Period of Solutrean occupation Paléolithique supérieur (≈ 1505000 av. J.-C.)
Culture associated with tools and engravings.
1911
Discovery of rock engravings
Discovery of rock engravings 1911 (≈ 1911)
Identification of damaged betting works.
20 mai 2025
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 20 mai 2025 (≈ 2025)
Legal protection of caves and plots.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The parcel section A No. 2099 of the cadastre, in its entirety, situated at the place known as "Escrouzille", Route des Gorges, housing the Huchard Cave, also called Ranc Pointu No. 1, the Cave of the Figuier, the Cave Sombre and the Cave of the Two Openings, as coloured in pink on the plan annexed to the decree: classification by order of 20 May 2025
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources do not mention any historical actors.
Origin and history
The Sombre, Castanié and Olivier caves, located in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, form a set of prehistoric cavities classified as Historic Monument. These caves, dated from Paleolithic, are particularly associated with the Solutrean period, as indicated by archaeological studies conducted at the site. Their interest lies in the rock engravings they house, although their state of conservation is now very degraded.
The discovery of engravings in 1911 marked a turning point in the understanding of regional parietal art. The site, located at the place known as Escrouzille on the Gorges road, has been protected in its entirety since a classification order in 2025, also covering the nearby caves of the Deux Ouvertures, Huchard (or Ranc-Pointu n°1) and the Figuier. These cavities, owned by the commune, bear witness to an ancient human occupation, although their precise location remains approximate (level 5/10 depending on the sources).
The archaeological context of the caves reveals a visit during the Solutrean, a culture of the higher Paleolithic known for its finely cut flint tools and furniture art. Their association with other nearby caves, also classified, suggests a network of interconnected prehistoric sites in the gorges of the Ardèche. However, the current state of the engravings, which are very damaged, limits the in-depth studies and the tourist exploitation of the site.
Practical information on access or visit of these caves is not specified in the available sources. Their location, although identified via GPS coordinates and a postal address (route des Gorges, 07700 Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche), remains unclear, with a passable rating (5/10) for the quality of the geographical data. This site, like other ardèche caves, illustrates the challenges of preserving the rock heritage in the face of erosion and human degradation.
