Historical Monument 1968 (≈ 1968)
Classification of shelters by ministerial order.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Prehistoric abris known as the Vallon de Chinchon (Box E 75, 78): by order of 24 June 1968
Origin and history
The prehistoric shelters of Saumane-de-Vaucluse, located in the municipality of the same name in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, constitute a major archaeological site of the Prehistory. These shelters, known as the Vallon de Chinchon shelters, have been protected under the Historic Monuments since their classification by ministerial decree in 1968. Their precise location, although documented (1261 Chemin de la Gaye), remains approximate according to modern geolocation criteria, with an estimated accuracy of 5/10.
The site is identified in the Mérimée database under the code Insee 84124, attached to the department of Vaucluse and to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The protected elements specifically include the Vallon de Chinchon shelters, referred to in the cadastre under plots E 75 and E 78. No additional information is available regarding their specific use, discovery or artifacts found there.
Prehistory in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is marked by an ancient human occupation, with sites such as Saumane-de-Vaucluse showing nomadic or semi-sedentary lifestyles. Rock shelters were often used as temporary shelters, storage sites or seasonal habitat for prehistoric communities. These remains shed light on the first traces of spatial and social organization in the region, although the details specific to this site remain limited to the administrative and geographical data available.