi
L Estrade
07150 Vagnas
France

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Hotel La Chapouliere

Address
Distance: 5,9 mi
route d'Ales - Quartier le Chapouliere
07120 Ruoms
France

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 17:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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DOMAINE DE CHAMES

Address
Distance: 1,0 mi
ROUTE DES GORGES - HAMEAU DE CHAMES
07150 Vallon Pont d Arc
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin:
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Theodore

Address
Distance: 5,7 mi
Rue Nationale
07120 Ruoms
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 13:30
Reception
Weekday: 7:30 - 21:00 (lunchbreak: 11:00 - 13:30)
Weekend: closed

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