First archaeological excavation 1884 (≈ 1884)
Discover the first tools by Joseph Tournier.
1910
Second search campaign
Second search campaign 1910 (≈ 1910)
Update of two Magdalenian homes.
13 juin 1913
First classification Historic Monument
First classification Historic Monument 13 juin 1913 (≈ 1913)
Initial protection of the prehistoric site.
1981
Development of the diversion channel
Development of the diversion channel 1981 (≈ 1981)
Changing the landscape around the site.
15 décembre 2011
Supplementary classification
Supplementary classification 15 décembre 2011 (≈ 2011)
Extension of the protection to the entire shelter.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The entire rock shelter, as well as its entrance slope (cad. B 1234, placed le Molard, coordinates planimetric CC 46 X 1905,150 Y 5163,280): classification by order of 15 December 2011, amending the order of classification of 13 June 1913
Key figures
Joseph Tournier - Archaeologist
Excavated the cave in 1884 and 1910.
Origin and history
The cave of the Bonne-Femme is a natural cavity located on the northern slope of the Mont de Cordon, near the hamlet of Cuchet, on the current municipality of Murs-et-Gélignieux (Ain). Originally attached to Brégnier-Cordon, it overlooks the old lake of Pluvis. Its environment was modified by the development of the Brégnier-Cordon diversion canal in 1981, which crosses the lake. This site has delivered major archaeological remains, including flint tools attesting to human occupation during the Upper Paleolithic.
Twice, in 1884 and 1910, by archaeologist Joseph Tournier, the cave revealed two fireplaces separated by 40 cm, as well as a lithic furniture rich in more than a thousand pieces. The artifacts discovered include slats on board, tips of the Gravette and a tip of Teyjat, characteristic of the Magdalenian. The majority of these objects are now preserved at the Major Seminary in Belley. These discoveries confirm the importance of the site in understanding the lifestyles of hunter-gatherers of that time.
The cave of the Good Woman enjoys double protection in respect of historical monuments: a first classification in 1913, followed by a supplementary decree in 2011. The latter extends the protection to the entire rock shelter and to its entrance slope. The site is now owned by the municipality, although its official address in the Mérimée database remains associated with Brégnier-Cordon (code Insee 01268).
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