Grotte de Bara-Bahau
France · Europe
Deep finger-traced engravings in soft chalky rock, explored by the great caver Norbert Casteret
Age
~15,000 yrs
Period
Magdalenian
Setting
Cave
Art form
Petroglyphs
Discovered
1951
Status
Open (Guided Visits)
A broad cave above the town of Le Bugue whose soft chalky walls carry large engravings traced with fingers and flint: horses, aurochs, bison, bears and ibex, alongside enigmatic signs. Famed speleologist Norbert Casteret explored and authenticated the frieze after its discovery in 1951.
Notable Features
- ◦ Finger-traced engraving frieze
- ◦ Bear and ibex engravings
- ◦ Casteret expedition history
Depicted Subjects
HorsesAurochsBisonBearsIbex
Plan a Visit
AccessThis cave can be visited.
Sources & Further Reading
Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.
Photographs via Wikimedia Commons — image credits. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.