Cave Paintings of the Ardeche - to Open to the Public after 36,000 years....

Discovered in 1994 by speleologists - the Chauvet cave in the Ardèche region ( Just north of Avignon/Provence) of France contains the world's oldest known cave paintings, dating back 36,000 years. 

The replica site will open its doors to the public at the end of 2014, after 30 months of work. The original cave are depicts Lion, cave bear, snow panther, mammoth, white rhinoceros, megaceros, bison, aurochs, ibex, stag… Like its sister site in the Dordogne, (Lascaux caves) the original cave has been closed to visitors, but also like its sister cave, Lascaux, a replica is being built next door. In order to enable the public to enjoy the treasures of the Chauvet cave, a perfect replica is currently being designed. It will be the biggest perfect replica of a prehistoric site in Europe.. Set within a vast wooded area covering 29 hectares, the site will include (alongside the replica cave) a discovery centre and a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Aurignacians and wall art, as well as five sheltered interpretation stations, a temporary exhibition space, an educational area for young people, an events centre, etc. All five of the visitor's senses will be stimulated during this amazing journey back through time: the coolness, humidity, silence, darkness as well as the subtle mineral aroma will help fully immerse the public in the cave.