Grotte des Fées, Prehistoric cave system in Châtelperron, France
Grotte des Fées consists of two adjoining limestone caves that were occupied during the Ice Age by early humans. The cavities show layered deposits that record different periods of habitation and use.
The caves were discovered in 1840 during railway construction and quickly attracted scientific attention. Systematic excavations over subsequent decades made the location a key research center for understanding early human cultures.
The site gave its name to the Châtelperronian culture, a term archaeologists use to identify a specific phase of human occupation. This naming reflects the importance of the location in understanding early European societies.
Access to the caves requires care on uneven surfaces and in the narrow passages of the chambers. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for cool, damp conditions inside.
Excavations revealed thousands of flint tools that show the skill of early toolmakers in crafting implements. Animal bones found alongside them provide clues to the diet and hunting practices of inhabitants.
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