Site archéologique du lac de Chalain, Archaeological site near Lake Chalain, France
The archaeological site at Lake Chalain consists of ruins from pile dwelling settlements built between 5000 and 500 BCE along the lake shore. These locations now lie underwater or beneath surrounding soil and are not directly accessible to visitors.
The settlements were established during the Neolithic period and were repeatedly rebuilt over several millennia. The lake's recurring floods led to exceptional preservation of organic materials such as wood and fabrics.
The wooden structures belonged to early farming communities living along alpine lakes who used tools and stored food at the water's edge. Pottery and textiles reveal how these people organized their daily lives and adapted to their surroundings.
The site itself cannot be entered, but the archaeology museum in Clairvaux displays findings and information about the excavations. It is worthwhile to visit the exhibition there to understand the history of the location.
The site is one of 111 prehistoric pile dwelling settlements around the Alps recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The underwater preservation through water has kept materials intact that would have decomposed elsewhere.
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