Saulges caves, Prehistoric cave complex in Mayenne, France.
The Saulges cave system contains two main accessible caverns, Margot and Rochefort, extending 300 meters into limestone formations with numerous passages and chambers.
Archaeologists discovered over 200 prehistoric representations in 2005, including drawings of woolly rhinoceros, bison, and birds dating back to the Paleolithic period.
The Museum of Prehistory displays archaeological findings, tools, and art objects that demonstrate the daily activities of hunter-gatherer societies in northern France.
Guided tours operate throughout the year, with visitors accessing the caves through stairs and ladders, while the museum offers virtual reality experiences.
These caves represent the only location north of the Loire River where prehistoric paintings remain preserved within natural underground formations.
Location: Thorigné-en-Charnie
Address: 650 La Roche Brault, 53270 Thorigné-en-Charnie, France 53270 Thorigné-en-Charnie
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 13:30-17:00; Saturday-Sunday 13:30-18:00
Phone: +33243905130
Website: https://grottes-musee-de-saulges.com
GPS coordinates: 47.99854,-0.40632
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:43
Mayenne's historical sites include medieval castles, fortresses, religious buildings, and museums. The natural areas consist of Mont des Avaloirs, the prehistoric caves of Saulges, public gardens, and parks. Visitors can explore military and civil architecture from the 9th to the 18th century, art collections, archaeological sites, and natural landscapes typical of the region.
Oratoire de Saint-Céneré
1.6 km
Mayenne-Sciences cave
788 m
Château des Linières
6.1 km
Château de Thévalles
3.2 km
Margot cave
750 m
Château de Viré
8.5 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Saulges
1.8 km
Moulin de Thévalles
3.2 km
Vallée des grottes de Saulges - Musée de préhistoire
687 m
Château de Thorigné-en-Charnie
3 km
Rochefort cave
588 m
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Bannes
4.4 km
Cave à la Chèvre
579 m
Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul d'Épineux-le-Seguin
7 km
Église Saint-Sulpice de Ballée
7.3 km
Théâtre de La Bazouge-de-Chemeré
6.3 km
Église de Cossé-en-Champagne
6.7 km
Église Saint-Laurent de Vaiges
7.1 km
Église Saint-Étienne de Thorigné-en-Charnie
3.6 km
Église Saint-Jean de Saint-Jean-sur-Erve
4.2 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve
1.6 km
Église Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais de La Bazouge-de-Chemeré
6.1 km
Chapelle Saint-Sylvain de Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve
1.6 km
Église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption de Chémeré-le-Roi
3.4 km
Moulin de Thévalles (également sur commune de Saulges)
3.2 km
Retable du maître-autel de l'église Notre-Dame de Saulges
1.8 km
Maison du Porche
3.4 km
Chapelle de Perrine Dugué
6.5 kmReviews
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