Ardèche: opening of the Chauvet Cave replica on April 25th, 2015

36,000 years ago, men and women created on the limestone walls of a cave located in the south of Ardèche, works of art that were unique and overwhelming.

This massive underground cathedral of one thousand drawings, with its 425 animal figures, could have stayed untouched for eternity.

It was discovered on December 18th, 1994 by three amateur speleologists Jean-Marie Chauvet, Eliette Brunel and Christian Hilaire.

The painted cave of the Pont d’Arc, also called the “Chauvet Cave’” is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since June 2014. The oldest listed cultural good.

Through scientific rigor, the restitution of the ornate cave and its murals is considered to be one of the largest project of its kind to have ever been accomplished in the world.

The teams even reproduced the humidity, odors, and temperature of the original cave.

During a guided tour, visitors will discover the secret of the paintings and techniques used as well as the replica of a cave in all of its wonders.

An educational area will welcome children for workshops around the themes of mural art, adornment, fire, or hunting.

An event space, a restaurant with terrace overlooking the valley will also be added to the site.

For more info: www.lacavernedupontdarc.org

A project that is supported by the general council of Ardèche, the Rhône-Alpes region, the French state and Europe. A space that is managed through a delegation of the public service by the Kléber Rossillon company that specializes in managing cultural and touristic sites with the help of Sodexo Loisirs.