Discovered in 1994 in the Ardèche gorges, the Chauvet Cave transformed our understanding of prehistoric art. It houses paintings and engravings around 36,000 years old, created by humanity's very first artists: horses, lions, rhinos and many other animals captured with striking realism. The fragile original site isn't open to the public, but its replica, Chauvet Cave 2 - Ardèche, lets everyone discover this exceptional work, about an hour's drive from Les Cabritas.
A discovery that changed our view of prehistoric art
The paintings in the Chauvet Cave are now considered the oldest major body of cave art known in the world, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their sophistication, and the use of perspective and movement, surprised researchers and pushed back by several millennia what we thought we knew about the beginnings of human art.
The largest replica painted cave in the world
Opened in 2015 in a 15-hectare wooded park, Chauvet Cave 2 - Ardèche has become the most visited cultural site in the whole department. The guided tour of the replica is complemented by the Aurignacian Gallery, dedicated to the people and animals of that era, as well as the immersive exhibition 'Chauvet, the Scientific Adventure', which retraces the meticulous work of researchers on the original site. Workshops and events are also held during school holidays and weekends from April to October, making it an ideal family outing.
Good to know before you visit
The guided tour of the replica lasts about an hour and is done in small groups with a guide, so booking online is strongly recommended in high season. The ticket gives access to the whole site: the cave replica, the Aurignacian Gallery and the scientific exhibition, enough to fill a good half-day. As the site is fully indoors and air-conditioned, it's an excellent option on uncertain weather days or during summer heatwaves. Its proximity to Pont d'Arc and Vallon-Pont-d'Arc makes it easy to combine both visits in the same day from Les Cabritas.
Practical info from Les Cabritas
- Distance from Flaviac: about 1h by car
- Best time to go: all year round, indoor site
- Great for: culture, history, families, rainy days
Fancy discovering Chauvet Cave 2 - Ardèche from your cottage in Ardèche?
Les Cabritas welcomes you in Flaviac, at the heart of Ardèche, for a comfortable stay with a private pool, just a stone's throw from the region's most beautiful sites.
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