Creation of female figuration vers 14000 av. J.-C. (≈ 100 av. J.-C.)
Magdalenian representation painted in red
1994
Discovery of parietal art
Discovery of parietal art 1994 (≈ 1994)
Female Figuration identified by archaeologists
1995-1997
Study by G. Bosinski
Study by G. Bosinski 1995-1997 (≈ 1996)
Traces of parietal art
1998
Archaeological survey of B. Gély
Archaeological survey of B. Gély 1998 (≈ 1998)
Security analysis
15 mai 2017
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 15 mai 2017 (≈ 2017)
Official site protection and closure
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The Grotto du Planchard, as well as any cavity that may be discovered on the parcel on which it is located, as shown on the plan annexed to the Order (Box E 698): inscription by order of May 15, 2017
Key figures
G. Bosinski - Archaeologist
Studyed and noted parietal art (1995-1997)
B. Gély - Archaeologist
Surveyed in 1998
Origin and history
The Planchard Cave is a natural cavity located in the Circus of Estre, in the commune of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc (Ardèche, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes). Close to the famous Chauvet Cave, it is part of a karst ensemble marked by ancient human use and traces of rock art. Its imposing porch of 8 meters high opens onto a circular room dominated by a central well, where a gallery of 15 meters long starts. The walls contain adorned representations, including a female figure painted in red, attributed to the final Magdalenian (about 14,000 years B.C.E.), comparable to the Gönnersdorf type Venus.
The cave was studied between 1995 and 1997 by archaeologist G. Bosinski, who noted traces of parietal art and patronymic graffiti dating back to the 19th century, showing an ancient tourist and speleological visitation that had degraded the site. In 1998, an archaeological survey conducted by B. Gély, as part of the security of the regional caves (including Chauvet), confirmed the site's vulnerability. This work, combined with the development of the Chauvet Cave, led to the final closure of the Planchard to the public. The site was listed as historical monuments by order of 15 May 2017, thus protecting the cave and any cavity discovered on its plot.
The female figure, discovered in 1994 in the deep part of the cave, is painted on a stalagmitic pillar. This representation, exceptional by its style and rarity, illustrates the human occupation of the site during the Upper Paleolithic period. The Magdalenian, the period to which it is attributed, corresponds to a phase of intense artistic development, marked by symbolic and naturalistic expressions. The Planchard Cave, although less well known than Chauvet, thus offers a complementary testimony of art and cultural practices of hunter-gatherers of that time in Ardèche.
The location of the cave, in the Circus of Estre, makes it a key element of the regional speleological and prehistoric heritage. Its inscription in the title of historical monuments underlines its scientific importance and the need to preserve its remains, threatened by past visits. Today, the site remains inaccessible, but its study contributes to a better understanding of the ardèche troglodytic networks and their occupation by paleolithic societies.
