Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley, France

Grotte du Grand Roc, Vézère Valley, France
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grotte_du_Grand_Roc_-_Les_Eyzies_de_Tayac_-_20090923.jpg
Author: Sémhur


Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley in France is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe. It contains 127 prehistoric sites that are of great significance to ethnology and anthropology.

The cave paintings, found in 25 of the decorated caves, also tells us of the creativity and artistic capabilities of prehistoric people. The most famous of these caves is Lascaux Cave, found in 1940. It has wall paintings of some 100 animal figures that are remarkably rich in detail, colour and artistic.

Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 3rd session of the World Heritage Committee which took place in Cairo and Luxor, Egypt, on 22 - 26 October, 1979.

Fractal limestone crystals, Grotte du Grand Roc, Vézère Valley
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grotte_du_Grand_Roc_-_Fractal_limestone_crystals_-_20090923.jpg
Author: Sémhur

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N 45 3 27 E 1 10 12
Inscription Year: 1979
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: I, III Pond of limestone crystals, Vézère Valley
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grotte_du_Grand_Roc_-_Pond_of_triangular_fractal_limestone_crystals_-_20090923.jpg
Author: Sémhur

Visiting Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley

Vézère Valley is located in the Dordogne region of Aquitaine, France. The most practical way to visit the prehistoric caves of Lascaux is to go by car. However, it should be noted that at the moment, the caves have been closed to the public, due to damage caused by too many visitors. The government has built Lascaux II near the site so that visitors can view a copy of the original cave.

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