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Villars Cave
45.4423° N, 0.7852° E
About
The Villars Cave, in French Grotte de Villars or Grotte du Cluzeau, was occupied during the Lower Magdalenian by Cro-Magnon hunter-gatherers. The cave is part of the French commune of Villars in the northern Dordogne département. Besides its enormous wealth in beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and similar calcite deposits it contains cave paintings and some engravings. The Villars Cave and the Rouffignac Cave are the biggest known cave systems in the Dordogne.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Stylistic dating
c. 17,000 years BP
Radiocarbon date
18,000 years BP
Discovery
December 1953
Cave paintings identified
1957
Early scientific investigations
1958
Opened to public
1959
Leroi-Gourhan study
1959
Later research
1970
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Food Production and Processing Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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