Grotte de Pair-non-Pair
France · Europe
Among the oldest decorated caves on Earth, engraved while mammoths still roamed the Gironde
Age
~30,000 yrs
Period
Aurignacian–Gravettian
Setting
Cave
Art form
Petroglyphs
Discovered
1881
Status
Open (Guided Visits)
One of the world's oldest decorated caves, discovered near the Gironde estuary in 1881. Its deeply incised engravings of horses, ibex, mammoths and giant deer date back some 30,000 years — including the celebrated 'Agnus Dei' horse turning its head to look backwards.
Gallery
Notable Features
- ◦ 'Agnus Dei' back-turned horse
- ◦ Among the oldest cave art known
- ◦ Deep Aurignacian engravings
Depicted Subjects
HorsesIbexMammothsMegalocerosAurochs
Plan a Visit
AccessThis cave can be visited.
BookingAdvance booking required — places are limited
Sources & Further Reading
Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.
Photographs via Wikimedia Commons — image credits. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.