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Visit the Cave Chauvet en Ardèche : tickets, prices, schedules

La Grotte Chauvet is one of the richest accounts of parietal art in France. Find here all the information you need to know about doing at the Cave Chauvet in Ardèche!

If the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is a paradise for lovers of speleology, it also makes the happiness of history lovers. Since 2015, the Cave Chauvet 2 Ardèche has been discovering treasures buried for several decades. An exact replica of the real Chauvet Cave, it offers the public the opportunity to approach these unique works, without the possibility of damage to them. An artistic and technological prowess, which opens the door to such a fascinating and unfamiliar era. Through these walls of your eyes, you will see scenes of the daily life of our ancestors. Passionate, right?

So don't miss visiting the Cave Chauvet in Ardèche and go back to the Paleolithic! Follow the guide...

History of the Chauvet Cave in Ardèche

Originally baptized the Cave decorated with the Pont d’Arc, this exceptional place was updated on 18 December 1994 by three amateur speleologists. Thanks to Brunel , Christian Hillaire and Jean-Marie Chauvet , who gave his name to the cave, more than a thousand paleolithic paintings were discovered. Many represent animals in hunting scenes: horses, lions, rhinos, etc. Hand traces are also visible on the walls. An exceptional testimony left by our ancestors over 36,000 years ago!

Such a legacy could not leave Unesco indifferent. Since June 2014, the organization has registered the Cave Chauvet in the World Heritage of Humanity as a major prehistoric site. This distinction recognizes the oldness, quality and wealth of these ancient representations. It will also implement a long-term conservation policy. The value of the site includes both cavity, but also all its surroundings and the hydrogeological basin that feeds it.

Very quickly, the Grotte Chauvet attracted specialists and academics. To preserve the representations of the risks of degradation, the general public was not allowed to enter them. Nevertheless, it was decided to build an exact replica, in order to bring this discovery to the reach of all. In 2012, the Rhone-Alpes Regional Council and the General Council of Ardèche began working on this reconstruction. This is the architecture firm Fabre and Speller which designed the place, in line with its environment. The scenography, it was entrusted to the Parisian agency Scène, which raised the challenge of recreating an underground atmosphere, both wet and fresh. La Grotte Chauvet 2 Ardèche, or Caverne du pont d’Arc, opened its doors on April 25, 2015. Since then, she has become a must-see site in the region and has welcomed her millionth visitor in February 2017.

This tourist and cultural site represents a unique technological innovation. Indeed, it was necessary to recreate the original cave by respecting its initial dimensions and geological characteristics. It is currently the largest replica of caves decorated in the world and allows to discover the world of men and women of Paleolithic. Visit the Cave Chauvet in Ardèche is a unique experience!

What to see and do at the Chauvet Cave?

Visit the Cave Chauvet in Ardèche is a complete adventure. In order to enjoy all the animations it offers, plan half day .

When you arrive, you can start by discovering Galerie de l’Aurignacien . This interpretation centre brings you all the known elements to date on the way of life of the people of Paleolithic. Movies, tactile terminals: this is an excellent entry in matter, which will give you the keys to understand and appreciate your visit to the Chauvet Cave. An hour is necessary to go around.

You can then go to the visit the inside of the Cave itself . During a guided tour of about an hour, you will learn more about these drawings left on the walls, as well as their meaning. Grotte Chauvet is one of the few places in the world dedicated to parietal art and pictorial techniques used by our ancestors. It must be said that these are particularly varied: blowing, engraving, digital print, estompe... In addition to exploring all these techniques, you will discover the hidden meaning of these representations and what they teach us about these men and women of the past.

Are you wondering what to do at the Chauvet Cave in addition to the visits? In May and June, animations are set up during weekends for children and adults. In this way you can learn about the techniques of parietal art, discover exhibitions, go back to time with animators to imagine you in cave times... Other animations take place throughout the year: screenings of films, guided tours, conferences, etc. Classic music concerts are even scheduled! To discover the calendar of events in a more complete way, visit the official website of the Grotte Chauvet.

How to go to the Chauvet Cave in Ardèche?

Would you like to visit the Cave Chauvet in Ardèche? It is located on the plateau of Razal, in the commune of Vallon Pont d’Arc. Be careful: this is the reply. The original Cave is about 15 minutes away. Several modes of transport are possible: car, train or plane.

By car

La Grotte Chauvet is about an hour and a half from Avignon and two hours thirty from Lyon or Marseille.

  • From the north : take the A7 and the A49 (exit No. 18, Montélimar sud)
  • From the south : take A7 or A9 until exit 19.
  • Then follow the direction of Bourg-Saint-Andéol then Vallon Pont-d’Arc.

By train

To go to Vallon Pont d’Arc using the train, you can take a connection to the train station Valencia TGV or TGV Montélimar. Then you'll have to take it TER SNCF line bus no. 76.

By plane

If you want to fly to Ardèche, three airports are nearby. First of all, Avignon Airport, a hundred kilometres away; then Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport and Marseille-Provence Airport, each about a hundred and sixty kilometres away. To find a flight at the best price, do not hesitate to visit the site Ulysses, online flight comparison.

Schedules and prices of the Chauvet Cave

Schedules and prices of the Chauvet cave in Ardèche

Photo credit: Instagram – here_cest_bien_aussi

HORARI

Visit the Cave Chauvet in Ardèche can be done throughout the year. Hours may vary depending on the periods of the year. The opening takes place in general towards 9 a.m. and the closure, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m..

Note : According to the date you plan to visit the cave, do not hesitate to go to the official website to find the precise information.

RATES

Group children (from 4 to 17 years old): 6,50 € -. 1 free guide for 10 children

  • Adult : 17,00 €
  • Child (10-17) : 8,50 €
  • Free for children children 5 to 9 years
  • Adult group (from 18 years old) : 14,00 € (2 escorts and 1 free driver for 20 adults)
  • Group children (from 4 to 17 years old) : 6,50 € (1 free guide for 10 children)

The fare includes the complete visit of the site that integrates with the choice and according to the availability: - A visit guided in 4 languages (French, English, German, Dutch) - A visit with audioguide available in 10 languages (French, English, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, German and Italian)

BON A LEARN

- It is very strongly advised of book tickets in advance via the Internet;
- He is forbidden to take pictures inside the Chauvet Cave;
- ♪ animals are prohibited on the site, outside of dog-guides;
- The site is accessible to
wheelchairs, as well as pushchairs.

Enjoy a good walk in Ardèche and do not hesitate to go to discover the mysteries of the Cave Chauvet!

James Smith

James Smith

I'm James Smith, an intrepid explorer forever captivated by the world's allure. Life's journey is my greatest inspiration, brimming with vibrant moments, from summiting majestic peaks to immersing myself in diverse cultures. Every destination has a unique story, and I'm here to share those stories with you. Through my narratives, I aim to ignite your wanderlust, offering insights, tips, and the sheer joy of exploration. Let's embark on this extraordinary adventure together, unveiling the world's hidden treasures and creating lasting memories that define our wanderlust-filled lives.

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