21,500 years ago, the cave’s prehistoric entrance porch collapsed, preventing animals and humans from entering until three cavers discovered it. This fortuitous landslide enabled the cave and its contents to be preserved in an exceptional way: the oldest masterpiece known to mankind. It dates from 36,000 years ago, 2 times older than the decorated walls of the Lascaux cave (Dordogne).
Cave art
A veritable gallery of prehistoric art unfolds before the astonished eyes of cavers. On the walls of the cave, strikingly beautiful cave paintings come to life. Horses, bison, lions, mammoths and other wild animals come to life in a symphony of colour and movement.
The Chauvet cave is home to an exceptional group of works of art, unique in terms of their age, scale and multiple pictorial qualities. There is no equivalent in the world. These works are the work of Palaeolithic hunter-gatherer societies. They bear witness to the artistic genius and spirituality of the men and women of prehistoric times. They offer us an invaluable insight into their way of life, their beliefs and their relationship with the world around them.
The state of conservation of the cave paintings is exceptional. The drawings, engravings, tracks and bones in this cave have survived the test of time. They constitute a unique heritage that has survived intact since prehistoric times.
Grotte Chauvet 2: a fascinating journey through time
Visiting the replica of the Grotte Chauvet, Grotte Chauvet 2 Ardèche, is like immersing yourself in the world of the men and women of prehistoric times. It’s a chance to discover their artistic talent and their way of life, and to realise the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
Grotte Chauvet 2 replicates the frescoes, walls, floors, ceilings and archaeological remains of the original Grotte Chauvet.
The Ardèche gorges
Le pont d’arc
Located five kilometres from Vallon Pont d’Arc, the Pont d’Arc is a spectacular emblem of the Ardèche. A 54-metre-high natural arch spanning the Ardèche river, it is the starting point for the famous Ardèche gorges. It is a protected natural area
. The Pont d’Arc site has been developed to offer an unbeatable view of this key site in the Ardèche and to make it accessible to all.
The Ardèche gorges
The Ardèche Gorges lie between Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. It’s a 32km-long canyon, one of the most beautiful in Europe. The scenery here is breathtaking: 250m-high cliffs covered in garrigue, the river winding its way through the canyon, and rare flora and fauna. The Ardèche Gorges are classified as a protected nature reserve.
By car, there are 11 viewpoints from which to contemplate the Ardèche.
