Chauvet-Pont d'Arc

France · Europe · ✦ UNESCO World Heritage Site

Legendary

Oldest dated art on Earth, yet shockingly sophisticated — a paradigm shift in human history

Age

~36,000 yrs

Period

Aurignacian

Setting

Cave

Art form

Paintings

Discovered

1994

Status

Replica Only (Caverne du Pont d'Arc)

⧗ See it on the timeline

Discovered in 1994, Chauvet contains the oldest dated cave art in the world. Its paintings show remarkable sophistication: perspective, movement and depth rendered 36,000 years ago. Featured in Werner Herzog's documentary 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams.'

Gallery

Notable Features

◦ End Chamber
◦ Panel of Horses
◦ Rhinoceros Combat Panel
◦ Megaloceros Gallery

Depicted Subjects

Woolly RhinocerosesHorsesCave LionsMammothsCave BearsAurochs

Plan a Visit

AccessThe original is closed — a faithful replica is open.

Sources & Further Reading

◈ Official site ⌂ Replica venue ≡ Wikipedia ✦ UNESCO listing ➤ Directions

Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.