Grotte des Trois-Frères
France · Europe
Famous for 'The Sorcerer' — a mysterious, iconic engraving of a human with antlered animal features.
Age
~15,000 yrs
Period
Magdalenian
Setting
Cave
Art form
Petroglyphs
Discovered
1914
Status
Closed (Strictly Private/Conservation)
Part of the Volp Caves complex in southwestern France, this cave is world-renowned for an engraving known as 'The Sorcerer.' The figure combines the legs of a human with the ears of a stag, the tail of a horse, and the antlers of a reindeer. The cave's intricate maze of engravings provides some of the most compelling evidence for Paleolithic shamanism.
Gallery
Notable Features
- ◦ The 'Sorcerer' therianthrope
- ◦ Complex overlapping engravings
- ◦ Linked to the Tuc d'Audoubert cave
Depicted Subjects
The Sorcerer (Therianthrope)BisonHorsesReindeerOwls
Plan a Visit
AccessClosed to the public.
Sources & Further Reading
Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.
Photographs via Wikimedia Commons — image credits. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.