Cave of Niaux, Prehistoric art cave in Ariège, France
The Cave of Niaux extends across two kilometers of underground passages, featuring black-outlined paintings of animals in its limestone chambers.
Scientists first documented the cave's prehistoric significance in 1906, leading to immediate protection measures for the Magdalenian period artwork.
The paintings within the cave reveal hunting practices and animal life from 14,000 years ago through detailed depictions of bison, horses, and deer.
The cave maintains a strict visitation schedule with guided tours limited to twenty people, requiring advance reservations throughout all seasons.
The Black Hall section contains over thirty detailed animal figures drawn with charcoal and manganese dioxide against natural rock formations.
Location: Niaux
Length: 2,000 m
Address: Massif d'Arbiech 09400
GPS coordinates: 42.81985,1.59373
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:39
Occitanie presents medieval villages, castles, monasteries and natural areas. The region features gorges, waterfalls, caves and prehistoric sites. These include Saint-Cirq-Lapopie on the Lot river, Peyrepertuse fortress, Lagrasse Abbey and Niaux cave paintings.
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