Grotte de la Salpêtrière

Welcome to the Salpêtrière Cave, a deep rock shelter located in the town of Remoulins in the Gard department of Languedoc-Roussillon. This cave has one of the most complete stratigraphies of the Upper Paleolithic for the Mediterranean region of France and is the eponymous site of the Salpêtrien, a Paleolithic culture dating back approximately 19,000 years before present. The cave is situated 200 meters downstream from the Pont du Gard, on the right bank, in the town of Remoulins, about 50 meters east of the boundary with Vers-Pont-du-Gard. The numerous excavations carried out since 1872 have almost exhausted the deposit. The latest campaigns have allowed the recognition of levels attributed to the Aurignacian, Gravettian, Solutrean, Salpêtrien, Magdalenian, Neolithic, and Chalcolithic periods. A piece of saiga antelope horn has been attributed to the layers corresponding to the Late Glacial period. The cave is classified as a historical monument since June 19, 1931, but it is not open to visitors. However, you can still enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the area, including the famous Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge that crosses the Gardon River. The bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see attraction in the region. Remoulins is also home to several other interesting sites, such as the Saint-Pierre Church, which dates back to the 12th century and features beautiful Romanesque architecture. The town also has a lively market where you can find local produce and crafts. If you are interested in history and archaeology, the Salpêtrière Cave is definitely worth a visit, even if it is not open to the public. Its rich cultural and historical significance makes it an important site for researchers and scholars studying the prehistoric period in France.

Location: Vers-Pont-du-Gard

Sources: Wikimedia, OpenStreetMap