Paléolithique supérieur (Magdalénien moyen et récent)
Period of painting
Period of painting Paléolithique supérieur (Magdalénien moyen et récent) (≈ 1505000 av. J.-C.)
Creation of 148 animal motifs
1969
Discovery of paintings
Discovery of paintings 1969 (≈ 1969)
By Robert Carriot
28 juin 1993
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 28 juin 1993 (≈ 1993)
Full protection of the cave
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Parcel A 45, for the ground, the basement and consequently all the cavities below the said plot: classification by order of 28 June 1993
Key figures
Robert Carriot - Discoverer
Identified paintings in 1969
Origin and history
The Carriot Cave, also known as the Conduché Cave, is a prehistoric adorned cave located in the Lot department in the commune of Bouziès in Occitanie. It opens in a cliff overlooking Route D 662 and presents itself as a maze developed on three levels, housing 148 graphic motifs. Private property, it is not accessible to the public but was classified as historical monuments on 28 June 1993 to preserve its soil, basement and all its cavities.
The discovery of the parietal paintings of the Carriot cave came back to Robert Carriot in 1969. These works, attributed to the middle and recent Magdalenian (a phase of the Upper Paleolithic), represent mainly animals. The first research, carried out as soon as they were discovered, identified these paintings as a major testimony of prehistoric art in the region.
The cave is distinguished by its complex organization in three levels and by the density of its graphic representations. Although its access is restricted due to its private ownership status, its classification in 1993 underscores its heritage importance. Published studies, such as those by G. Simonnet in Gallia prehistory (1971), help document his role in rock art in southwestern France.
The available coordinates place the cave near the Route des Anglais, in Bouziès, with an approximate location marked as "passable" (level 5/10). Its official address in the Mérimée base corresponds to Parcel A 45, fully protected since its classification. No information is provided on any associated visits or services.
The importance of the Carriot cave lies in its contribution to the understanding of Magdalenian art in Occitanie. The 148 graphic units identified make it a key site for the study of animal representations during this period. Its classification among French historical monuments reinforces its protection, although its access remains limited for preservation purposes.
Available sources, including Wikipedia and Monumentum, confirm its status as an adorned maze cave, while highlighting the challenges associated with its location and conservation. No mention is made of an opening to the public or tourist developments, which makes it a heritage above all scientific and archaeological.
