Saulges caves, Prehistoric cave complex in Mayenne, France.
The Saulges caves consist of two accessible chambers, Margot and Rochefort, that extend 300 meters into limestone with multiple passages and rooms. The underground formations display ancient rock layers and reveal how water has carved through stone over millions of years.
Archaeologists discovered over 200 prehistoric drawings in 2005, including images of woolly rhinoceros, bison, and birds from the Paleolithic period. These artworks were created by people living in the region during the last Ice Age.
The museum displays tools and art objects that show how hunter-gatherers lived and worked in this region long ago. These finds help visitors understand the daily choices and skills of prehistoric people.
Visitors reach the caves through stairs and ladders, while the museum next door offers virtual reality experiences for additional context. Tours run year-round, so check ahead to see what options suit your visit.
These are the only known cave paintings north of the Loire River where prehistoric art survives within natural underground formations. This rarity makes the site remarkable for understanding the artistic history of northern Europe.
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