Grotte de Gourdan, cave in France
The Grotte de Gourdan is a natural cave located in the French town of Gourdan-Polignan, situated on the west slope of Mount Bouchet at roughly 475 meters (1,560 feet) above sea level. Its interior features rough stone walls, wide passages, and prehistoric carvings and paintings preserved on the rock surfaces.
The cave was first explored by archaeologists in the 1870s, who discovered tools and bones from the Aurignacian and Magdalenian periods. These findings demonstrated that early humans lived, hunted, and created art at this site across many thousands of years.
The Grotte de Gourdan was a place where prehistoric people expressed their thoughts and experiences through carvings and paintings on the walls. These artworks reveal how early communities perceived their surroundings and shared their stories with one another.
Access to the cave involves following a marked trail that requires a short climb up the hillside. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket to protect against the cool temperature inside, and check opening times in advance since visits are only permitted as guided tours.
The artworks inside this cave are located near the entrance where natural light filters in, allowing prehistoric people to see while creating their work. This is a rare feature since most prehistoric art sites have their creations deeper in darker chambers.
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