Period of establishment Paléolithique (≈ 1505000 av. J.-C.)
Parietal art and human occupation
24 octobre 1995
Registration Historic Monument
Registration Historic Monument 24 octobre 1995 (≈ 1995)
Legal protection of the site
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Grotto (AO 146, 149, 150): inscription by order of 24 October 1995
Origin and history
The Puymartin Cave, located in the commune of Marquay in Dordogne (New Aquitaine), is a major archaeological site dating from the Paleolithic. It is distinguished by the presence of a bas-relief representing an equine, testifying to the parietal art of that time. The site was officially recognized and protected by an inscription under the Historic Monuments on 24 October 1995, covering cadastral parcels AO 146, 149 and 150.
The exact address of the site is indicated as the 103 Chemin de Puymartin, 24620 Marquay, although the accuracy of its geographical location is considered poor (note of 5/10). The cave is part of a regional context rich in prehistoric remains, typical of the Dordogne, where decorated caves and troglodytic habitats reflect the lifestyles and artistic expressions of Paleolithic societies. These sites often played a practical (safe, place of life) and symbolic (sanctuary, artistic support).
The available data, from the Merimée database and the Monumentum platform, highlight its heritage importance without providing further details about its history or discoverers. No information is mentioned regarding the current accessibility of the site (visits, services) or any recent research. The 1995 legal protection aims to preserve this fragile heritage, characteristic of the karst complexes of the region.
