La Chaire a Calvin

La Chaire à Calvin is a rock shelter in Mouthiers-sur-Boëme nestled beneath a limestone cliff that provided protection to people during the Magdalenian period. The interior holds multiple archaeological layers containing ancient stone and bone tools.

Archaeologist Alphonse Trémeau de Rochebrune discovered this site in 1864 and began initial investigations at this location. Later, Pierre David conducted extensive excavations in 1924 that expanded understanding of ancient settlement here.

The rock face displays carved horse figures and a headless bovine form, preserving artworks from the Upper Paleolithic Magdalenian culture. These carvings offer insight into how people expressed themselves through art during that era.

The shelter sits near the grounds of a former paper mill and is reachable from road D.12. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the terrain is rocky and uneven in places.

Among the excavated layers were shell necklaces that suggest trade connections across long distances. These discoveries show that inhabitants maintained contact with distant groups and exchanged objects across considerable territory.

Location: Mouthiers-sur-Boëme

Address: La Rochandry

GPS coordinates: 45.55530,0.11583

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:23