Periods of Dutch occupation Paléolithique moyen et supérieur (≈ 1505000 av. J.-C.)
Mosterian tools and human fossils.
1870
Fortuitous discovery
Fortuitous discovery 1870 (≈ 1870)
Operation of a limestone quarry.
Années 1940-1950 et 1969
First archaeological excavations
First archaeological excavations Années 1940-1950 et 1969 (≈ 1945)
Directed by Michel Gruet.
8 mars 1978
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 8 mars 1978 (≈ 1978)
Official site protection.
2014-2018
New search campaign
New search campaign 2014-2018 (≈ 2016)
Lead by Sylvain Soriano.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Shelter under rock (old) (cad. E 404, 405, 711): classification by decree of 8 March 1978
Key figures
Michel Gruet - Archaeologist
Directed the first excavations (1940-1969).
Sylvain Soriano - Archaeologist
Responsible for excavations 2014-2018.
Origin and history
The Chalonnes-sur-Loire rock shelter, known as Roc-en-Pail, is a major paleolithic site located in the Maine-et-Loire department. Uncovered by chance in 1870 during the exploitation of a limestone quarry, he was the subject of systematic excavations only from the 1940s-50s and then in 1969 under the direction of archaeologist Michel Gruet. A second campaign, led by Sylvain Soriano and his team between 2014 and 2018, allowed to deepen the study of its five metres of archaeological sediment, rich in lithic tools and wildlife remains.
The site is distinguished by its stratigraphic sequence revealing two distinct moustarian phases: a Quina-type Moustarian in the intermediate levels, and a Moustarian in the upper layers. These characteristics bring it closer to comparable deposits in southwestern France. Roc-en-Pail also delivered fossils attributed to Man of Neanderthal, confirming his occupation during the Middle Paleolithic. The cavity, initially karst, was filled naturally before being exhumed by modern industrial activity.
Ranked as historical monuments by decree of 8 March 1978, the site illustrates the importance of rock shelters as prehistoric habitats in western France. His study contributes to the understanding of Neanderthal lifestyles and lithic-sized techniques during Paleolithic. The associated wildlife remains also provide valuable insights into the paleoenvironment and resources exploited by these populations.
