Grotte du Visage

Grotte du Visage is a prehistoric cave near Moulins-sur-Tardoire that contains wall paintings created by ancient hands. A stylized face was incorporated by early artists into the natural limestone formations, positioned at roughly 125 meters above the valley floor.

Local speleologists discovered this cave in 2005 following two years of systematic excavation work in the area. The artworks date to the Upper Paleolithic period and prompted its protection as a classified historical monument.

The cave displays Upper Paleolithic artwork that visitors can observe directly on the walls today. The red pigment marks and hand prints speak to the presence of people who gathered in this space thousands of years ago.

Access requires advance permission and only a limited number of visits are permitted each year. Visitors should arrange their trip well ahead through the proper channels and be flexible with timing.

Before its archaeological importance was recognized, local residents used the cave entrance, then called Aven du Charnier, as a place to dispose of dead animals. This everyday past stands in sharp contrast to the artistic significance the site holds today.