Paléolithique supérieur (vers -35 000 à -10 000 ans)
Period of establishment of routes
Period of establishment of routes Paléolithique supérieur (vers -35 000 à -10 000 ans) (≈ 0)
Achievement of the assigned digital grounds
1994
Discovery of the cave
Discovery of the cave 1994 (≈ 1994)
Identification of routes by speleologists
Années 2000
Site protection
Site protection Années 2000 (≈ 2000)
Classification as historical monuments
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The cave known as the Grotto de la Bergerie de Charmasson, as well as any cavity that can be discovered on the plot on which it is located, as indicated on the plan annexed to the decree (Box F 552): inscription by order of 15 May 2017
Key figures
Hommes de Cro-Magnon - Suspected routers
Artists of the Upper Paleolithic in Ardèche
Spéléologues (1994) - Discoverers of the site
First observations of digital motives
Archéologues (depuis 1994) - Study and preservation
Track research and dating
Origin and history
The cave called La Bergerie de Charmasson, located near Vallon-Pont-d'Arc in Ardèche, is a site adorned with the Upper Paleolithic. Discovered in 1994, it contains digital traces interpreted as a schematic representation of a bouquetin, typical of parietal art of that time. The upper Paleolithic (about -40 000 to -10 000 years) marks the climax of rock art in Europe, with caves like Lascaux or Chauvet.
These works, often animal, reflect a symbolic relationship between man and his environment, in a context of hunting and rituals. Unlike other ardèche caves such as Chauvet, the Bergerie de Charmasson did not undergo major transformations after its prehistoric use. Its state of preservation remains close to its original appearance, although less spectacular than the more elaborate painted sets.
The discovery in 1994 by speleologists revealed traces made with fingers, a rare technique but attested at other sites. These motifs, though schematic, confirm the human and artistic presence in this area during the Paleolithic. Today, the cave is not open to the public for reasons of preservation, but it is studied by archaeologists.
It is part of the network of prehistoric sites of the Ardèche, strengthening the heritage value of the region, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site for certain groups. Its location close to the gorges of the Ardèche and other adorned caves makes it an additional witness of prehistoric human occupation. Research is ongoing to accurately date the tracks and understand their significance in the regional context.
Although less publicized than the Chauvet Cave, the Bergerie de Charmasson illustrates the diversity of paleolithic artistic expressions. His study contributes to a better knowledge of the techniques and symbols used by the men of Cro-Magnon in Ardèche. The cave has been protected as a historical monument since the 2000s, which has been part of the cave heritage protection system.
It is regularly mentioned in the work on European parietal art, highlighting its scientific interest. The digital lines, though modest, recall the ingenuity of prehistoric artists to represent their environment. Their simplicity contrasts with the more complex frescoes, offering a different light on the artistic practices of the period.
In Ardèche, this site adds to the list of classified caves, participating in the international recognition of the region as cradle of prehistoric art. His study continues to enrich knowledge about Paleolithic societies and their relationship to the territory.
