Timeline

Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The cave of Louoï is a natural cavity and classified archaeological deposit, located in the commune of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, in Ardèche. Unlike nearby caves such as the Déroc or the Deux-Avens, its development is perpendicular to the axis of the cliff, questioning the hypothesis of an old common hydraulic network with the Ibie River. This geological singularity, along with its gentle and continuous slope, raises questions about an unexplored possible extension.

With a development of 320 meters, the Louoi Cave stands out for its accessibility, requiring no specialized equipment. Its entrance porch, particularly marked, and its configuration make it an ideal place for initiation to speleology. These characteristics contrast with other cavities of the gorges of the Ardèche, often more technical or vertical.

The cave was listed as historic monuments on 25 August 1995, recognizing its heritage and archaeological interest. Although little documented, it is part of a karst landscape rich in prehistoric remains, as evidenced by the traces of the caves studied in the region. Its ranking underlines the importance of preserving these underground environments, which are evidence of past geological and human dynamics.

Available sources, notably from the Fédération française de spéléologie, evoke its potential role in understanding old hydraulic networks. However, the absence of in-depth excavations or major discoveries today limits scientific interpretations. The cave remains a subject of study for speleologists and archaeologists, in an area already famous for its troglodytic heritage, such as the Chauvet Cave.

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