Cave of Gargas, Prehistoric cave site in Aventignan, France
The Gargas cave system consists of two interconnected chambers with entrances opening on the north-northwest side of a limestone mountain chain.
Between 29,000 and 22,000 years ago, Cro-Magnon groups regularly inhabited these caves, leaving behind tools, hearths, and hunting artifacts.
The cave walls display 231 negative hand prints created using stencil techniques, with many showing incomplete fingers, leading to multiple research interpretations.
Guided tours lasting one hour require advance reservations through the visitor center, with access to permanent exhibitions about prehistoric life.
The cave maintains a constant temperature of 11 degrees Celsius throughout its 700-meter length, preserving prehistoric artwork and archaeological remains.
Location: Aventignan
GPS coordinates: 43.05557,0.53629
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:42
This collection presents historical sites across France that lie away from the usual tourist routes. From medieval fortifications to Roman structures, these locations provide direct access to different periods of French history. The selection includes fortified towers, amphitheatres, Celtic temples and prehistoric sites. The sites featured include Roman theatres such as the one in Orange, medieval castles in Auvergne, Gallo-Roman temples in the Pyrenees and Palaeolithic caves in the Dordogne. Each location documents specific aspects of the past, whether through architectural remains, cave paintings or archaeological finds. These sites allow visitors to explore French history from prehistory through the Roman occupation to the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The locations are spread across different regions and are often less crowded than the well-known monuments, allowing for quieter visits.
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