Villars Cave, Prehistoric art cave in Villars, France
Description
Villars Cave is an underground cavern with rock formations and passages that extend through a large area. Inside, you find hanging mineral formations, standing rock pillars, and natural water pools, while black paintings cover sections of the stone walls.
History
The cave was discovered in 1953 when hunters noticed smoke coming from a fox burrow. What lay beneath was an underground sanctuary holding art created about 20,000 years ago.
Culture
Hand prints and animal figures on the walls show how hunters and gatherers used this space thousands of years ago. These images reflect the daily life of the people who came here.
Practical
The walkable path inside is marked and leads through natural passages, with stairs helping you return to the parking area. Good footwear matters since the ground is wet and slippery, and you will spend time in cool underground conditions.
Did you know?
A natural calcite coating has settled over the ancient black paintings and gives them an unusual blue shade. This visual feature sets this artwork apart from similar discoveries in other locations.
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The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region contains historic and natural sites often overlooked by traditional tourist routes. The area features military castles such as Bonaguil with its seven 13th-century towers, underground churches carved into limestone in Saint-Émilion and Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, as well as...
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