Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The cave of the Déroc is a natural cavity located in the commune of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, in Ardèche, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It opens in limestones dated from the Cretaceous and extends over a development of 1,410 meters. Its archaeological importance lies in the traces of parietal art that it houses, including representations of animals like ibex, as well as series of punctuations comparable to those of the nearby Chauvet Cave. These remains are attached to the higher Paleolithic, reflecting an ancient human occupation and prehistoric artistic activity.

The first excavations of the cave date back to the 19th century, but it was the discoveries of red paintings in 1973, 2002 and 2007 that revealed its major interest. The identified motifs, such as cornures and foretrains of bouquetins, as well as punctuations, confirm his belonging to paleolithic parietal art. These elements led to its progressive listing as historical monuments, first in 1995 and 1997 for specific parts, then in full in 2017, including surrounding parcels.

The Daroc Cave is part of a remarkable archaeological complex, alongside other prehistoric sites of the gorges of the Ardèche, such as the Chauvet Cave. Studies, including by speleologists and archaeologists such as Eliette Brunel, Jean-Marie Chauvet, and J. Monney, have documented these discoveries. Scientific publications, such as those published in Spelunca or Ardèche Archéologie, highlight its role in understanding the art and lifestyles of paleolithic societies in this region.

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