Grotte du Portel, Prehistoric cave in Loubens, France.
The Portel Cave extends through limestone formations of the Plantaurel mountain range, located 9 kilometers northwest of Foix at 500 meters elevation.
Archaeological excavations in the cave revealed human occupations from pre-Mousterian period through Magdalenian times, spanning approximately 135,000 years of prehistory.
The cave contains 138 documented wall paintings from different prehistoric periods, including artworks from the Magdalenian period demonstrating early human artistic expression.
The cave entrance faces south at Pas du Portel location, though public access remains restricted since its classification as a historical monument in 1969.
Research has established connections between the cave's wall art locations and specific acoustic properties, where certain areas produce particular sound resonances.
Location: Loubens
GPS coordinates: 43.03137,1.54040
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:49
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