Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Colombier Cave is a cave decorated with fine engravings dated Magdalenian, located in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, in the south of the Ardèche. It is located in the Ardèche Gorge National Nature Reserve, 30 metres above the river, on the right bank of the Saleyron cliffs. The archaeological site consists of three connected cavities, the main (Colombiar 1) extending 300 metres, while the Colombier 2 and 3 sub-rock shelters served as sheepfolds and suffered erosion.

Parietal engravings, discovered in 1946 by speleologists G. Claron and A. Crouzet, represent animals (aurochs, bouquetins, cervids) and abstract signs. They are attributed to the Magdalenian, a period confirmed by the excavations at the entrance to the cave. The surveys were conducted by prehistorians such as André Glory (1947), J. Combier (1957), and completed by L. Chabredier (1966) and Pierre Ollier de Marichard (1972). An anthropomorphic face engraved on a stalagmite is also notable.

Classified as a historical monument in 1995, the cave illustrates paleolithic parietal art. Its state of conservation remains fragile due to past human activities and natural erosion. Recent studies, such as the 3D survey published in 2010 by Marc Azema et al., contribute to its scientific literature. The cave is part of a larger archaeological complex, including Magdalenian and Azilian remains, showing a prolonged prehistoric human occupation.

External links