Grotte de Fontanet

The Grotte de Fontanet is a karst cave in the eastern Pyrenees with multiple interconnected chambers and passages shaped by water through limestone. The floor and walls display layers of mineral deposits and clay that reveal the cave's long geological history.

Archaeological findings reveal that people lived here during the Magdalenian period, roughly 12,000 to 14,000 years ago. Research shows the cave served as a shelter and camp for hunting groups in the region.

The walls display handprints and engravings that show how people expressed themselves in this space thousands of years ago. These marks reflect the daily presence of those who used this cave as part of their lives in the Pyrenees.

The cave can only be explored with a trained guide, with pathways over slippery ground and narrow passages. Wear sturdy shoes and bring warm clothing, as the temperature inside remains cool year-round.

The cave floor preserves human footprints from people who walked there thousands of years ago, looking almost as fresh as yesterday. These direct traces show exactly how inhabitants moved through the cave and spent their time inside.

Location: Ornolac-Ussat-les-Bains

GPS coordinates: 42.81083,1.64500

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:40